Description
The bachelor of science in cybersecurity and digital forensics will equip students with the ability to protect an organization’s information technology assets from cyber-attacks, detect and respond to cyber intrusions, and mitigate the effects of such intrusions, as well as uncover digital evidence of criminal or unauthorized activity. The program combines cybersecurity concepts and skills with those of the field of digital forensics, creating a unique degree program. The emphasis of the program is on the prevention, detection and mitigation of cyber-attacks, combined with the ability to gather digital evidence and conduct electronic crime investigations. Students who complete an associate's degree in cybersecurity or related degree, or a certificate in digital forensics will have CDF 110 waived.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics degree, graduates will be able to:
1. Describe the best practices for a security policy for an organization.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies.
3. Test the network infrastructure for potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
4. Implement security controls to protect organizational assets.
5. Produce a digital forensics evidence report.
6. Demonstrate professional competencies related to contemporary careers.
Policies
Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. Furthermore, the lowest acceptable grade is a “C” in all major courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to advance to the next major course without earning a grade of “C” or better in the prerequisite course(s). When a grade below a “C” is earned in a major course, the student must repeat that course. The lowest acceptable grade in Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses is a “D,” with the exception of ENG 151 and ENG 152, for which the lowest acceptable grade is a “C.” If a SEE course is required for the major the lowest acceptable grade is a “C.”
A course may be repeated twice without special permission. Students must apply in writing to dean of the school in which the course resides requesting permission to attempt a course for a third time.
Requirements
Major Requirements
| CDF 110 | Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Fundamentals | 3 credits |
| CDF 240 | Linux System Administration | 3 credits |
| CDF 251 | Network Security | 3 credits |
| CDF 252 | CISCO Networking | 3 credits |
| CDF 261 | Digital Forensics | 3 credits |
| CDF 271 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | 3 credits |
| CDF 308 | Technology Law | 3 credits |
| CDF 381 | Advanced Network Defense | 3 credits |
| CDF 391 | Incident Response and Investigation | 3 credits |
| CDF 392 | Information Systems Forensic Internals – Auditing | 3 credits |
| CDF 393 | Forensic Evidence Collection Tools and Techniques | 3 credits |
| CDF 475 | Advanced Digital Forensics | 3 credits |
| CDF 480 | Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Capstone | 3 credits |
| IS 140 | Information Systems Architecture and Design | 3 credits |
| IS 231 | Network Technologies | 3 credits |
| IS 232 | TCP and IP Communication Protocols for Windows and UNIX | 3 credits |
| IS 235 | Advanced Windows Server Architecture & Administration | 3 credits |
| IS 240 | Computer Programming I | 3 credits |
| IS 350 | IS Internship | Variable credits, 3-6 |
| IS 365 | Writing for IS Applications | 3 credits |
| IS 432 | Network Security-Firewalls, IDS, and Counter Measures | 3 credits |
| IS 481 | IT Project Management | 3 credits |
| MGT 210 | Business Writing | 3 credits |
Minor in Cybersecurity
The discipline minor in Cybersecurity requires successful completion of six courses (18 credits) from the following list:
CDF110,
CDF240,
CDF251,
CDF271,
CDF308, and
CDF381. Substitutions of other CDF courses are subject to the department chair’s approval. Students pursuing this minor must also complete all applicable prerequisite courses. Due to the curriculum overlap, Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics majors cannot declare a minor in Cybersecurity.
Other Options
The bachelor's to master's option is available for students majoring in cybersecurity and digital forensics who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a master's degree in one of Stevenson's graduate programs. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degree in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into a bachelor's to master's option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their student success coach. For more information on this program see the Admissions section of this catalog.