Undergraduate

Cybersecurity

Assumption’s cybersecurity program offers a technology-based education, using methods in computing and information science, engineering, social science and technology management that also foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital information economy.

Cybersecurity Program

Program Tracks Available

Major

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 1
Early Action: November 1
Early Action II: December 15
Regular Decision: February 15

Degrees Offered

B.S.

Department

Mathematics and Computer Science

Program Overview

Cyberspace is a dynamic and evolving ecosystem, with complex, multifaceted networks that connect individuals, organizations and national and international entities. However, cyberspace’s expansion presents new weaknesses to exploit, making it vulnerable to intrusion and exploitation. Cyber threats and vulnerabilities have grown exponentially with the explosion of technology and connectedness, affecting individuals, organizations and nations alike. And while cyber threats and vulnerabilities challenge our economic prosperity, organizational sustainability, and individual identity and privacy, they have also emerged as a leading threat to national security.

The Assumption College Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity offers a technology-based education, using methods in computing and information science, engineering, social science and technology management that also foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital information economy. The faculty, drawn from different areas of expertise in cybersecurity, will engage students in finding solutions to emerging global cyber threats. At Assumption, a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity will educate the next generation of leaders and architects in cybersecurity, who possess technical expertise and practical training to help secure, develop, and sustain the cyberspace ecosystem.

Assumption College Cybersecurity Center

Program Contact

Raymond Albert, Ph.D.

Professor of Practice, Cybersecurity, Director of Cybersecurity Program

508-767-7594 rt.albert@assumption.edu Founders Hall - Room 107

An Ideal Place To Learn

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

Jump To

Program Curriculum

Major (for Students entering in Fall 2019 or after)

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity comprises 14 required courses: one course in Statistics; three courses in Computer Science; four Cybersecurity Core courses; and six advanced courses in Cybersecurity including an Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship; the total is 42 semester hours.

The table below lists the major’s required courses, each marked with a double asterisk (**), arranged in a suggested schedule. Program prerequisite courses are labeled with a tilde (~). Recommended courses are labeled with a plus (+).

Assumption College core curriculum courses may be taken in almost any semester; see Assumption’s Undergraduate Catalog for details. The major’s required courses also allow some flexibility of scheduling; see page 2 of this sheet for course-offering schedules and prerequisites.

First Year: Fall 2019

MAT 114	~Elementary Functions or follow Math Placement
CSC 117 or CSC 120	**Introduction to Programming, or Statistics Programming
Free Elective
Core	Course in History
Core	THE 100: Introduction to Theology
CSC 110	**Excel, 1 credit

First Year: Spring 2020

ECO 115	**Statistics, or PSY 224, Statistics, or SOC 300 Statistics (in the Fall Semester)
CYB 115	**Cybersecurity Fundamentals
CSC 260	+Command Line Interfaces
Core	A Foreign Language course, at placement
Core	THE 150, 151, or 153

Second Year: Fall 2020

CSC/CYB 230	**Networking and Data Communications
CYB 265	**Operating Systems Administration
Free Elective
Core	LTE 140: Introduction to Literature
Core	PHI 100: Socrates and the Search for Truth

Second Year: Spring 2021

CSC/CYB 235	**Securing Wired and Wireless Networks
CSC 303	**Operating Systems
CSC 321	**Database Management Systems
Core	ENG 130: English Composition
Core	PHI 151, 152, 153, or 154

Third Year: Fall 2021

CYB 328	Computer, Network Forensics and Digital Investigations
CYB 318	**Software and Application Security
Free Elective
Core	A course in Fine Arts
Core	A course in Social Science

Third Year: Spring 2022:

CYB 401	**Preparing for Cyber Disasters
CYB 304	**Cryptography
Free Elective
Core	A course in Science
Core	A 2nd course in HIS or a Social Science

Fourth Year: Fall 2022

CYB 338	**Ethical Hacking
Free Elective
Free Elective
Free Elective
Core	A 3rd PHI or THE at a higher level

Fourth Year: Spring 2023

CYB 438	**Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship
Free Elective
Free Elective
Free Elective
Core	A 2nd course in LIT, or POL

**Courses marked with (**) are required for the major

Course Descriptions

Faculty

Raymond Albert, Ph.D. Director of Cybersecurity Program Professor of Practice, Cybersecurity Director of Cybersecurity Program

Ali Al Faris, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor/Computer Science

Pawan Gupta

Adjunct Faculty/Computer Science

William Katcher, MBA Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption College, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Pathway to Success

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 28-percent growth for information security analyst positions, rating the field with “much faster than average” growth.

Analyst Security

Architect Security

Computer Systems Analyst

Cryptanalyst

Cryptographer

Cyber Security Analyst

Cyber Security Engineer

Cyber Security Manager / Administrator

Engineer Security

Information Security Analyst

IT Auditor Network Engineer / Architect

Security Administrator Security

Software Developer Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Engineer

Vulnerability Analyst / Penetration Tester

First-rate Academics in a Catholic College Setting

Assumption College strives to form graduates known for critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service. Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the College pursues these ambitious goals through a curriculum grounded in the liberal arts that prepares students for professionally and personally rewarding lives of meaning.

Our Mission

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid

Career Paths

Cybersecurity Career Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 28-percent growth for information security analyst positions, rating the field with “much faster than average” growth. The Bureau reports that the latest median annual wage for analysts is $92,600. The highest concentration of jobs in this industry are found in Mid Atlantic area, including Washington, D.C. CyberSeek.org provides a cybersecurity employment opportunity “heatmap” that depicts over 9,200 open cybersecurity positions on Massachusetts alone and over 300,000 open positions nationally.

Careers in Cybersecurity

Assumption students have many opportunities for career internships through the Career Development & Internship Center. Internships may be paid or unpaid and they offer students valuable, hands-on experience. Establishing a network with professionals and proving one’s abilities often results in job offers and provides invaluable experience.

Emerging Careers and Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals

Assumption is one of only three institutions of higher learning in Massachusetts with a curriculum that complements the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security’s Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense program. The program emphasizes the formation of thoughtful citizens with strong moral character and integrity.

Apply

Visit Assumption