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High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ STEM! Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

Crack codes. Stop hackers. Secure the future! The Cybersecurity program is your ultimate training ground for digital defense. Combine computer science, logic, and problem-solving to protect real-world systems in team-based, hands-on lab challenges. The Cybersecurity program prepares students to become confident, tech-savvy leaders in a rapidly growing field. Through hands-on projects, real-world problem-solving, and team collaboration, students gain the practical technical skills and critical thinking needed to succeed in STEM fields.

 

Core Experiences

  • Earn CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ Certification
  • Participate in career-connected learning
  • Earn college credit
  • Connect with industry professionals, university faculty, and industry mentors
  • Participate in competitions and student organizations

 

Program Goals

  1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills
    Equip students with a strong academic foundation in computer science and cybersecurity principles through rigorous, standards-based coursework. Emphasize the development of skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, creativity, and collaboration to secure digital systems and information.
  2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience
    Engage students in experiential learning through cyber labs, simulations, ethical hacking exercises, and collaborative research projects. Offer opportunities for career-connected learning, mentorships, and job shadowing with local and national IT firms and research organizations to build practical skills and career readiness.
  3. Foster Career and College, Career and/or Community Pathways
    Support students in exploring and pursuing postsecondary education and careers in cybersecurity, information technology, and related fields through a structured College Preparatory pathway.

Application & Locations

Application: Interest-based application

Schools:

  • Southern Region: Blair
  • Eastern Region: Springbrook
  • Central South Region: Wheaton
  • Central Region: Wootton
  • Central North Region: Gaithersburg
  • Northern Region: Seneca Valley

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Cybersecurity Program. Cells in blue are related to the program pathway. Cells in dark blue indicate courses that are part of the MSDE Career and Technology Education Program of Study in Cybersecurity.  Course progressions are subject to change as programs are developed.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

AP Computer Science Principles with Python

Cybersecurity 1*

Cybersecurity 2*

Cybersecurity 3 or

Career-Connected Learning*

Cybersecurity Center Essentials

 Elective (PE or Fine Arts or Health)

AP Computer Science Java

Ethical Hacking + 0.5 credit Computer Science elective
Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics

Upper-Level Mathematics Elective
English

AP English 10 with Seminar (Cybersecurity Focus)

 English English
Science Science Science Elective (PE or Fine Arts or Health)
World Language* World Language* World Language or Elective World Language or Elective
US History US Government (NSL) World History Elective (PE or Fine Arts or Health)
*Part of the MCPS graduation requirements includes either 2 credits in a world language or completion of a state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study along with a minimum of 0.5 elective credit or more depending on the program of study. Cybersecurity 1, 2, and 3 are part of the state-approved CTE program of study in Cybersecurity. Students who plan to attend a four-year college or university after high school are encouraged to take world language courses to meet admission requirements and strengthen their college applications.

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, all students must complete the following to remain enrolled in the Cybersecurity Program and earn the related certificate:

  • Cybersecurity/Computer Programming Core
    • AP Computer Science Principles with Python (cohorted)
    • Cybersecurity Center Essentials (cohorted)
    • AP Computer Science A (Java)
    • Ethical Hacking (0.5 credit)
    • 0.5 credit in advanced-level Computer Science course
  • 2 Credits Cybersecurity 1 & 2 (cohorted)
  • 1 Credit advanced Cybersecurity
    • Cybersecurity 3 (cohorted) or
    • Related career-connected learning or
    • Related dual enrollment course
  • 1 credit in Calculus or advanced level math course
  • Center program students are expected to sit for an industry-recognized certification