Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Southwest Baptist University
Key Information
Campus location
Bolivar, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 27,290 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* $37,272/year including fees
Introduction
Today's society has become increasingly dependent on technology, creating a significant need for professionals well-versed in the skills related to cybersecurity and ethical hacking.
Increasing numbers of technical and security failures threaten America's energy grid, personal data, financial institutions, government, and more.
Demand for professionals with these skills is significant. According to Forbes, more than 200,000 cybersecurity jobs went unfilled in 2015 in the U.S., and 1.5 million cybersecurity jobs are expected to be unfilled globally by 2020.
The National Security Agency (NSA) has established a program for recognizing excellence in cybersecurity at universities.
SBU's cybersecurity degree program is unique in that you will be equipped with coding and software engineering skills that will enhance your versatility in the cybersecurity industry. While most cybersecurity degrees approach data security from an information technology approach, SBU’s program approaches data security from a software engineering perspective.
Studying cybersecurity and taking ethical hacking courses at SBU will equip you to be on the digital frontlines in the ongoing cyber battle between forces of good (innocent individuals, small businesses, corporations, government) and forces of evil (digital thieves, corporate saboteurs, terrorists).
The SBU Advantage
- Learn from expert faculty including Dr. Jim Cain, who is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a published researcher in the secure coding area, and Meilani Conley, who worked for Booz-Hamilton as a security specialist and held classified federal security clearance.
- Study in a unique degree program developed with advisement by data security professionals.
- SBU CIS graduates have achieved 100% job placement within six months of graduation 5 out of the last 6 years.
- SBU is home to a dedicated cybersecurity lab.
- Graduates from the SBU CIS programs typically earn starting salaries ranging from $50,000-$75,000.
Curriculum
Freshman
Fall Semester
- CIS 1033 Foundations of Computer Science 3
- MAT 1143 College Algebra 3
- UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
- CIS 1144 Computer Science I 4
- CIS 1163 Introduction to Cybersecurity 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 2
Total hours 16
Spring Semester
- CIS 1154 Computer Science II 4
- CIS 2213 Systems Analysis & Design 3
- MAT 1173 Discrete Mathematics 3
- SOC 1003 Introduction to Sociology 3
- UNI 1121 Introduction to Critical Thinking 1
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 3
Total hours 17
Sophomore
Fall Semester
- CIS 2043 System Administration 3
- CIS 3333 Algorithms & Data Structures 3
- MAT 1193 Business Calculus 3
- ECO 2023 Microeconomics 3
- Gen Ed science with lab 4
Total hours 16
Spring Semester
- CIS 2013 Networks 3
- CIS 3323 Database Management 3
- CIS 3033 Secure Software 3
- LDR 4043 Ethics and Professional Development 3
- Gen Ed science with lab 4
Total hours 16
Junior
Fall Semester
- CIS 3413 Machine Organization 3
- CIS 4453 Systems Security 3
- CIS 2033 Information Assurance 3
- MAT 3343 Mathematical Statistics I 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 2
Total hours 17
Spring Semester
- CIS 3013 Digital Forensics 3
- CIS 4463 Ethical Hacking 3
- PSY 2033 Social Engineering 3
- CRJ 2313 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 2
Total hours 17
Senior
Fall Semester
- CIS 4462 Applied Software Engineering I 2
- CIS 3023 Network Security 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 3
- General Education or BUS/SOC/CRJ Elective 3
Total hours 17
Spring Semester
- CIS 4472 Applied Software Engineering II 2
- CIS 4423 Operating Systems 3
- MAT 4343 Mathematical Statistics II 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 3
- General Education or Graduation Requirement 3
Total hours 14
This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Career Opportunities
- Systems Administrator
- Security Analyst
- Security Architect
- Security Software Developer
- Cryptanalyst
- Security Engineer
- Security Administrator
- Cryptographer
- Security Consultant
- IT Technician
- Penetration Tester
- Source Code Auditor
- Security Auditor
- Forensic Expert
Program Outcome
Student Outcomes
Graduates of the cybersecurity program will have the ability to:
- Analyze a complex computing program and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline
- Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats
Educational Objectives
Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the cybersecurity program at Southwest Baptist University will be able to:
- Communicate effectively with their peers, clients, supervisors, and other professional work constituents using both written and oral communication
- Understand how to make rational decisions when faced with social, ethical, and legal issues inherent to the computing field
- Apply the theoretical framework in the computing disciplines to the analysis, design, and implementation of problem solutions and systems
- Employ the use of computing technology from a Christian perspective as technological servant leaders within their chosen careers
- Pursue continued professional development, advanced degrees, research, and technical certifications where appropriate.
Student Testimonials
Scholarships and Funding
You will have the opportunity to apply for several privately funded scholarships. Select incoming freshmen receive a CIS award for their first year.
Admissions
Gallery
English Language Requirements
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