Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Analyst

Program Description

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Analysts focus on the defensive side of cybersecurity, working within the “Blue Team”, and apply frameworks like GDPR and NIST AI RMF to real AI use cases, helping the organization meet legal and regulatory expectations. Their role involves monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats to ensure that an organization’s network and data are protected. If you like to leverage automation and orchestrate complex AI-driven response systems to stop breaches in real-time, then becoming an AI Cybersecurity Analyst may be a great next step for you.

Job titles related to AI Cybersecurity Analysts include IT/Network Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, Senior Systems Administrator/Analyst, DevSecOps / CI/CD Engineer, Military Cyber Operations Specialist, Cloud Engineer, Penetration Tester / Security Consultant, Data Scientist / ML Engineer, Risk & Compliance Officer, and Information Systems  Security Officer (ISSO).

This program prepares students to take the certification exams for CompTIA® A+, Network+, Security+, SecAI+, CertNexus® Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP), Certified Data Science Practitioner (CDSP), and a career as an artificial intelligence cybersecurity analyst. Students learn to install, configure, and troubleshoot PCs, mobile devices and networks as well as the theory, principles, technologies, and operations of computer networking, implement and manage network security, defend against AI-Assisted  cyberattacks,protect AI systems, perform vulnerability assessments and audits, and use artificial intelligence principles, tools, and techniques for AI governance, risks, and compliance. 

The successful candidate must be self-driven, an analytical thinker, and a problem solver as well as have exceptional planning and project management skills and can work both independently and as a team member. This career requires continued training and education.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 39% from 2022 to 2032 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 1,010. The salary range in Maryland is $80,100 - $206,980 with a median wage of $140,480. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.

Program Objectives/Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. prepare to pass the certification exams for CompTIA® A+, Network+, Security+, SecAI+, CertNexus® Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP), and Certified Data Science Practitioner (CDSP); 
2. understand fundamental cybersecurity concepts and use best practices to perform the various responsibilities and tasks required for an artificial intelligence cybersecurity analyst; 
3. leverage AI to identify and mitigate common threats and vulnerabilities, assess the security posture of an organization’s IT environment, and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions; 
4. monitor and secure an organization’s network infrastructure, use AI-enabled security tools and technologies for threat detection and response; 
5. interpret and analyze security data to inform decision-making; 
6. identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents; and 
7. understand ethical use of AI and AI Governance, risk, and compliance frameworks like GDPR, NIST AI RMF (AI Risk Management Framework | NIST). 

CCBC Pathway & Track

Technology and Engineering Pathway: Cybersecurity Track - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor to help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals. 

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential:

Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). 

External Credential:

Students will be prepared to sit for the following certification exams: certification exams for CompTIA® A+, Network+, Security+, SecAI+, CertNexus® Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP), and Certified Data Science Practitioner (CDSP). 

Certifying Organization:

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®) www.comptia.org and CertNexus® https://certnexus.com/
 

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

Length of Training: Approximately 62 weeks

Total Program Hours: 347.5

Instructional Modality(ies): Online, blended remote, blended (hybrid), in-person 
 

Program Requirements

Program Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED 
• Strong computer skills
• Strong analytical skills 
• Access to the Internet to complete assignments 

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for the waiver of select courses based on: 

• previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum 
• successful completion of a CCBC placement or challenge exam 
• demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning 

Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning: 137.5

Program Course Sequence

General Course Information: Students must complete the core courses in order as listed below, except PCO513 (Artificial Intelligence Digital Workforce Skills).

Additional Information

Related Courses or Programs

Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification, Cloud+ Certification, Linux+ Certification, Pentest+ Certification, Introduction to Firewalls, Introduction to Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems, CySA+ Certification, CompTIA® Data+, CertNexus® Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP), and Certified Data Science Practitioner (CDSP). 

Additional Expenses

2 CompTIA® A+Certification exams - $530 ($265 per exam);

CompTIA® Network+ Certification exam = $390;

CompTIA® Security+ Certification exam = $425, and CompTIA® SecAI+ Certification exam = $298;

CertNexus® CAIP Certification exam = $367.50, and CertNexus® CDSP Certification exam = $367.50

CompTIA Competency Certificate

Students who successfully complete PCO513 and pass the CompTIA Competency Assessment for AI Fundamentals, will receive a CompTIA CompCert  (Competency Certificate).

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Katherine Walton | kwalton3@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4890 | Catonsville BESS 100L

Administrative Assistant: Sarah Faul | sfaul@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-3677 | Catonsville BESS 100
 

Technical Standards

The following is a partial listing of the types of skills typically required for adequate job performance:

Physical Requirements: 
 A. Sufficient Strength and mobility to: 

• Lift and move computer equipment. 

 B. Fine motor coordination sufficient to perform precise tasks such as: 

• Ability to work with computer components. 

 C. Adequate vision to: 

• Work on a computer. 

 D. Sufficient hearing to: 

• Listen to live instruction or videos including in course assignments. 

Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism: 
 A. Have the ability to: 

• Collaborate and work well with others. 

 B. Sufficient communication skills to: 

• Effectively use oral, written, and digital skills (i.e., presentations to technical and non-technical audiences). 

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability to: 

•  Engage in civil discussions and respectful to others at all times. 

Environmental Requirements:

•  Students are required to engage in course activities during live remote class sessions and should avoid locations with distracting noise in their background.