Cybersecurity (BS)
This new 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 an 18% increase (much higher than average) in the demand for information security analysts for the period 2014 to 2024.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Applied Calculus I | ||
| Calculus I 1 | ||
| 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 272 | Data Structures II | 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 |
| Practicum Capstone 2 | ||
| Select six credit hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Open Source Software Practicum | ||
| Broadening Participation in STEM (Computing, Math & Science) | ||
| Internship in Computer Science | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Computer Science Free Electives | ||
| COMP 300-Level Course(s) | 4 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Visual Information Processing | ||
COMP 300-Level Course | ||
| 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 Free Electives” category.
- 2
See the details of registering in the links for each course. Students are encouraged to complete these credits during junior and senior years to draw on prior experience.
Note: With permission of your Advisor, extra credits of MATH 161 Calculus I, or 300 level MATH, PHYS, or STAT for double majors can be applied in this category.)
Suggested Ordering 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
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| COMP 150 | Introduction to Computing 1 | 3 |
| COMP 141 | Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques | 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 170 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming 3 | 3 |
| COMP 163 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CORE: Historical Knowledge Tier 1 | 3 | |
| CORE: Ethics | 3 | |
| CORE: Scientific Knowledge Tier 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMP 271 | Data Structures I | 3 |
| COMP 264 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 |
| COMP 301 | Introduction to Computer Security | 3 |
| CORE: Theology and Religious Studies Tier 1 | 3 | |
| CAS Language Requirement 101 level 4 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMP 272 | Data Structures II | 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 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMP 343 | Computer Networks | 3 |
| COMP 310 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| COMP 347 | Intrusion Detection and Security | 3 |
| COMP Free Elective | 1 | |
| CORE: Literary Knowledge & Experience Tier 1 | 3 | |
| CORE: Artistic Knowledge & Experience | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMP 340 | Computer Forensics | 3 |
| COMP 349 | Wireless Networking and Security | 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 352 | Computer Vulnerabilities | 3 |
| COMP Practicum (3) | 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 | |
| COMP Free Elective if COMP 150 not taken | 3 | |
| CAS Elective | 3 | |
| CAS Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 122 | |
- 1
COMP 150 Introduction to Computing will apply to COMP Free Electives; students with prior experience in computer programming, for example a high school course modeled on the Exploring Computer Science or Computer Science Principles curriculum may replace this course with a different COMP Free Elective at any time during the program. A score of 4 or 5 on the AP CS Principles Exam will earn actual credit for this course.
- 2
May substitute MATH 161 Calculus I and may use the extra credit towards COMP Free Electives.
- 3
A score of 4 or 5 on the AP CS A Exam will earn credit for this course.
- 4
Language must be completed through the 102 course level or through an exam.
General Notes
- Credits never can be double-counted for different categories of the requirements for the major. But a course may satisfy a major requirement and also satisfy a University and/or College requirement (e.g., Core, residency, Engaged Learning, Writing Intensive).
- It is usually not meant to combine a computing major or minor with another, the principal exception being CCFR-MINR; see more detail in the double-dipping rules.
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
- Understanding of Cybersecurity Fundamentals: This includes knowledge of how to protect and defend computer systems and networks by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, and confidentiality.
- Proficiency in Identifying and Mitigating Threats: Graduates should be able to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities in a system, and know how to put measures in place to mitigate them.
- Knowledge of Cybersecurity Tools and Technologies: Students should be proficient in using current tools and technologies to prevent and detect cyber threats.
- Skills in Risk Management: This includes understanding how to assess the risk to a system, how to quantify that risk, and how to implement measures to manage it.
- Understanding of Legal and Ethical Issues: Graduates should understand the legal, ethical, and professional issues involved in cybersecurity, such as privacy concerns, intellectual property rights, and cybercrime laws.
- Incident Response Skills: Students should be able to develop and implement an effective incident response strategy to reduce the impact of security breaches and network intrusions.
- Knowledge of Cryptography: Students should understand the principles of cryptography and how it is used to secure data.