Computer Science BA with Cybersecurity Minor

*This Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Department program is pending approval by the National Security Agency.

Pursuing the Cyber Defense Designation

The National Security Agency (NSA) is in the process of evaluating the Program of Study (POS), Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science with the Cybersecurity minor, for designation in the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) program for Cyber Defense (CD). The CAE Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions that offer cyber degrees that also demonstrate that it engages in significant community involvement, academic activities, and institutional practices in cybersecurity.

Program Advisory Board

Adai Aydin '12, Principal Systems Analyst, Fidelity Investments
Greg Brooks '11, Business Development Analyst, South County Health
Matt Hallam '10, Solutions Architect, Amica Insurance
Kristian Maiorano '11, IT Manager, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Francesca Malerba '16, Product Support Consultant, Fidelity
Jesus Mendoza '13, IT Administrator, WPRI
Victor Nunez '14, United Collaborations Engineer, Carousel Industries
Dario Pereira '12, Global Service Desk Manager, Argus Information and Advisory Services
Myshele Petersen (Costa) '11, IT Service and Support Manager, Consigli Construction
Mike Saraiva '13, Systems Engineer II, IGT
Kris Wetterland '13, Propel Associate, Fidelity Investments

Program Details

Completing the Program of Study

Students must satisfy these requirements to earn the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Minor. When earned, students will receive official documentation recognizing their completion of the NSA Validated Program of Study.

Program Learning Outcomes for Cybersecurity Minor

demonstrate an understanding of the basic threats, attacks and vulnerabilities that exist in today’s digital world
create a virtual secure environment to practice with basic networking, password cracking and security tools
demonstrate secure programming techniques
articulate basic cryptography techniques from the past and from today’s world
gain a basic understanding of security and compliance laws, cyber security opportunities and job market

Program Learning Outcomes for Computer Science BA

a background in the content and methodology of computer science
an understanding of and the ability to use basic programming concepts and techniques
an understanding of and the ability to use basic concepts and techniques in computer organization, architecture, and operating systems
the ability to apply their knowledge of computer science to solve problems
the ability to use problem-solving skills to design, implement and test programs individually
the ability to use problem-solving skills to design, implement and test programs as a member of a team

Course Requirements for Cybersecurity Minor

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
CSCI 102	Computer Fundamentals for Cyber Security	4
CSCI 157	Introduction to Algorithmic Thinking in Python	4
CSCI 402	Cyber Security Principles	4
CSCI 410	Digital Forensics	4
CSCI 432	Network and Systems Security	4
	Total Credits:	20

Course Requirements for Computer Science Major

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
CSCI 209	Discrete Structures Using Python	4
CSCI 211	Computer Programming and Design	4
CSCI 212W	Data Structures	4
CSCI 309	Object-Oriented Design	4
CSCI 313	Computer Organization and Architecture	4
CSCI 325	Organization of Programming Language	3
CSCI 401W	Software Engineering	3
CSCI 423	Analysis of Algorithms	4
CSCI 435	Operating Systems	4
Three Courses from CSCI 305 (4) or CSCI 402 (4) or CSCI 416 (4), CSCI 415 (4), CSCI 422 (4), CSCI 427 (3), CSCI 428 (4), CSCI 437(4), CSCI 455 (4), CSCI 467 (4), CSCI 476(4).	Three CS Electives	11-12
MATH 212	Calculus 1	4
	Total Credits:	49-50

Contact

Department of Computer Science and Information Systems

The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems is your source for technology-related majors.