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High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ STEM! Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

The vision of the Cybersecurity regional program is to empower future cyber professionals through a rigorous, interdisciplinary education. Students are challenged to explore real‑world problems, engage in cutting‑edge research, and develop solutions through collaboration. Through a focused, experiential curriculum, students build the technical knowledge and analytical skills needed to lead in cybersecurity, information technology, and related STEM fields.

 

Core Experiences

  • Earn CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ Certification
  • Participate in internships/apprenticeships
  • 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 development of skills for problem-solving, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, creativity, and collaboration in securing 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 internships, 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. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Grades 6–8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Career Advising

Summer Enrichment & Preparation

AP Computer Science Principles with Python

Cybersecurity Course 1

Cybersecurity Course 2

Cybersecurity Course 3 or

Career Connected Learning or

Dual Enrollment

Cybersecurity Center Essentials

 Elective (Physical Education, Fine Arts or Health)

AP Computer Science Java

Ethical Hacking + 0.5 credit CS elective
Science Science Science Elective (Physical Education, Fine Arts or Health)
World Language World Language World Language or Elective World Language or Elective
US History US Government (NSL) World History Elective (Physical Education, Fine Arts or Health)
English

AP English 10 with Seminar (Cybersecurity Focus)

 English English
Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics

Upper Level Mathematics Elective

Program Requirements

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

  • Cybersecurity/Computer Programming Core
    • AP Computer Science Principles with Python
    • AP Computer Science A (Java)
    • Ethical Hacking
    • 0.5 credit in upper level CS course
  • 2 Credits Cybersecurity (1 & 2)
  • 1 Credit advanced Cybersecurity
    • Cybersecurity 3 or
    • Related work-based learning or
    • Related dual enrollment course
  • 1 credit computer science/cybersecurity related math elective