South Carolina's Cybersecurity pathway prepares students for careers in information security, network defense, and cyber operations. As cyber threats continue to increase and organizations across all sectors prioritize data protection, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand throughout South Carolina and nationally. This specialized program provides comprehensive training in security fundamentals, ethical hacking, network security, and digital forensics.
The pathway emphasizes both defensive security concepts and hands-on technical skills. Students work with virtual labs, security tools, and realistic cyber scenarios that simulate actual security challenges faced by organizations. The curriculum covers topics including operating system security, network infrastructure protection, cryptography, security policies, and incident response. Students also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities.
South Carolina's growing technology sector, combined with federal cyber operations presence in the state, creates exceptional career opportunities for cybersecurity graduates. The pathway prepares students for immediate employment in security operations centers, continuation to advanced cybersecurity degree programs, or pursuit of specialized security certifications that command premium compensation in the job market.
Cybersecurity at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's Cybersecurity standards align with National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework and incorporate industry-recognized competencies. State standards emphasize security concepts, risk management, network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, security operations, and compliance requirements. The framework prepares students for cybersecurity certifications and postsecondary cybersecurity education.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity 1: Fundamentals and Ethics | CYB-101 |
| Cybersecurity 2: Network Security | CYB-201 |
| Cybersecurity 3: Defensive Security Operations | CYB-301 |
| Cybersecurity 4: Advanced Security and Forensics | CYB-401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $100,540
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $100,540
Network Security Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $74,090 - $104,030
Adjusted for cost of living: $95,085
Information Security Specialist
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $134,052
Penetration Tester
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $95,085
Recent News
South Carolina Overhauled How High Schoolers Earn Career Credentials -- Cybersecurity Students Should Know the New Rules
The South Carolina Education Oversight Committee unanimously approved a three-tier credential system in June 2025, replacing the previous equal-weight model for students entering 9th grade in 2024-25 and beyond. The change forces students and districts to prioritize credentials that carry real weight with employers.
Read more →10 High School Teams Competed for Defense Jobs at the 12th Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition -- One Thing Stood Out
The April 2025 Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition drew 10 high school teams to Trident Technical College in North Charleston, with over 180 total competitors across high school, college, and professional divisions. Twenty-seven competition alumni have been hired directly by the organizing Navy research center over eleven years.
Read more →Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in cybersecurity competitions including CyberPatriot, complete internships with IT security teams at corporations and government agencies, and engage in ethical hacking scenarios through partnerships with cybersecurity firms. Work-based learning includes security audit projects for local organizations, participation in cyber defense exercises, and mentorship from security professionals.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
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Ongoing Updates
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Related Pathways in South Carolina
Computer Programming
South Carolina's Computer Programming pathway, housed within the modernized Digital Technology cluster, prepares students for the rapidly growing information technology sector. This program provides comprehensive training in software development, web application design, database management, and cybersecurity fundamentals. As technology companies expand operations in South Carolina's urban centers and tech corridor regions, demand for skilled programmers continues to grow. The pathway emphasizes both foundational programming concepts and practical application development skills. Students learn multiple programming languages including Python, Java, JavaScript, and SQL, while also developing problem-solving abilities and computational thinking skills. The curriculum integrates industry-standard development tools, version control systems, and agile methodologies that reflect real-world software development practices. South Carolina's Computer Programming pathway prepares students for immediate employment as junior developers, progression to advanced IT certifications, or continuation to four-year computer science degree programs. The state's growing tech ecosystem, combined with remote work opportunities, provides diverse career pathways for graduates throughout South Carolina and beyond.
Digital TechnologyInformation Technology
South Carolina's Information Technology pathway prepares students for careers in IT support, network administration, systems management, and technology services. This comprehensive program provides foundational training in computer systems, networking, hardware, software applications, and IT service delivery. As organizations throughout South Carolina depend on reliable technology infrastructure, IT professionals are essential across all economic sectors. The pathway covers core IT competencies including computer hardware and operating systems, networking fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, database management, and customer service for technology support. Students develop both technical troubleshooting skills and professional communication abilities essential for effective IT support roles. The curriculum integrates hands-on labs where students configure systems, diagnose problems, and implement technology solutions that mirror real-world IT environments. South Carolina's Information Technology programs prepare students for industry certifications that demonstrate technical competence and enhance employability. Graduates are prepared for entry-level IT positions including help desk support, IT technician, and junior network administrator roles. The pathway also provides foundation for advanced IT specializations and four-year information technology or computer science degree programs.
Digital TechnologyRelated Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
AssessmentCompetency-Based Education
Competency-Based Education (CBE) is an instructional approach where students advance by demonstrating mastery of specific knowledge and skills rather than by accumulating seat time. In CTE, CBE aligns naturally with industry expectations, as employers value demonstrated competency over time spent in training.
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