Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

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 110Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Fundamentals

3 credits

CDF 240Linux System Administration

3 credits

CDF 251Network Security

3 credits

CDF 252CISCO Networking

3 credits

CDF 261Digital Forensics

3 credits

CDF 271Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

3 credits

CDF 308Technology Law

3 credits

CDF 381Advanced Network Defense

3 credits

CDF 391Incident Response and Investigation

3 credits

CDF 392Information Systems Forensic Internals – Auditing

3 credits

CDF 393Forensic Evidence Collection Tools and Techniques

3 credits

CDF 475Advanced Digital Forensics

3 credits

CDF 480Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Capstone

3 credits

IS 140Information Systems Architecture and Design

3 credits

IS 231Network Technologies

3 credits

IS 232TCP and IP Communication Protocols for Windows and UNIX

3 credits

IS 235Advanced Windows Server Architecture & Administration

3 credits

IS 240Computer Programming I

3 credits

IS 350IS Internship

Variable credits, 3-6

IS 365Writing for IS Applications

3 credits

IS 432Network Security-Firewalls, IDS, and Counter Measures

3 credits

IS 481IT Project Management

3 credits

MGT 210Business 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.