Bachelor's Degree Specialization in Cyber Security

Program Overview

DeVry University's online Bachelor's in Information Technology and Networking, with a Cyber Security Specialization, equips students with skills in network security, IT security, and countermeasure testing. Graduating students are prepared for careers as network administrators, information security analysts, and ethical hackers.

Program Outline

The program aims to build fundamental IT security, cybersecurity, and networking skills aligned with current career demands. Students learn to design, deploy, monitor, secure, and manage local and cloud-based networks. Qualifying students receive a complimentary laptop during their second session. The specialization focuses on defending networks, applications, and systems against security breaches and online attacks, covering network security testing, countermeasure testing, risk factor analysis, security and contingency planning, and disaster recovery scenarios.

Outline:

The Cyber Security Specialization within the Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and Networking includes the following learning areas:

• Information Technology and Networking: Focuses on network and internet technology, covering OSI and TCP/IP models, routing protocols, switches, network configuration, troubleshooting, security, and CompTIA Network+ exam learning domains.
• Technical Project Management: Explores basic project management concepts applicable to technical projects, including methodologies and frameworks for on-time and on-budget delivery.
Specific courses mentioned include:
• Wired, Optical and Wireless Communications with Lab: Studies transmission media's role in system security vulnerabilities, covering various media types and their significance in secure system planning.
Physical and virtual systems are analyzed, implemented, and secured.
• Ethical Hacking: Provides knowledge and skills related to hacking attacks and countermeasures, helping students build defense mechanisms against hackers.
Security loopholes and attack tools used by black hat hackers are examined.
• Network Security Testing with Lab: Examines network security testing, including testing countermeasures against malware threats such as denial of service (DoS), distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, email, web, and wireless attacks.
The importance of a layered approach to design, implementation, and testing of attack countermeasures is emphasized. Topics include assessing threats, developing countermeasures, protecting information, and security design processes. Auditing practices for verifying compliance and building cases for presentation are also covered.

Teaching:

The program utilizes online learning methods. Students have access to on-demand learning resources such as tutoring and digital library services, and 24/7 access to courses via a mobile app. The faculty are industry-experienced and provide real-world knowledge. The curriculum is aligned annually with employer needs through a National Advisory Committee. The program offers 8-week sessions and full- or part-time schedule options.

Careers:

Graduates of the Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a Cyber Security Specialization may pursue careers as:

• Network Administrator
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Ethical Hacker
• Vulnerability Assessor
DeVry University provides career services to help graduates identify and highlight their skills, polish resumes, refine LinkedIn profiles, and pursue their career goals.

Other:

• DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Cyber Security curriculum is acknowledged and verified by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS).
• Students can complete their Bachelor's degree in as few as 2 years and 8 months (minimum schedule) or 4 years (normal schedule).
• The program includes a complimentary laptop for qualifying students.
• The program incorporates a Tech Core curriculum focusing on operating systems, programming, hardware, connectivity, and security skills relevant to the IoT economy.
• The curriculum includes courses that develop soft skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and data analysis.