Cybersecurity & Networking

Upon graduation from the program, students will be able to:  

• Enter the workforce as cybersecurity analysts or network administrators
• Use current industry-related skills, tools, and techniques to perform successfully in their role
• Design and develop cyber-defense solutions that ensure network and host safety for employers
• Develop the skills needed to remain knowledgeable, relevant, and desirable by employers in the cyber-defense or networking industries

This program, designed by faculty experts and industry professionals, provides students with the opportunity to study aspects of computing and technology related to TCP/ IP networking, Digital Forensics, Penetration Testing, Cryptography, and Cybersecurity. In particular, this program allows for a broad background in both information technology security as well as networking skills during the first three years of study, and then allows the students to practice and develop those skills over the course of a semester-long internship and additional senior-level coursework.

Instruction focuses on a hands-on approach to computers, routers, switches and other technologies as a basis for study, and adds a security focus to provide insight into the security needs of modern corporations who deal with sensitive data and hacking attempts from both internal and external threats.  This hands-on experience is offered in a variety of ways, including in-person physical hardware and software explorations, simulation packages such as Cisco’s Packettracer and Labsim, and segmented virtual environments to explore and practice in.

The program is IT-oriented but security driven and will provide students with a diverse set of necessary skills suitable for jobs in such areas as network administration, IT security specialist, firewalling support, penetration testing, packet analysis, and other IT support roles within the networking, security, or IT departments of organizations. Furthermore, many of the courses are built around industry-standard exams (e.g. A+, N+, S+, CCNA, GPEN, CISSP, etc…) should the student wish to pursue these valued credentials during the program or at a later date to demonstrate ability and skillset relevance.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity and Networking must satisfy the University Core Curriculum requirements, 21 required major courses (including the required internship), MATH 124 or higher, 6 requirements in other departments, and a sufficient number of electives to total at least 120 credit hours.

Students in the Cybersecurity and Networking major are required to maintain a 2.75 GPA in the major courses (SEC) in order to graduate.

Degree Requirements