This is an unofficial description for this program. For official information check the Academic Catalog.
Pending May 2024 Board of Regents approval.
The BS program in cybersecurity provides a strong foundation in both networking and computer science and is based on faculty, facilities, and research resources in both the Department of Computer Electronics and Graphics Technology and the Department of Computer Science, as well as, support by the Department of Political Science and the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Students can choose the general option which requires a minor, or pursue one of the in depth concentrations aligned with the content focus areas recommended by the National Security Agency (NSA). This interdepartmental program is designed to prepare students for careers as cybersecurity experts in identifying system vulnerabilities, detecting cyber-attacks, and securing information assets. Students in the program are expected to
1. Understand the up-to-date concepts, technologies, design issues, and tools in cybersecurity
2. Understand cybersecurity policies and laws and exhibit ethical and legal responsibilities
3. Demonstrate the capability of software tools utilization and development including operating system, database, and application. Be able to analyze threats, identify vulnerabilities, and develop security solutions.
4. Demonstrate the capability of hardware development and system administration to design, implement, and analyze electronic, network and server systems. Be able to assess, implement, and manage security needs to defend the systems.
5. Apply the knowledge and skills of information assurance and penetration testing to conduct risk and liability assessments and test the effectiveness of security measures.
6. Apply the knowledge and skills of digital investigation to identify and preserve the digital evidence.
7. Recognize the need for and demonstrate the ability to engage in lifelong learning in cybersecurity careers.
This program requires 6 credits in Study Area II.
General Education Related Requirements
Study Area II (6 credits)
Skill Area II (6 credits)
Cybersecurity Core
Cybersecurity Core (51-52 credits)
CET 229 Computer Hardware Architecture 3 Credits
CET 249 Introduction to Networking Technology 3 Credits
CYS 227 Introduction to Cybersecurity 3 Credits
CET 339 Computer System Administration 3 Credits
CET 349 Network Design and Implementation 3 Credits
CYS 459 Network Security Technologies 3 Credits
CYS 467 Security System Management 3 Credits
CYS 477 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing 3 Credits
CS 151 Computer Science I 3 Credits
CS 152 Computer Science II 3 Credits
CS 253 Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms 3 Credits
CS 355 Systems Programming 3 Credits
CYS 492 Computer Security 3 Credits
CYS 493 Secure Software Designs 3 Credits
CYS 494 Cryptographic Systems 3 Credits
or
PS 210 The International and Domestic Legal Environment of Cybersecurity 3 Credits
Concentrations (students select one from three concentrations)
General Concentration (25-26 credits)
Cyber Defense Concentration (25-26 credits)
CET 113 Introduction to Information Processing 3 Credits
CET 439 Enterprise Messaging Systems 3 Credits
CET 449 Advanced Networking 3 Credits
CET 479 Network Administration 3 Credits
Free electives to meet 120 credits
Cyber Operations Concentration (25-26 credits)
CET 223 Basic Electrical Circuits 3 Credits
CET 363 Digital Circuits 3 Credits
CET 466 Logic Design 3 Credits
CS 254 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming 3 Credits
CS 481 Operating Systems Design 3 Credits
CET 469 Wireless Networks and Security 3 Credits
CYS 291 Introduction to Computer Forensics 3 Credits
or
CYS 487 Network Forensics 3 Credits
CYS 419 Usable Security and Privacy 3 Credits
or
Free electives to meet 120 credits
1. Accelerate Central Program in Cybersecurity to Software Engineering MS
Eligibility
Students apply in the Spring of their third year of full-time study and must meet the requirements specified below:
- Successful completion of 60 or more credit hours; of which, at least 12 credit hours must be completed at CCSU.
- Completed CS 253 and two 400 level CS classes with at least a B.
- Have at least a 2.7 cumulative grade point average.
- Have at least a 2.7 grade point average in Computer Science courses.
Eligible students can apply for admission to the Accelerate Central B.S./M.S. in their third year of full-time study. Students admitted to this program may complete both the B.S. and M.S. in Software Engineering in as few as five years on a full-time basis. For students who are officially admitted to the Accelerate Central B.S. / M.S. Software Engineering Program, two graduate courses will double-count as courses in the undergraduate program for a total of 6 credits double-counted. In addition, students may take two additional courses before matriculation as a graduate student; these courses will be excluded from the student’s B.S. program and transferred into the student’s M.S. program.
How to Apply
Students will submit Change of Major form, a resume, and the name of two professors from the Computer Science department who could serve as a references to the Chair of the Computer Science department by February 10 (for Fall) or October 1 (for Spring). The documents will go through the proper parties for review and approval, including the Graduate Program Director. Once the form has been approved by all required parties, the Registrar’s Office will change the student’s undergraduate curriculum to note the Accelerate Central program.
Total Credit Hours: 120