MCPS walks through cybersecurity center: three‑course core, AP and industry credentials

As an example of a center program, presenters laid out the cybersecurity pathway in detail. Peter Orander said the CTE cybersecurity sequence follows state guidance and centers on a three‑course core: "there are three courses that are boxed out there and that's cyber security 1 2 and three," he said, explaining that completion may include Cybersecurity 3, a work‑based learning placement or a related dual‑enrollment course.

Orander emphasized a four‑year plan: freshmen are encouraged to take AP Computer Science Principles with Python to build programming fundamentals; grade‑11 students are steered toward AP Computer Science A (Java) and seniors choose a capstone such as Cybersecurity 3, ethical hacking electives, or industry certifications (CompTIA or vendor security/network certificates). The district said schools hosting center programs will offer a suite of computer‑science electives and at least one upper‑level math elective for cybersecurity students.