Westchester Community College, State University of New York

The Cybersecurity major provides a strong foundation in Computer Technology security area. It covers the functions of hardware, operating systems, databases, and networks. It is designed to bring you from beginner classes to advance topics in security such as Computer Forensics, Network Security and Ethical Hacking.

This program prepares the student for employment in entry-level positions in Information Technology departments, information assurance, security firms, and digital forensics.

The curriculum is designed for both the student who intends to seek full-time employment after graduation and the student who wishes to make a career change/enhancement into Information Assurance, Information Systems or Information Technology programs at a four-year college.

To learn more about the field of Cybersecurity, and the potential it holds for our graduates, read this Newsweek article.

Curriculum Chair: Prof. John Watkins
Office: CLA-44
Telephone: 914-606-8519
Email: john.watkins@sunywcc.edu

Contact Information

Phone: 914-606-8519
Office location: CLA - 44
Email: John.Watkins@sunywcc.edu

Professor John Watkins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Information Technologies at Westchester Community College where he is the Curriculum Chair for the Cybersecurity program. He teaches courses in security, forensics and ethical hacking. He is also an adjunct professor at Pace University where he teaches computer forensics. He has created numerous programs for students and workshops with the goal of increasing the competitive advantage for students going into the workforce. Watkins is also a business owner of a computer consulting firm providing IT services for businesses in the tristate area for over 15 years. During teaching, Watkins brings this hands on experience to the classroom setting, giving students a valuable window into the professional world of IT security. Title(s):

• CyberSecurity Curriculum Chair
• Assistant Professor
• Director for the CIS/CYBER Tutorial

Department/Division: Computer Information Technologies

Degree Information: Master in Science, Management in Information Systems, Pace University

Courses Taught:

• Computer Information Systems
• Network Security
• Computer Penetration Testing
• Programming Logic
• Operating Systems
• Networking for Business

Honors and Awards:

• CompTIA A+
• Network+ and Security+
• Microsoft Office Specialist
• Microsoft Technology Associate
• Microsoft Solutions Associate

Publications and Presentations:

• Error 403: Be Aware of the Ransonware (2015)
• IT Careers pathways strategies (2016)

Institution Service or Academic Service:

• Cybersecurity Club – Advisor
• Brazilian Club – Advisor
• Cybersecurity Team - Lead Coach
• P.R.E.S.S. Team – Completion Subcommittee Team Leader
• Angel-Techs – Mentor​

Financial Aid

Nearly 33% of Westchester Community College students receive some form of financial aid. Financial Aid is available to students who qualify. In addition, the Westchester Community College Foundation offers $1.6 million in scholarships annually.

Sports

The Westchester Community College Athletic Department sponsors thirteen different intercollegiate athletic teams in various sports. The roster of sports offered includes Men’s Baseball, Women's Softball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Bowling, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men's Golf, Men's and Women's Track and Field, Men’s Soccer, and Women’s Volleyball. Visit the Vikings Athletics website for schedules, reports, and more.

Locations

We’re accessible: Public transit-friendly main campus and extension locations. Online classes for wherever you are. Valhalla (main campus); extension sites in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, Shrub Oak, Mahopac, Ossining, Port Chester and Peekskill (Center for the Digital Arts) and White Plains (Center for the Arts).

Cybercrime is among the most urgent threats to U.S. national and economic security, and they are increasing in scale, sophistication, and frequency. What does this mean to you, to your business, to your future? A degree or certificate in Cybersecurity will help you acquire a unique skill set in the Information Technology field. You have the chance to become a well-rounded professional by incorporating knowledge from all of the different areas of IT, including desktop support, networking, programming, the web, and of course, security. Our program is unique in the area. Here, you will be able to acquire Certifications, Internships opportunities, Cyber-Competition and other applied learning opportunities combined with hands-on approach classes that mimic what companies require you to know in order to hire you. Currently, news media report daily events involving Cybersecurity, underscoring that cyber threats are becoming more commonplace and widespread than they were just a few short years ago. Data breaches affect all types of companies, from commerce and banks to IT companies, and even the government. The problems in the security field are only growing, indicating an immediate need for our well-trained graduates in a wide variety of companies.

See information below for Cyber Security Program and Certification.

You can also visit our Center for Cyber Security website here.

John Watkins

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Memberships

• Cyberwatch https://www.nationalcyberwatch.org/
• NIST https://www.nist.gov/
• NICE https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-cybersecurity/nice/resources/nice-cybersecurity-workforce-framework
• Northeast Regional Resource Center https://www.mvcc.edu/cyberlab/rrc

Conferences

NICE, WICYS, HOPE, 3CS,