2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Cybersecurity Major


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Cybersecurity Overview


The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program at Clark University School of Professional Studies focuses the student on real world cybersecurity problems: psychology of cybersecurity, threat assessment, risk assessment, project tracking and management all with focus on edge-systems, tools and applications, in-depth algorithmic analysis.  These focus and core areas will be melded with top-level informational reporting, along with reference-based scoping and analysis.   

Students have the option to focus their program of study in one of two tracks to deepen their knowledge in Cyber Risk Analysis (e.g., data analytics, data mining) or Offensive Cyber Operations (e.g., pentesting, offensive cyber tools).

The BS in Cybersecurity emphasizes practical professional education integrating the teachings of liberal arts and experiential learning.  Through case studies, role playing, team projects, simulations, and field experience, students master both deep domain knowledge within the major and broad communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills and, thus, are prepared for the workforce across levels.  Under this approach, students are also prepared to sit for select GIAC certification exams.

Program Outcomes


Graduates from the BS in Cybersecurity program at Clark University will be uniquely positioned to:  

  • Collaborate in team projects, contribute individually, and communicate effectively within their organization with character and integrity to determine, thwart, and report on Cyber events and planning   
  • Acquire deep knowledge of cybersecurity, IT, project management and planning, reporting, and incident response methodologies    
  • Be competitive in the job field as a cybersecurity professional, e.g., analyst, consultant, administrator, manager, report, pentesting, etc.  
  • Sit for select GIAC certification exams, e.g., GFACT, GPEN, GEVA, GCIH, GPYC 

Student Learning Outcomes


Graduates from the BS in Cybersecurity program at Clark University will be able to:  

  1. Differentiate forensics and bleeding edge cyber assessment (black/white/grey hat), in the following areas: threat and risk assessment, domestic/international assessment, threat hunting assessments  
  2. Apply model-based analysis and workflow in distinctly different technology teams (DevOps, PenOps, Pentesting, Systems, Networking, and Engineering) for internal and external channel handling 
  3. Communicate effectively to provide clear and concise planning and incident reporting of cyber and IT practices.   
  4. Manage reporting related to cross platform analysis (mobile, Web, OS, HW [e.g., ARM], IoT, etc.) 
  5. Describe, apply and analyze security and IT protocols (cryptographic, networking (IPsec, TCP, HTTPS, etc.) and systems (design, implementation, computing)  
  6. Determine and counter the psychology of cyber warfare in the following areas: social engineering, getting into the mind of the hacker, ethical hacking  
  7. Apply operational status and heads-up tools for real-time reporting and closure status, automation of tools and integration with cloud resources - Edge based analysis   

Requirements


Program Requirements


The BS in Cybersecurity requires 32 course units.  Students may transfer up to 16 units toward degree completion.

Cyber Core

  • CSEC 1030 Foundations of Cybersecurity
  • CSEC 1900 Computer Network Security Essentials
  • CSEC 2230 Computer Networks and Security
  • MATH 1140 Discrete Math
  • MATH 1150 Statistics
  • CSEC 1090 Python Programming
  • CSEC 2010 Ethical Hacking
  • CSEC 2150 Database Management
  • CSEC 2810 Case Studies in Cybersecurity / Cyberterrorism
  • CSEC 2800 Cyber Range

MIS/IT

  • CSEC 1770 Intro to MIS
  • CSEC 2300 Cryptography

Business

  • PA 1000 Introduction to Business
  • LEAD 1010 Leadership and Decision Making
  • CSEC 2330 Cybersecurity Governance
  • PHIL 1310 Professional Ethics

Psychology of Cybersecurity

  • PSYC 1000 Introduction to Psychology
  • PSYC 1730 Abnormal Psychology
  • CSEC 2340 Thinking Like a Hacker
  • CSEC 2350 Cyber Defense & Countermeasures

Communication

  • COMM 2300 Intercultural Communication
  • Choose one of the following:
    • COMM 2180 Interpersonal Communication
    • COMM 1210 Effective Speaking and Presenting
    • COMM 2360 Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Management

Select a Track or Electives: 

Students may elect to complete one track in the major as defined below or complete four additional CSEC electives.

Cyber Risk Analysis Track

  • CSEC 1800 Introduction to Data Analytics
  • CSEC 2360 Threat and Risk Assessment (TRA)
  • CSEC 2320 Cyber Tracking and Reporting
  • CSEC 2370 Data Mining with Cyber Tools

Offensive Cyber Operations Track

  • CSEC 2060 Computer Architecture Fundamentals
  • CSEC 2310 Cloud Computing
  • CSEC 2380 Offensive Cyber Tools
  • CSEC 2390 Pentesting

Capstone

  • CSEC 2999

Distribution Requirements


Students are required to take 11 course units to meet the liberal arts distribution requirement for a bachelor of science degree. This requirement is designed to give students perspectives on human affairs that are essential to be contributing citizens of the world.  Please note that required major courses may also satisfy a Distribution Requirement; consult with your academic advisor if you have questions.  The 11 units must be distributed as follows:

  • English/Verbal Expression- two units - ENG 1000 - Introduction to Composition  & ENG 1150 - Intermediate Composition  
  • Humanities - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines. One unit must be met a course on ethics.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: ASL, ART, ARTH, ARTS, ENG (not ENG 1000 or ENG 1150), FILM, GERM, HEBR, JAPN, MUSC, PHIL, and TA.  Students may also take COMM 1210 Effective Speaking and Presenting.
  • Science/Mathematics - two units. One in math; one in science.
  • Social Sciences - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: CJ, COMM, ECON, GOVT, HIST, LEAD, PSYC, and SOC.
  • Technology - one unit.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: CSCI, CSEC

Electives

Electives may be selected from the entire spectrum of courses. Please consult your academic advisor with questions.

 

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