Computer and Network Security, Bachelor of Science

Philosophy

Today, businesses of all sizes depend upon a networked computer system connected to the Internet. Computer and network technologies have greatly increased employee productivity, elevated the status of “information” to that of a corporate asset, and reduced the cost of doing business. Unfortunately, the same technology that makes life easier for the employee also makes life easier for cyber criminals and more difficult for the IT professionals whose responsibility it is to secure the organization’s vital data. To protect themselves, companies seek professionals with the strongest security credentials available. In order to address such workplace demands, a program of study has been crafted that provides not only a foundation for the core of the degree, but also support from related disciplines to provide a well-rounded education. The General Education core and support courses interact with the security core to deliver a “complete package.”

Purpose

The Computer and Network Security (CNS) Bachelor of Science degree provides students with credentials specializing in digital information security, information assurance, and computer forensics. Students trained in CNS will be fully equipped to work within today’s rapidly expanding job market, both in the federal government and the private sector.

Computer and Network Security is listed among the fastest growing occupations by the US Department of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the BLS, the number of people employed as information security analysts is projected to increase by 37% between 2012 and 2022. To put it in perspective, that is more than double the projected growth for computer occupations and triple the projected growth rate for all occupations.

See www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm#tab-6 for more details.

Wilmington University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity through academic year 2021 by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

This nationally recognized designation certifies that Wilmington University’s Computer and Network Security and Information Assurance curricula, faculty, outreach and academic activities meet the rigorous standards established by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the National Centers of Academic Excellence designation program is to promote higher education in Information Assurance (IA) and Cyber Defense (CD) and prepare a growing number of IA/CD professionals to meet the need to reduce vulnerabilities in the Nation’s networks.

Minimum Grade Policy

The Computer and Network Security program has set a minimum passing grade of “C-” for program core courses. Students receiving a grade lower than “C-” in any required core course must retake that course.

CAP (Community and Academic Partnerships)/Co-op Program

In order to provide relevant work experience, students in the Computer and Network Security (CNS) degree program have the option of completing six credit hours via a coop assignment. The co-op option for CNS is the equivalent of two semester courses, for a total of six credit hours. Students can complete their CNS degree with 120 credit hours, whether they choose the co-op option or not. Because each co-op experience is individually designed, students must inform the Director of the CAP/Co-op program and the CNS Program Chair one semester before they would like to begin a co-op assignment.