Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

Technology continues to increase in importance and so will the need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals in a variety of career areas:

  • Businesses - They manage substantial computer infrastructure and data shared by many clients.
  • Federal or state government - Intelligence agencies and defense department programs have some of the highest number of job openings.
  • Law Enforcement - One of the most popular positions used by state and local law enforcement is computer forensics.

Protect Information, Assets and Systems

Study cybersecurity at Oakland Community College and explore how to protect key data and electronic resources. To be successful, you’ll learn how to integrate:

  • Computer software and hardware
  • Human behaviors
  • Policies and procedures

Our cybersecurity associate degree and certificate program options provide a strong foundation to launch your career.

  • Many of our classes prepare you to sit for valuable industry certification exams, such as: CompTIA Network+; CompTIA Security+; CompTIA Linux+; TestOut Security Pro; TestOut Server Pro 2016; TestOut Ethical Hacker Pro; and Cisco CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician).
  • State-of-the-art labs with a dedicated cyber room is located on our Auburn Hills campus
  • Our faculty are published in the cybersecurity field and hold PH.Ds.
Did you know?

Take on New Challenges

Do you think outside the box and like to solve puzzles? Are you detailed-oriented with a collaborative mindset? Cybersecurity will be a great career for you where you can make a positive impact every day.

On the technical side of things, you’ll need sharp math and computing skills and the credentials to get started. Our computer and information security programs provide a strong foundation to launch your career. We offer a cybersecurity associate degree and certificate option.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

This degree will only take two years to complete if you are a full-time student. Build a solid foundation for a successful career in the field of cybersecurity and then jump right into an entry-level career in an IT department.

Certificate Program

Most cybersecurity positions require formal education beyond certification alone, but beginners who only have certifications may land certain entry-level cybersecurity jobs to develop experience. Established professionals can earn certifications to advance professionally.

Hear from OCC Students

"I strongly recommend the Information Technology program at OCC for all newcomer women wanting a career in a technology field. This extraordinarily resourced program provided me with the essential coaching and training from industry leaders in IT and helped me secure an amazing career in Technology." - Sarah
Sarah, Cybersecurity student

"Switching from public University to OCC was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and will continue to boast about. The opportunity to get training and coaching from some of the industry’s best while getting one-on-one time with them and their mentorship is what propelled me to success.” - Salih

Unlimited Opportunity and Strong Pay

The information security field is expected to generate many new computer security jobs over the next decade as business and government continue to place a higher priority on safeguarding their data and systems.

Develop highly transferable skills that allow you to move anywhere in the world and apply to any industry sector. Your Oakland Community College credential can lead to a variety of high paying jobs such as:

  • Chief Security Officer
  • Computer Security Specialist
  • Forensics Investigator
  • Information Security Specialist
  • Internet Security Specialist
  • IT Security Manager
  • Network Security Administrator
  • Network Security Manager
  • Network Security Specialist
  • Security Analyst
  • Security Architect
  • Security Engineer
  • Security Technician

Information Security Analysts 2020 median pay was $103,590 per year or $49.80 per hour. 2020 through 2030 job outlook is a 33% increase which is faster than average
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hany Othman

Faculty Spotlight

CIS Program Director, Hany Othman, PhD, is committed to staying at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and security trends to tackle real-world challenges. His expertise is in the exciting domain of Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT). 

An alumnus of OCC, his impressive qualifications include:
  • 15 years in higher education, developing an extensive range of courses at the undergraduate, master’s and Doctorate levels
  • Academic contributions in the fields of Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Management Information Systems and Cybersecurity programs
  • Experience working with small to enterprise-level organizations, delivering innovative solutions that push the boundaries of technological advancement
Othman is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, highlighting his ability to apply his knowledge practically and effectively in complex IT environments, and to share this expertise with his students.

“I firmly believe that the rapid advancements in technology have the potential to drive positive change in the world and I am committed to being at the forefront of this transformative journey.” -- Dr. Hany Othman

Take the Next Steps 

Ready for unlimited growth potential in a cybersecurity career? Get started now: 

Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
(If you’re already enrolled at OCC, log into MyOCC and update your degree or program.)