Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security - Computer Systems Security Concentration

The Bachelor of Cybersecurity with a concentration in Computer Systems Security is a 186-credit hour program that is offered online and at the Colorado campuses.  The program consists of 70 general education credits, 52 credit hours in the cybersecurity core, and 64 credit hours in the computer systems security concentration. 

Information systems play an important role in supporting commerce, banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and national security. As our reliance on computers increases and technology grows more sophisticated, cybersecurity professionals become critical to protect users and keep personal information out of the hands of hackers and safe from cyber threats. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is designed to help students explore and apply the latest methods, techniques, and tools for securing the public and private sector.

Program Accreditations and Alignments
The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency have recognized Colorado Technical University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD). The CTU cybersecurity curriculum was certified thereby to map to the DHS/NSA cybersecurity knowledge units. This recognition and certification is valid through 2021.

This CAE IA/CD designation is applicable to this degree program.

Program Learning Outcomes
  • Evaluate computer and information security needs for an organization
  • Implement continuous network monitoring and provide real-time security solutions
  • Assess risk management policies to ensure adequate protection of critical assets and information
  • Measure the performance of security systems within an enterprise-level computer network
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and update enterprise-level security systems
  • Formulate, update, and communicate short and long term enterprise cybersecurity strategies
  • Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments through the analysis of advanced threats and deploy countermeasures

Concentration Learning Outcomes
  • Explain the computer architecture of a modern desktop or server to include the CPU, memory, and storage systems
  • Describe the homeland security program and organization for the United States
  • Construct programs in C++ to include fundamental algorithms and data structures
  • Construct apps for mobile devices
  • Analyze computer network architectures
  • Construct static and dynamic web sites

Degree Requirements

Courses: General Education

COMS201Technical and Professional Writing

4.5

ECON210Principles of Macroeconomics

4.5

ENGL104Introductory Written Communication

4.5

ENGL105Professional Written Communications

4.5

HIST101Modern American History: 1950 to the 21st Century

4.5

IT254Spreadsheet Applications

4

MATH109Introduction to Algebra

4.5

MATH112Analytic College Algebra

4.5

MATH225Applications of Discrete Mathematics and Statistics

4.5

MATH301Data Driven Statistics

4.5

PHIL101Introduction to Ethics

4.5

POLS101Introduction to Political Science

4.5

SCI101Introduction to the Sciences

4.5

SCI201Environmental Science and Sustainability

4.5

SCI203Environmental Science and Sustainability - Laboratory Course

1.5

SCI103Science and Technology- Laboratory Course

1.5

 

UNIV104Academic and Career Success

4.5

or

HUMNELEHumanities Elective

4.5

Total Credit Hours:70

Courses: Core

CSS150Introduction to Computer Security

4

CSS200Principles of Network Security

4

CSS250Security Risk Management

4

CSS260Scripting with Perl

4

CSS300Vulnerability Assessment and Management

4

CSS321Software Assurance

4

CSS332Database and Web Vulnerabilities and Security

4

CSS350Computer Forensics I

4

CSS351Computer Forensics II

4

CSS380Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning

4

CSS410Cloud Computing, Privacy and Security

4

CSS441Security Compliance

4

CSS450Security Capstone

4

Total Credit Hours:52

Courses: Concentration

CJUS254Introduction to Homeland Security

4

CE242Computer Architecture

4

 

CS104Problem Solving Concepts With C++

4

or

CS107Problem Solving Concepts with Python

4

 

CS115Programming With C++

4

or

CS117Programming in Python

4

 

CS126Unix Fundamentals

4

or

CS146Introduction to UNIX

4

 

CS215Intermediate C++ Programming

4

or

CS217Intermediate Python Programming

4

 

CS230Data Structures

4

or

CS235Data Structures with C++

4

 

CS265Algorithms

4

CS310Programming Mobile Apps

4

CS340Operating Systems

4

CS366Software Engineering Methods

4

EM200Introduction to Website Development

4

IT204Fundamentals of Networking

4

IT305Advanced Networking

4

Tech ElectivesSelect two CSS or CS or IT courses

8

Total Credit Hours:64

Total Credit Hours: 186

Locations

  • Colorado Springs
  • Aurora (Denver Area)
  • Virtual Campus

Area of Study

  • Information Technology

Degree Level

  • Bachelor