Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Computer Information Systems

Cybersecurity Center

Center of Academic Excellence

Because of our commitment to Cybersecurity, PCC has been designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).

ABET accreditation

Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET logo

PCC’s Cybersecurity AAS degree program has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET accreditation assures that a program meets the standards essential to prepare graduates to enter critical technical fields in the global workforce.

Welcome to PCC’s Cybersecurity Center! At this site, you can find information on PCC’s academic cybersecurity programs, housed in the Computer Information Systems department, as well as cybersecurity news and activities, both internal and external to PCC.

Cybersecurity courses at Portland Community College are taught by members of the CIS faculty and the PCC Cybersecurity Center is operated by:

Industry board of advisors

Oversight of the Cybersecurity Center comes from the Computer Information Systems department and its external advisory committee. The PCC CIS advisory committee is made up of local members of industry, from companies such as Intel, Nike, and Kaiser Permanente, who work together to ensure that the CIS program and Cybersecurity Center addresses current business, industry, labor, and professional employment needs.

About the program

Earn a degree in Cybersecurity or certificate in Cybersecurity at Portland Community College! This degree program is ABET accredited and is a CAE Validated Program of Study.

  • Specialize in cybersecurity while learning about computing.
  • Increase your understanding of robust cyber defense technology.
  • Utilize computer technology to address information system needs with security in mind.
  • Analyze common security vulnerabilities and apply appropriate security controls.
  • Developed in coordination with an Industry Advisory Board composed of regional experts in cybersecurity and professional computing.
Program features
  • Hands-on labs and lectures.
  • Classroom and/or web-based courses.
  • Courses mapped to the knowledge units of the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security requirements for a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2 Year Education.
  • Program accredited by ABET.
Career possibilities

The cybersecurity sector has high growth and good salaries. Jobs you can apply for with an AAS in Cybersecurity:

  • Network Defense Technician
  • Cyber Defense Analyst
  • Intrusion Analyst
  • Incident Responder
  • IT Auditor
Cybersecurity program student outcomes

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and to be able to do by the time of graduation.

  • Analyze a broadly-defined security problem and apply principles of cybersecurity to the design and implementation of solutions.
  • Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in cybersecurity practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member of a team engaged in cybersecurity activities.
Cybersecurity program educational objectives

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. The program educational objectives for the Cybersecurity AAS degree program are as follows:

  • Identify, analyze, plan, implement, and monitor cybersecurity mechanisms to protect information assets, computer systems, and networks, and respond to attacks.
  • Hold professional positions in a cybersecurity-related occupation, or pursue advanced study in cybersecurity or a related field of interest.
  • Effectively lead, work and communicate in cross-functional teams.
  • Be recognized as security professionals who apply ethical standards in maintaining information security in cyberspace.
  • Successfully adapt to new technologies, tools, and methodologies to remain current in their occupation.
Cybersecurity AAS enrollment and graduation data
  • 2022-2023
    • Enrollment: 158
    • Degrees awarded: 48
  • 2021-2022
    • Enrollment: 189
    • Degrees awarded: 41
  • 2020-2021
    • Enrollment: 168
    • Degrees awarded: 21
  • 2019-2020
    • Enrollment: 34
    • Degrees awarded: 28

Cybersecurity at PCC

National Cyber League

We welcome new and returning players. 2023 season schedule:

  • Registration: January 30 – March 17
  • Gym Open: January 30 – May 27
  • Practice Game: March 20 – March 26
  • Individual Game: March 31- April 2
  • Team Game: April 14 – April 16

We look forward to having you on the team!

The PCC cyber competition team is looking for students of all cybersecurity skill levels to compete in the Fall season of the National Cyber League competition. For any questions about the team, or to join and participate in this competition or any upcoming competitions, please email Hazel Yamada! For more information about the NCL, please visit the National Cyber League website or email Hazel Yamada for more information.

Program news
PCC resources

Learn more about cybersecurity

Competitions and conferences
Links
News sites
Awareness