cybersecurity courses

Computer Science Foundations                  

1 term-1 credit                 

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Computer Science Foundations is a course intended to provide students with exposure to various information technology occupations and pathways such as Networking Systems, Programming and Software Development, and Web Design. Students will learn the basics of computer hardware, networking, web design (HTML), cloud services, cybersecurity and programming. 

Cybersecurity I

1 term – 1 credit

Grades 10, 11,12

Prerequisite: Computer Science Foundations or AP Computer Science Principles

Cybersecurity I is a course intended to teach students the basic concepts of cybersecurity. The course places an emphasis on security integration, application of cybersecurity practices and devices, ethics, and best practices management. The fundamental skills in this course cover both in house and external threats to network security and design, how to enforce network level security policies, and how to safeguard an organization’s information. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of cybersecurity concepts, identify fundamental principles of networking systems, understand network infrastructure and network security, and be able to demonstrate how to implement various aspects of security within a networking system.  Students will use a Kali Linux virtual machine for simulations.

Pellissippi State Community College 4 + 1 IT Pathway

Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisite: Computer Science Foundations

PSCC has created an IT pathway in either Networking or Cyber Defense for high school students to complete 1 year of college while in high school.  Upon high school graduation, the student will have one year at PSCC to earn an Associate Degree.  This program requires approval by the student's guidance counselor and the student must meet eligibility requirements.  If interested, please contact your guidance counselor during the 9th or 10th grade.

AP Computer Science Principles

1 term – 1 credit

Grades 11,12

Prerequisite:  Computer Science Foundations  recommended

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world.  The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions.

DE CITC 1301 Programming and Logic 1

1 term - 1 credit

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: CS Foundations, Coding 1

CITC 1301 is a course open to 11th & 12th grade students.  This is a dual enrollment course provided through Pellissippi State Community College  that is offered asynchronous, virtually by a PSCC professor. This is the first course for all of PSCC’s computer technology and cybersecurity programs.   An online textbook for $120 is required.

Work-Based Learning

1 semester  (Can be repeated  up to 2 credits)

Grades 11, 12

Work-Based Learning: Career Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous CTE and general education courses within a professional work environment. The course allows students to earn high school credit for select models of work-based learning, which allow students to interact with industry professionals in order to extend and deepen classroom work and support the development of postsecondary and career readiness knowledge and skills. 

Students participate in individual work-based learning experiences in professional settings when they meet the hours required for full time course equivalent. These experiences include registered apprenticeships, cooperative education (co-op), and internships.

Students must complete an application and receive a CTE teacher referral for consideration in Work-Based Learning.  See Mrs.  Sara Bell - WBL Coordinator for applications.