Why a Cybersecurity Degree?
Cybersecurity caught my attention because it combines technical problem-solving with the kind of systems thinking I already use in game development and digital art. I want to learn how secure systems are built, how attackers exploit weak points, and how to defend real environments responsibly.
I chose cybersecurity as a practical path that can support both creative technology work and a stable career. It also gives me a strong foundation for understanding operating systems, networking, and security operations in a way that complements the rest of my portfolio.
What I’ve Learned So Far
I’ve been building my technical foundation through structured coursework, lab work, and certifications. The skills I’ve focused on so far include Linux administration, networking fundamentals, system security concepts, and hands-on troubleshooting.
Current certifications
- TestOut SecurityPro — completed, with a focus on core security concepts and practical administration.
- CompTIA Linux Competency — completed, covering command-line usage, file systems, and system management.
- CompTIA Networking Competency — completed, with exposure to networking models, routing, and connectivity troubleshooting.
Areas I’m currently developing
- Threat modeling and incident response workflows
- Secure system hardening and baseline configuration
- Network defense, monitoring, and log analysis
- Ethical hacking concepts and penetration testing basics
Diploma and Degree Progress
I changed course from a diploma-focused plan to a degree path, so I had to redo part of my general education core. That reset has been worth it because it gives me a broader academic foundation while still keeping my cybersecurity goals in focus.
General Education Core
- Area I: Language Arts/Humanities/Fine Arts — Completed [Grade: A]
- Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences — Completed [Grade: A]
- Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics — Completed [Grade: A]
Cybersecurity Program Progress
- Student Success — Completed [Grade: A]
- COMP 1000 - Introduction to Computer Literacy — Completed [Grade: A]
- CIST 1001 - Computer Concepts — Completed [Grade: A]
- CIST 1122 - Hardware Install & Maintenance — Completed [Grade: B]
- CIST 1601 - Information Security Fundamentals — Completed [Grade: A]
- CIST 2413 / CIST 2431 - Networking Elective — Completed [Grade: A]
- CIST 1401 - Introductory Level Networking Course — Completed [Grade: A]
- CIST 2612 - Computer Forensics — In Progress [Grade: TBD]
- CIST 2611 - Network Defense & Countermeasures — In Progress [Grade: TBD]
- CIST 1602 - Security Policies & Procedures — Planned [Grade: TBD]
- CIST 2601 - Implementing Operating Systems Security — Planned [Grade: TBD]
- CIST 2602 - Network Security — Planned [Grade: TBD]
- CIST 2613 - Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing — Planned [Grade: TBD]
My goal is to keep the cybersecurity section of the site grounded in real progress and practical outcomes, not just a list of course names. I’ll keep updating this page as I finish more of the program and take on new lab work.