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Track: Cybersecurity
Focus: Blue Team, Network Defense, Compliance
Est. Cost: $253
Time to Complete: ~9 Months
Target Degree: B.A. in Philosophy
Why: Cybersecurity is no longer just about firewalls; it is about Logic, Ethics, and Privacy Law. A Philosophy degree validates your ability to handle the “Governance, Risk, and Compliance” (GRC) side of security, while the certifications prove the technical capability.
Specialty Core (30 Credits)
Strategy: Combine the Google tactical certification with Cisco’s networking authority.
| Course / Certification | Provider | Est. Cost | Credits | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco CCST: Cybersecurity | Cisco (Exam) | $125 | 3 | Cert #1: Network security validation |
| Google Cybersecurity Cert | Google (Coursera) | ~$49 | 10 | Cert #2: Python, Linux, SQL, SIEM |
| CS402: Computer Comms | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Network theory (OSI Model) |
| Information Systems | Modern States | $0 | 3 | Systems baseline |
| BUS205: Business Law | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Liability & Regulation |
| BUS200: Business Ethics | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Compliance |
| ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity | ISC2 | FREE | 3 | Cert #3: Business Continuity |
| BUS402: Project Management | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Security Ops Management |
Recommended Electives (15 Credits)
| Course Name | Provider | Cost | Credits | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUS206: Mgmt Info Systems | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Security Architecture context |
| Introductory Psychology | Modern States | $0 | 3 | Social engineering psychology |
| BUS303: Strategic IT | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Security Policy writing |
| Precalculus | Modern States | $0 | 3 | Cryptography math foundation |
| Public Speaking | Modern States | $0 | 3 | Presenting audit findings |
Capstone Certification
Note: Capstone certifications are not ACE credit eligible and do not transfer as college credit. They are included as career-focused credentials that build your “Shield”—backing up your academic credentials with industry-recognized proof of technical competence that employers trust.
Recommended Capstone: CompTIA Security+
| Provider | CompTIA |
| Cost | $349 |
| ACE Credit | Possible - 2 to 3 |
Why this certification?
CompTIA Security+ is the most recognized entry-level security certification and a baseline requirement for government and DoD cybersecurity positions. It’s an HR filter crusher—many jobs won’t even consider candidates without it. Your Google Cybersecurity Certificate, ISC2 CC, and Cisco CCST Cybersecurity coursework covers approximately 70% of the exam content. This is your Shield—the credential that gets your resume past automated filters.
Recommended Association
| Organization | InfraGard (FBI Partnership) |
| Cost | FREE |
| Website | infragard.org |
Why join? FBI-affiliated public-private partnership. Free membership includes threat briefings, networking with security leaders, and access to intelligence bulletins. Requires U.S. citizenship and FBI background check. Exceptional resume credibility—shows you’re vetted and serious about critical infrastructure protection.
Alternative: OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) — $50/year individual membership. Great for application security focus with 250+ local chapters worldwide.
Go Further. Pursue a Masters Degree at a fraction of the cost of traditional school. Save more money and time if you can speak spanish
Cybersecurity Track
| School | Program | Target Cost | High End Cost | Accreditation | NACES Eval? | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University | MS in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance | $4,700 | $9,400 | NWCCU (US Regional) + NSA/DHS CAE-CD | No - US Regionally Accredited | 63% finish in 18 months; includes certs |
| Universidad De Sevilla | Master in Cybersecurity | €3,453 | €3,453 | Universidad De Sevilla - Titulo Propio, ECTS credits | Yes - ECE or WES as Graduate Credits | Defensive Strategy; Spanish language, evaluated as graduate credits (not Master’s equivalent) |
| UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia) | Master in Cybersecurity | €1,200 | €2,500 | Spanish Public University - Official Master | Yes - ECE or WES | Advanced Cybersecurity focus; Spanish language |
| UNISA | Master of Science in Computing (98961) | ~$2,500 | ~$2,500 | South African Public University - Research/Dissertation | Yes - WES or ECE | Online distance learning; research focus areas include cybersecurity |
Notes
Spanish Programs (UNED, Universidad De Sevilla): Both programs are taught in Spanish and require Spanish language proficiency. UNED degrees may require a NACES member evaluation (such as WES or ECE) to be recognized for U.S. government jobs and some employers. Universidad De Sevilla offers a Titulo Propio, which evaluates as graduate credits rather than a full Master’s equivalent.
WGU: U.S. regionally accredited program with competency-based education (CBE) model, allowing faster completion for self-paced learners. Includes industry certifications in the curriculum.
UNISA: South African institution offering research-focused master’s programs at low cost. Online distance learning format with dissertation requirement.