This major grows out of the enormous importance of network computing and the major challenges to security that these networks pose. Students examine the architecture, properties, management, and performance of both wired and wireless networks, including how to keep them reliable and secure. Students gain the talents and skills necessary for success in today’s organizations according to current industry practices: planning, designing, implementing and administering voice and data communication networks; assessing and implementing the communication and security requirements of an organization in the form of a secure communication infrastructure; functioning as an effective member of a network and security services division in an organization.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates high median pay and estimates a 34.7% increase in the demand for information security analysts for the period 2021 to 2031 (the highest growth rate among all computer and information technology occupations, which group is the second fastest growing of all BLS occupation groups).

Related Programs

Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Major Requirements
COMP 141	Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques	3
COMP 163	Discrete Structures	3
or MATH 201	Introduction to Discrete Mathematics & Number Theory
COMP 170	Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming	3
COMP 264	Introduction to Computer Systems	3
COMP 271	Data Structures I	3
COMP 301	Introduction to Computer Security	3
COMP 310	Operating Systems	3
COMP 317	Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing	3
COMP 340	Computer Forensics	3
COMP 343	Computer Networks	3
COMP 347	Intrusion Detection and Security	3
COMP 348	Network Security	3
COMP 349	Wireless Networking and Security	3
COMP 352	Computer Vulnerabilities	3
MATH 131	Applied Calculus I 1	3-4
or MATH 161	Calculus I
Practicum Capstone 2		6
Select six credit hours from the following:
COMP 312	Open Source Software Practicum
COMP 344	Hands-on Approach to Security & Privacy
COMP 390	Broadening Participation in STEM (Computing, Math & Science)
COMP 391	Internship in Computer Science
COMP 398	Independent Study
Computer Science Restricted Electives		7
Select seven credit hours from the following:
COMP 300-Level Course(s) OR
CJC 354	Cybercrime
COMP 272	Data Structures II
Computer Science Free Elective		3
Select three credit hours from the following:
COMP 300-Level 3-credit Course OR
COMP 125	Visual Information Processing
COMP 150	Introduction to Computing
Total Hours		61

¹

By arrangement with the Undergraduate Program Director, the extra credit from MATH 161 Calculus I may be applied towards the computer science electives.

²

See the details of registering for these courses in the Computer Science Department website resources. Students are encouraged to complete these credits during junior and senior years to draw on prior experience. Note:

• COMP 312 and COMP 344 each are a 3-credit course
• COMP 390 is limited to 3 total credits
• COMP 391 and COMP 398 will usually be limited to 6 total credits each, but permission may sometimes be granted for more.

Suggested Sequence of Courses

The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework.  An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study.  Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.

CSEC-BS Sample Schedule

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Hours
COMP 141	Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques	3
COMP 170	Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming 1	3
MATH 131	Applied Calculus I 2	3
CORE: Philosophical Knowledge Tier 1		3
CORE: College Writing Seminar		3
UNIV 101	First Year Seminar	1
	Hours	16
Spring
COMP 163	Discrete Structures	3
COMP 271	Data Structures I	3
CORE: Historical Knowledge Tier 1		3
CORE: Ethics		3
CORE: Scientific Knowledge Tier 1		3
	Hours	15
Year 2
Fall
COMP 264	Introduction to Computer Systems	3
COMP 301	Introduction to Computer Security	3
COMP 340	Computer Forensics	3
CORE: Theology and Religious Studies Tier 1		3
CAS Language Requirement 101 level 3		3
	Hours	15
Spring
COMP 310	Operating Systems	3
COMP 317	Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing	3
COMP 348	Network Security	3
CORE: Societal & Cultural Knowledge Tier 1		3
CAS Language Requirement 102 level 3		3
	Hours	15
Year 3
Fall
COMP 343	Computer Networks	3
COMP 347	Intrusion Detection and Security	3
COMP 352	Computer Vulnerabilities	3
COMP Restricted Elective (e.g., COMP 391 or 395 or 398)		1
CORE: Literary Knowledge & Experience Tier 1		3
CORE: Artistic Knowledge & Experience		3
	Hours	16
Spring
COMP 349	Wireless Networking and Security	3
COMP Restricted Elective		3
CORE: Theology and Religious Studies Tier 2		3
CORE: Scientific Knowledge Tier 2		3
CORE: Historical Knowledge Tier 2		3
	Hours	15
Year 4
Fall
COMP Practicum		3
COMP Restricted Elective		3
CORE: Literary Knowledge & Experience Tier 2		3
CORE: Societal & Cultural Knowledge Tier 2		3
CORE: Philosophical Knowledge Tier 2		3
	Hours	15
Spring
COMP Free Elective		3
COMP Practicum		3
CAS Elective		3
CAS Elective		3
CAS Elective		3
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	122

¹

COMP 170 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming is designed to serve as a first introductory programming course. Students seeking a more gentle introduction may start with COMP 125 Visual Information Processing or COMP 150 Introduction to Computing; if one of those courses is taken, it can be counted into the "COMP Free Elective" category of the requirements of the major. Additionally, A score of 4 or 5 on the AP CS Principles Exam or AP CS A exam will earn actual credit for COMP 150 Introduction to Computing or COMP 170 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming, respectively.

²

May substitute MATH 161 Calculus I and may use the extra credit towards COMP Free Electives.

³

Language must be completed through the 102 course level or through an exam.

College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test.  More information can be found here.

Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101.  SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101.  Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101.  You can find more information in the University Requirements area.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the program, students shall be able to explain how to protect and defend computer systems and networks by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, and confidentiality.
• Students shall be able to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities in a system, and indicate how to put measures in place to mitigate them.
• Students shall be able to use current tools and technologies to prevent and detect cyber threats.
• Students shall be able to analyze the risk to a system, including being able to explain how to quantify that risk and how to implement measures to manage it.
• Students shall be able to analyze the legal, ethical, and professional issues involved in case studies relating to cybersecurity, such as privacy concerns, intellectual property rights, and cybercrime laws.
• Students shall should be able to develop and implement an effective incident response strategy to reduce the impact of security breaches and network intrusions.
• Students shall be able to explain principles of cryptography and how to use it to secure data.