Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity Option, BS

Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity (244305BS)

More on Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity option

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS) - Cybersecurity degree option allows students to attain knowledge of computer network configuration, computer network and data security, network intrusion detection and prevention, computer network forensics, digital forensics, and cryptography. The degree option includes an in-depth study of modern cryptography as it relates to cybersecurity and computing.

The CIS program offers high level training by introducing students to basic computing concepts while allowing them to develop the applied skills required for the workforce. Courses are taught in cutting edge computer labs so students can learn and practice skills. Schedules offer a range of day and evening classes.

Admission Requirements

  • Admission to The University of Akron.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 15 earned credit hours for transfer students.
  • Students must pass a placement test before taking any required Computer Information Systems core courses or take CISS:105 Introduction to Computers and Application Software, which does not count towards degree requirements.
  • Students must attain a ’C’ or better in each transferred course in the CIS major area.

Program-Specific Degree Requirements

  • Students must attain a C or better in each course in their major area.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 15 earned credit hours for Inter- and Intra-College Transfer into all Associate and Bachelor degree programs in Computer Information Systems.
  • Prior to enrolling in classes for the BS degree you must contact your academic advisor.

Career Information

Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Computer Information Systems under the Cybersecurity option are expected to qualify for such positions as law enforcement professionals, computer forensic specialists, data security analysts, systems security administrators, and network security administrators in government, business, information technology, and other industries.

The following information has official approval of The Department of Computer Science and The College of Engineering and Polymer Science, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (DPR) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor. Transfer students should consult their Advisor to identify courses that are equivalent. 

Requirements

Summary

General Education Requirements36
Cybersecurity Major Core54
Emergency Management & Homeland Security Courses18
Cryptology and Data Analysis Courses 11
Additional Credits for Graduation *1
Total Hours120
*

Bachelor's degrees require a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation.

Recommended General Education Courses

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete the following General Education coursework. Diversity courses may also fulfill major or Breadth of Knowledge requirements. Integrated and Applied Learning courses may also fulfill requirements in the major.
Students are not required to enroll in the specific courses listed below. However, to facilitate successful degree completion, the academic department strongly encourages completion of the following recommendations.
Academic Foundations12
Mathematics, Statistics and Logic: 3 credit hours
MATH:152
MATH:153
Technical Mathematics II
and Technical Mathematics III
MATH:145Algebra for Calculus
Speaking: 3 credit hours
Writing: 6 credit hours
Breadth of Knowledge 22
Arts/Humanities: 9 credit hours
Natural Sciences: 7 credit hours
Social Sciences: 6 credit hours
ECON:100Introduction to Economics
Diversity
Domestic Diversity
Global Diversity
Integrated and Applied Learning2
Select one class from one of the following subcategories:
Complex Issues Facing Society
Capstone
Review the General Education Requirements page for detailed course listings.
Total Hours36

Cybersecurity Major Core 

CISS:121Introduction of Logic/Programming3
CISS:134Cybersecurity Fundamentals3
CISS:145Introduction to Unix/Linux3
CISS:201Networking Basics 23
CISS:202Router and Routing Basics 13
CISS:204WAN Technologies 23
CISS:240Computer Information Systems Internship 23
CISS:247Hardware Support3
CISS:300Network Authentication and Security 13
CISS:306Ethics & Law in Information Technology 23
or DGFR:383 Ethical Hacking
CISS:331Programming for Cybersecurity 23
CISS:388Advanced UNIX/Linux 23
CISS:431UNIX-based Systems Security 13
CISS:491CIS Senior Cybersecurity Project 23
DGFR:440Intrusion Detection 23
DGFR:441Network Forensics I 13
DGFR:442Wireless Forensics 13
DGFR:443Network Forensics II 23
Total Hours54

Emergency Management & Homeland Security Courses

DGFR:100Introduction to Digital Forensics3
DGFR:280Cybercrime 13
DGFR:281Computer Forensic Methods 23
DGFR:283Cyber Warfare 13
DGFR:381Computer Forensic Methods II 13
DGFR:382File System Analysis 13
Total Hours18

Cryptology and Data Analysis Courses 

MATH:261Applied Finite Mathematics 23
MATH:345Technical Data Analysis2
MATH:361Applied Cryptography 13
MATH:461Applied Cryptanalysis 23
Total Hours11

Note:

  • Students entering the Computer Information Systems associate's and bachelor's degree options must pass a Computer Literacy Placement test or complete the following bridge course prior to enrolling in the program.
  • Bridge Course: CISS:105 Introduction to Computers and Application Software 

Recommended Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
1st Year
Fall SemesterHours
First Writing Course 3
MATH:152
MATH:153
Technical Mathematics II
and Technical Mathematics III 6
4
DGFR:100 Introduction to Digital Forensics 3
CISS:121 Introduction of Logic/Programming 3
CISS:247 Hardware Support 3
 Hours16
Spring Semester
Second Writing Course 3
Natural Science Requirement 3
CISS:134 Cybersecurity Fundamentals 3
CISS:145 Introduction to Unix/Linux 3
CISS:201 Networking Basics 2 3
 Hours15
2nd Year
Fall Semester
Speaking Requirement 3
Social Science/Domestic Diversity Requirement 3 3
DGFR:280 Cybercrime 1 3
DGFR:283 Cyber Warfare 1 3
CISS:202 Router and Routing Basics 1 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
ECON:100 Introduction to Economics 5 3
MATH:261 Applied Finite Mathematics 3
DGFR:281 Computer Forensic Methods 2 3
CISS:204 WAN Technologies 2 3
One of the following: 2-3
CISS:240 Computer Information Systems Internship 2  
Free Elective (2 cr. minimum) - if opting for a Co-op during 3rd year summer  
 Hours14-15
3rd Year
Fall Semester
Humanities Requirement 3 3
MATH:361 Applied Cryptography 3
DGFR:381 Computer Forensic Methods II 1 3
DGFR:382 File System Analysis 1 3
DGFR:441 Network Forensics I 1 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
Arts Requirement 3 3
DGFR:443 Network Forensics II 2 3
CISS:306
Ethics & Law in Information Technology 2
or Ethical Hacking
3
CISS:331 Programming for Cybersecurity 2 3
CISS:388 Advanced UNIX/Linux 2 3
 Hours15
Summer Semester
Cooperative Education  
 Hours0
4th Year
Fall Semester
Natural Science with Lab Requirement 4
MATH:345 Technical Data Analysis 2
DGFR:442 Wireless Forensics 1 3
CISS:300 Network Authentication and Security 1 3
CISS:431 UNIX-based Systems Security 1 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
Arts/Humanities/Global Diversity Requirement 3 3
Complex Issues Requirement 3
MATH:461 Applied Cryptanalysis 2 3
DGFR:440 Intrusion Detection 2 3
CISS:491 CIS Senior Cybersecurity Project 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours120-121

Program Notes 

Policy Alert: By the end of your first 48 credit hours attempted, you must have completed your required General Education Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic, Writing First Course, and Speaking requirements.