About Information Assurance and Cyber Security
The Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance & Cyber Defense program prepares prospective students with the knowledge and skill set necessary for future computing and cyber security professionals to build, maintain and protect networks and computer systems in both government and industry.
The program has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) as the Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance (IA) and Cyber Defense (CD) education (DHS/NSA CAE-IA/CD). Additionally, the program holds the ABET accreditation, which assures the program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates. The program is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program.
Learn
The Information Assurance and Cyber Defense program places emphasis on design, integration, administration, hardening, and protection of all types of computer information systems and network infrastructures in modern cyber environments. Students are immersed in solid theories as well as intensive hands-on practical experiences to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities applied to all elements in modern computing disciplines. The curriculum covers:
- Computing and networking theories/practices
- System architecture and administration, integration and troubleshooting
- Cybersecurity threat/risk evaluation
- Incident response analysis and practice
- Network/digital forensics and investigation
- Penetration testing and system auditing
- Cyber laws, legislation, policy/compliance, and project management
Opportunities
Per the U.S. Department of Labor 2014 handbook, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $81,430 in May 2015, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $36,200. Graduates are in demand to work in private, public, and government agencies.
Recent graduates have held positions at Snapchat, Google, Amazon, General Electric, Dominos Corporate, and Raytheon.
Articulation Agreement
An articulation agreement exists between this program and at least one community college. Visit the page with current list of program articulation agreements.
Program Admission
Requirements for Admission
Students must meet the following requirement to be admitted to the ISAC programs
- Completion or transfer credit of IA 103 and IA 110 with a grade of B- or above
Application Process
Students who wish to be admitted to the IA/CD program must do the following:
- Complete all requirements listed above. Students may be enrolled in one or two of the required courses listed above during the semester they apply.
- The student shall inform their advisor of their decision to join the IACD program in person or by email.
Decision Notification Process
- Students will be notified by letter and/or through e-mail after a decision is made. This notification will be made no later than the start of the semester following the application.