Associate Degree Program in Cyber Security (ADP-CY)
Associate Degree Program in Cyber Security (ADP-CY)
Introduction
The Associate Degree in Cyber Security (ADP-CY) is a forward-looking, 2-year academic program structured under the latest NCEAC 2023 guidelines. It equips students with essential knowledge in cybersecurity concepts, computing fundamentals, and security-focused problem-solving, and is designed to align with the first four semesters of BS-Cyber Security.
This program is ideal for learners who wish to develop early-career technical skills in cybersecurity while keeping open the option to upgrade into the 5th semester of a BS (Cyber Security) or BS (CS) program without any credit loss.
Objectives of the Program
- Provide foundational knowledge in cybersecurity, programming, information security, and
digital forensics. - Prepare students for security-centric roles in industry and academia.
- Facilitate a seamless academic pathway toward BS-Cyber Security and BS-CS degrees.
- Develop analytical thinking, ethical security understanding, and applied security techniques
awareness.
Scope of the Program
This program provides a dual pathway:
- Direct workforce entry into junior cybersecurity and IT security roles.
- Lateral academic entry into 4-year NCEAC-accredited BS in Cyber Security or CS
programs.
It offers a robust academic core designed to stay relevant with the rapid evolution of cybersecurity
technologies, tools, and applications.
Career Opportunities for Students
Graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as:
- Junior Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Technician
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Network Security Assistant
- Information Security Specialist
- Cyber Defense Technician
- IT Security Support Specialist
- Vulnerability Assessment Assistant
On transition to a full BS-Cyber Security program, career options expand to include Security
Engineer, Penetration Tester, Cybersecurity Consultant, Digital Forensics Specialist, and Security
Architect.
Learning Outcomes of BS Computer Science Program
Graduates of ADP-CySec will be able to:
- Understand and apply foundational concepts of cybersecurity, network security, and
information assurance. - Write and analyze code for secure systems using programming languages like Python.
- Apply basic security testing, monitoring, and incident response techniques.
- Communicate effectively and ethically in technical security settings.
- Demonstrate readiness for advanced cybersecurity courses and BS-level academic rigor.
- Use security tools to identify and mitigate common security vulnerabilities.
Teaching Pedagogy
- Lectures + Applied Security Lab Sessions
- Hands-on Programming with Python & Security Tools
- Project-Based Learning & Security Simulations
- Cybersecurity-related Capstone Projects
- Use of Security Tools, Virtual Labs, and Penetration Testing Environments
- Critical Thinking & Security Analysis Development
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 50% marks in Intermediate/12 years schooling/A- Level (HSSC) or Equivalent with Mathematics are required for admission in BS Computer Science & BS Software Engineering.
- Equivalency certificate by IBCC will be required in case of education from some other country or system
- The students who have not studied Mathematics at intermediate level have to pass deficiency courses of Mathematics (06 credits) in first two semesters.
- At minimum 72 credit hours are required for award of BS degrees in any computing discipline mentioned in this document.
- The minimum duration for completion of BS Computing degrees is four years. The HEC allows maximum period of seven years to complete BS degree requirements.
- A minimum 2.0 CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) on a scale of 4.0 is required for award of BS Computing Degree.
Selection Criteria:
Merit, HSSC-I Result
Note: Those students who have passed Additional Math and those students who have passed one of the following courses (Statistics, Economics, Accounting, Banking, Commerce) are also eligible to take admission.
-Students with a deficiency of additional Math or awaiting results are eligible to take admission. Classes of Additional Mathematics (6 Credits) shall be scheduled during Summer Semester as a zero Semester Registration.
-Pre-BSCS-Mathematics (Deficiency) courses have 2 months duration (90 Contact Hour) as per HEC NCEAC 2023 policy. Primarily this course will be equivalent to Mathematics of HSSC-I + Mathematics of HSSC-II
Duration
2 Years (4 Semesters)
Program Structure
Two Years ADP CY Degree Program: Total Credit Hours: – 72
Tentative Study Plan – ADP CY
| Code | Course Title | CrHrs* |
| Semester 1 | ||
| CCS101 | Functional English | 3-0-0 |
| MTH101 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry | 3-0-0 |
| CCS100 | Application of Information and Communication Technologies | 3-0-0 |
| CCS101 | Programming Fundamentals | 3-1-3 |
| HSS101 | Islamic Studies / Ethics | 2-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| HHS108 | Expository Writing | 3-0-0 |
| MTH103 | Linear Algebra | 3-0-0 |
| CCS102 | Object-Oriented Programming | 3-1-3 |
| CCS103 | Digital Logic Design | 3-0-0 |
| CCS403 | Information Security | 3-0-0 |
| CCS203 | Discrete Structures | 3-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 19 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CCS201 | Data Structures & Algorithms (with Lab) | 3-1-3 |
| CCS205 | Database Systems | 3-1-3 |
| CCS301 | Software Engineering | 3-0-0 |
| CCS306 | Computer Networks | 3-0-0 |
| CCS303 | Artificial Intelligence | 3-1-3 |
| MGT202 | Entrepreneurship | 2-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 19 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CIT331 | Network Security | 3-0-0 |
| CCY374 | Digital Forensics | 3-0-0 |
| CCY471 | Cyber Law and Cyber Crime | 3-0-0 |
| CCS312 | Vulnerability Assessment & Reverse Engineering | 3-0-0 |
| CCS202 | Computer Organization & Assembly Language | 3-0-0 |
| CIT332 | Cyber Security | 3-0-0 |
| HSDS104 | Ideology & Constitution of Pakistan | 2-0-0 |
| Total CrHrs | 20 | |
| Total | 72 |