What is Cybersecurity?
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.
Why Study Cybersecurity at Assumption?
The Assumption University 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 this industry, who possess technical expertise and practical training to help secure, develop, and sustain the cyberspace ecosystem.
Assumption University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through the academic year 2028.
Assumption University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through the academic year 2028.
Raymond T. Albert, Ph.D.
Program Details
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Assumption University Cybersecurity program graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of computing and information technologies and use software development and security analysis tools to produce effective designs and solutions for specific cybersecurity problems within a variety of computing platforms and employing an approved secure systems development process model;
- Identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly and professional literature relating to the fields of cybersecurity, information security, or information assurance, to help solve specific problems and to stay abreast of the rapidly changing security context;
- Participate as an active and effective member of a project team engaged in achieving specific computer-based cybersecurity results or solutions;
- Communicate, both orally and in writing, and negotiate with colleagues and other stakeholders including employees, managers, and executives within and between organizations;
- Demonstrate sensitivity to and sound judgment on ethical issues as they arise in cybersecurity and will adhere to accepted norms of professional responsibility;
- Integrate their technical expertise with knowledge from other disciplines, such as computer science, data analytics, economics, management science, psychology and human factors, to arrive at practical cybersecurity solutions that are effective in real organizations; and
- Use appropriate tools to prevent, detect, respond, and recover from cyber-attacks.
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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 University 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.
First Year: Fall
MAT 114 ~Elementary Functions or follow Math Placement CSC 117 or CSC 120 **Introduction to Programming, or Statistics Programming CYB 115 **Cybersecurity Fundamentals Foundations Course Foundations Course First Year: Spring
Statistics Course **Statistics, ECO 115, or PSY 224, or SOC 300 (in the Fall Semester) Free Elective CSC 260 +Command Line Interfaces Foundations Course Foundations Course Second Year: Fall
CSC/CYB 230 **Networking and Data Communications CYB 265 **Operating Systems Administration Free Elective Foundations Course Foundations Course Second Year: Spring
CSC/CYB 235 **Securing Wired and Wireless Networks CSC 303 **Operating Systems CSC 321 **Database Management Systems Foundations Course Foundations Course Third Year: Fall
CYB 318 **Software and Application Security CYB 328 **Computer, Network Forensics and Digital Investigations Free Elective Foundations Course Foundations Course Third Year: Spring
CYB 304 **Cryptography CYB 401 **Preparing for Cyber Disasters Free Elective Foundations Course Foundations Course Fourth Year: Fall
CYB 338 **Ethical Hacking Free Elective Free Elective Free Elective Foundations Course Fourth Year: Spring
CYB 438 **Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship Free Elective Free Elective Free Elective Free Elective **Courses marked with (**) are required for the major
Course Descriptions
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The Cybersecurity Minor consists of six courses, which comprise four required CYB courses, and two courses selected from the Electives list.
Required Courses (4)
CYB 115 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
CSC/CYB 230 Networking and Data Communications
CSC/CYB 235 Securing Wired & Wireless Networks
CYB 265 Operating Systems AdministrationElectives (Select 2)
CSC 303 Operating Systems
CYB 304 Cryptography
CYB 318 Software and Application Security
CSC 321 Database Management Systems
CYB 328 Computer, Network Forensics & Digital Investigations
CYB 338 Ethical Hacking
CYB 401 Preparing for Cyber Disasters
CYB 438 Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship -
Assumption University’s cybersecurity program has achieved “Program of Study” validation. This validation is awarded by the National Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program – which is managed by the NSA – and it means the University’s cybersecurity curricula and its B.S. in Cybersecurity degree meets or exceeds NSA standards in articulating cybersecurity education. In addition, the liberal arts foundation of the program directly aligns with and supports the following NCAE-C program core values and guiding principles:
- The Ethical Behavior Core Value: The academic institution must encourage and support ethical behavior by students, faculty, administrators, and professional staff.
- The Share Core Value: The institution enables an environment in which students, faculty, administrators, professional staff, and practitioners can share, interact, and collaborate with others in the cybersecurity field.
- The Lead by Example Core Value: The institution demonstrates a commitment to address, engage, and respond to current and emerging cybersecurity issues in the classroom, the institution itself, and outside the institution.
Faculty
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. Sample work roles based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology “NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework” include the following:
Security Architect
Cyber Defense/Forensics Analyst
Cyber Defense Incident Responder
Secure Software Assessor
Threat/Exploitation Analyst
Systems Security Analyst
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
Joshua Nixdorf
Cybersecurity 2024
“ The amount of time and effort put in by both the students and the staff for the success of the program has been nothing short of monumental. The Assumption Cybersecurity program has given me the tools necessary to make great advancements in the ever-changing modern world. Being able to work using various technologies on actual real-world problems not only helped to solidify my faith in the program, but also helps to promote student creativity on how to approach problems in a not-so cookie cutter world.”
Vincent Loria
Cybersecurity 2024
Engineering Development Program Intern at Travelers Insurance
“ Double majoring with Cybersecurity and Computer Science has given me all the necessary skills to be able pursue any career in the industry. Getting convinced to double major during my freshman orientation was one of the best decisions I made. It allowed me to gain a well-rounded knowledge of computer systems and prepared me for any path I decided to go down.”
Andrew Ellis
Cybersecurity 2023
Compliance Analyst at RTX
“ Assumption’s curriculum and cybersecurity program allowed me to hone my skills and become a more well-rounded individual. I am extremely grateful to be graduating from Assumption. The professors are very passionate about teaching and want all their students to achieve success. The variety of courses has helped me discover new interests and passions for subjects I may not have otherwise. The cybersecurity program has prepared me for the future in whichever area of the field I pursue. ”
Matthew McNaughton
Cybersecurity 2023
Cybersecurity & Technology Auditor with Liberty Mutual Insurance
“ Assumption University allowed me to grow in all aspects of my life. While pursuing a Cybersecurity degree at Assumption University, I have taken a wide variety of courses that have allowed me to learn and hone valuable skills in the field. Through a plethora of hands-on projects and lectures, I have gained remarkable insight in Cybersecurity that have prepared me to enter the workforce and thrive in the occupation.”
Cameron Carpenter
Cybersecurity 2023
Cyber & Strategic Risk Analyst with Deloitte
“ The knowledge I gained from the Cybersecurity Program at Assumption built a strong foundation for a successful career. Majoring in both Cybersecurity and Computer Science allowed me to gain a broad understanding of many areas within my career path. My experience at Assumption helped me earn an internship that turned into a full-time position.”
First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting
Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.