Cybersecurity (BS)

Program Overview

Dallas Baptist University's Cybersecurity program equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in computer security, preparing them for careers in cyber analytics, penetration testing, and cybersecurity operations. The program emphasizes ethical decision-making, problem-solving, and the application of security principles to protect information technology assets. With a focus on both theoretical foundations and practical applications, graduates are well-equipped to address the evolving challenges of cybersecurity.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Cybersecurity program at Dallas Baptist University is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills of computer security, including theory, tools, and best practices. It seeks to prepare the student for careers in many areas of cybersecurity work including cyber analytics, penetration testing, network security, digital forensics, and cybersecurity operations and management careers.

Objectives:

• Identify and apply theories and processes related to information security, assurance, and cybersecurity.
• Apply security and cyber defense principles to the planning, implementing, and monitoring of cybersecurity mechanisms to help ensure the protection of information technology assets.
• The ability of ethical decision-making and professional integrity.
• Identify and analyze organizational problems relating to information assurance, security, and its implications on value creation and defense.

Program Description:

A major in Cybersecurity requires a minimum of 32 credit hours in computer science plus 24 credit hours in Cybersecurity. More than the minimum requirements in computer science will be necessary for students wishing to pursue graduate work in a related field. All Cybersecurity majors are required to take MATH 1405, 2301, 3302, and PHYS 1401, 1402.

Outline:

Content:

• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity

Structure:

• Major: 58 credit hours
• General Studies: 57 credit hours
• Electives: 0-5 credit hours

Course Schedule:

• Developing a Christian Mind: DCM 2301 (3 credit hours)
• English: ENGL 1301, 1302, 2301, or 2302 (9 credit hours)
• Fine Arts: FINE 1306 (3 credit hours)
• Foundations for Excellence: FOUN 1101 (1 credit hour)
• History: HIST 1301, 1302, 2301, or 2302 (6 credit hours)
• Kinesiology: KNES 1101 and one additional activity course (2 credit hours)
• Mathematics: MATH 1303 (3 credit hours)
• Natural Science: 15 credit hours from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, or Physical Science
• Religion: RELI 1301, 1302, and three additional credit hours (9 credit hours)
• Social Science: POLS 2301 and an additional three credit hours from Economics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology (6 credit hours)

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

• COSC 1302 - Introduction to Computer Science and Programming: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of computer science and programming.
Topics covered include problem-solving, algorithm design, data structures, and programming techniques.
• COSC 1405 - Foundations of Computer Science I: This course provides a rigorous introduction to the foundations of computer science.
Topics covered include logic, sets, functions, relations, and proof techniques.
• COSC 1408 - Foundations of Computer Science II: This course continues the study of the foundations of computer science.
Topics covered include recursion, induction, computability, and complexity.
• COSC 2306 - Data Structures and Introduction to Algorithms: This course introduces the fundamental data structures and algorithms used in computer science.
Topics covered include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.
• COSC 2403 - Object-Oriented Analysis and Design: This course introduces the principles of object-oriented analysis and design.
Topics covered include classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and design patterns.
• COSC 3301 - Database Management Systems: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of database management systems.
Topics covered include data modeling, database design, and database query languages.
• COSC 3305 - Computer Organization and Architecture: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of computer organization and architecture.
Topics covered include computer hardware, computer software, and computer networks.
• COSC 3306 - Networks and Telecommunication: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of networks and telecommunications.
Topics covered include network protocols, network topologies, and network security.
• COSC 3312 - Information Assurance: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of information assurance.
Topics covered include information security, information privacy, and information ethics.
• COSC 3403 - Software Security: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of software security.
Topics covered include software vulnerabilities, software attacks, and software security countermeasures.
• COSC 4316 - Ethical Hacking and System Defense: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of ethical hacking and system defense.
Topics covered include penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and incident response.
• COSC 4317 - Digital Forensics: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of digital forensics.
Topics covered include computer forensics, network forensics, and mobile forensics.
• COSC 4308 - Senior Project in Computer Science (S-L): This course provides students with the opportunity to work on a significant software development project.
Topics covered include project planning, project management, and project implementation.
• COSC 4401 - Operating Systems: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of operating systems.
Topics covered include process management, memory management, and file systems.
• COSC 4402 - Software Engineering (S-L): This course introduces the fundamental concepts of software engineering.
Topics covered include software requirements, software design, software implementation, and software testing.
• COSC 4415 - Network Security and Cryptography: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of network security and cryptography.
Topics covered include network security protocols, network security attacks, and network security countermeasures.

Assessment:

Methods:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Papers

Criteria:

• Knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and principles
• Ability to apply cybersecurity techniques and tools
• Ability to analyze and solve cybersecurity problems
• Ability to communicate cybersecurity findings and recommendations effectively