Cybersecurity

Banner reading “Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education” with McLennan Cybersecurity branding and logos from the National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Cyber Defense Center was created to meet a growing regional need for networking and cybersecurity workers. The program prepares students for high-paying careers, supports workforce growth in the community, and provides hands-on training with industry-leading technology. À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ has training partnerships with Cisco and Microsoft, so you will graduate confident in your ability to work on a variety of computer systems.

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ has been designated a by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Our Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration meets NSA and DHS requirements for Cyber Defense Education.

 

National Security Agency seal featuring a bald eagle holding a key and shield, surrounded by the text “National Security Agency United States of America.”U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal featuring a stylized eagle with a shield and symbols of branches and arrows, surrounded by the agency name.

Programs

Information Security Occupational Skills Award (OSA)

Earn this award in your first year of study. You will get hands-on training in PC operating systems, IT security, servers, and Cisco networking. The program prepares you to earn the CompTIA Security+ certification.

Network Administration with Cybersecurity AAS

This two-year degree integrates cybersecurity skills throughout the curriculum. Courses align with industry certifications, so you prepare for exams while completing your degree. Certifications you can prepare for include:

  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Linux+
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA CySA+
  • CompTIA CASP+
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) — three-course sequence

Hands-on Learning

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's CIS department runs a closed network security skills lab where students practice real-world techniques in a safe environment. Using up-to-date penetration testing tools, students train for careers as security professionals.

Students also compete in the National Cyber League (NCL) — a capture-the-flag style cybersecurity competition that tests real-world skills, including open source intelligence, password cracking, traffic analysis, cryptography, and web application security.

Highlander 404 Club

Join the Highlander 404 Team — À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's cybersecurity club. Members compete in cybersecurity competitions, explore new security techniques, and promote safe cyber practices. Contact jmccormick@mclennan.edu for more information.

Industry Partners & Advisory Board

Several local employers — including Texas Farm Bureau, Waco ISD, Scinary, Hardwave Junky, Integ, and Wardlaw Claims — work directly with À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's CIS program. They help define the skills students need, guide curriculum decisions, and support students through internships and job-shadowing opportunities.

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ is also a member of CyberWatch West and actively participates in the . Visit for cybersecurity education resources.

Seal reading “Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity – Community” surrounding a shield with circuitry lines, a graduation cap icon, and the letters “CAE.”

Contact

Jeremy McCormick
Program Director/Professor
Computer Information Systems (CIS)

  254-299-8289
  jmccormick@mclennan.edu

Links & Resources

News & Trends

Key Resources

Government Sites

Academic Institutions

Competitions