Information Security Associate Degree
Start your cybersecurity career in two years. Shawnee State's Information Security associate degree builds the practical skills — ethical hacking, penetration testing, network defense, digital forensics — that get you hired for entry-level security roles or set you up perfectly to continue toward the bachelor's.
Program Overview
Thinking about a career in cybersecurity? Shawnee State University's Information Security Associate Degree is designed to give you a strong start. In this program, you'll learn essential skills to protect computer networks and data from cyber threats. You'll dive deep into understanding how hackers operate, learning to "think like a hacker" and even use some of the same tools they do, but for good! This hands-on approach helps you detect weaknesses and build strong defenses. The curriculum can be completed in two years and is comprehensive, covering 18 hours of general education, 30 hours of specialized security technical courses, and 16 hours of business and math courses, giving you a well-rounded foundation. Plus, you'll have the chance to earn valuable industry certifications like Cisco®, CompTIA®, or EC-Council©, which are highly recognized in the tech world.
Earning an Associate Degree in Information Security can be a huge boost for your future career. With cybersecurity threats constantly on the rise, there is high demand for skilled professionals who can protect sensitive information. This degree prepares you to step directly into entry-level roles in IT security, giving you a competitive edge. The certifications you can earn show potential employers that you have proven skills and knowledge. This can help you land a great job right out of college or even advance quickly in your current role if you're already working in IT. It's a practical degree that leads to real career opportunities in a field that's only going to grow.
Shawnee State University's program truly stands out. SSU offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio, making a quality education more affordable. Smaller class sizes mean your instructors know you by name, providing personalized attention and support. You'll also get to work in state-of-the-art facilities, using the latest technology and tools. Even better, your professors aren't just academics; they have years of real-world experience in the cybersecurity field, bringing valuable insights and practical knowledge to the classroom. And if you decide you want to go further, this associate degree is a fantastic steppingstone, preparing you perfectly to continue your education and earn a full bachelor's degree.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Information Security Associate Degree
Degree
A.A.S.
Format
On Campus
Length
2 years
Credits
68
Class Size
12:1
Location
Advanced Technology Center, Main Campus
Why Study Information Security Associate Degree at Shawnee University
You'll learn by doing. Coursework drops you straight into hands-on labs where you practice both attack and defense — the skills employers actually pay for.
You'll be set up for valued industry certifications. Coursework aligns with Cisco®, CompTIA®, and EC-Council© credentials that employers ask for by name.
Class sizes stay small, and your instructors have real cybersecurity experience. This degree maps cleanly into Shawnee State's Information Security B.S. if you want to continue.
Tuition is among the lowest in Ohio.
The associate degree includes 68 credit hours across:
- 18 hours of general education
- 30 hours of security technical courses
- 16 hours of business and math
You'll work in current security tools and modern lab environments led by faculty with years of practitioner experience. Most security coursework happens in the Advanced Technology Center.
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Use ethical hacking to perform penetration testing, and perform digital forensics to collect information about cyber incidents.
- Compare and contrast common network security components and devices and their use throughout the IT infrastructure.
- Implement and administer SMB network security: identify and remediate threats, and secure data and network communication.
- Implement the concepts of confidentiality, availability, and integrity in information assurance, including physical, software, devices, policies, and people.
The program is delivered on campus at Shawnee State in Portsmouth, Ohio, with lab work primarily in the Advanced Technology Center.
Graduates step into entry-level security roles like:
- Security analyst (entry-level)
- Network technician with security responsibilities
- Help desk / IT support with security focus
- Junior penetration tester
- Compliance and audit support
Hiring spans financial services, healthcare, government, IT services, retail, and any sector that processes sensitive data — which today is essentially all of them.
The Information Security associate's degree is also an excellent opening to the 4-year Information Security Bachelor's Degree. Students can work toward their associate's degree and if they choose, continue in the program for two more years to complete the bachelor's degree in a "2+2" format.
Free Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State's tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
See if you Qualify for Free Tuition
Ohio students can apply to receive a $1,500 scholarship up to full-tuition when you apply and are accepted.
Learn More about Choose Ohio First$3,000 Scholarships supported by Intel are also available!
Information Security Associate Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How to protect computer networks and data, find weaknesses before attackers do, defend against threats, and investigate incidents — with hands-on practice using industry tools.
Entry-level IT security roles. Combined with industry certifications you can earn through the program, you'll be a strong candidate for security analyst, help-desk-with-security-focus, network technician, and audit/compliance roles.
Yes. Coursework is aligned with Cisco, CompTIA, and EC-Council certifications that hiring managers ask for.
Yes. The associate degree is designed to feed directly into Shawnee State's Information Security B.S.
Program handbook
For questions about program policies, learning expectations, or requirements, contact:
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). More at hlcommission.org.
