College of Technology

Computer & Network Security

Bachelor of Science

About This Program

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 Studies core and support courses interact with the security core to deliver a “complete package.”

Purpose

Wilmington University has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (http://www.nsa.gov/ia/academic_outreach/nat_cae/institutions.shtml). In addition, the NSA has reviewed the University's courseware and determined that it meets the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals, NSTISSI 4011, and System Administrators, CNSS 4013E. These standards specify the minimum training requirements for entry level positions as information security professionals or systems administrators in the federal government and its contractors. 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 projected as the second fastest growing occupation by the US Department of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the BLS, the number of people employed as network systems and data communications analysts is projected to increase by 53% between 2006 and 2018.

What You Will Learn

In addition to becoming well-prepared for a technical career, students will also enhance their writing, verbal communications and analytical thinking skills. Graduates of the program will have a better understanding of the following topics:

  • Legal Aspects of Data
    • How content of e-mail and other documentation may be used in a court of law to satisfy the “rules of evidence”
    • The core of the degree combines courses offered by the Legal Studies and Criminal Justice programs to supplement the technology-oriented courses
  • Ethics

    • Understanding ethical practices associated with the role of a computer professional, including issues relating to copyright protection, intellectual property, and user privacy.

  • History

    • Students will learn the history of network and computer security, and how issues have changed with the rapid advances in technology.

Program Competencies

Students in the Computer and Network Security Program (BS) will be able to:

  • Apply the ethical principles required of computer professionals:
  • Demonstrate technical knowledge in Information Assurance necessary to prepare for an entry level position in the Computer and Network Security field;
  • Analyze requirements for Information Security projects using best practices and current methodologies;
  • Deploy the process used to analyze, design, Implement, test and deliver Information Assurance projects;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of best practices used to manage Computer and Network Security projects; and
  • Practice the use and employ the benefit of library resources, including subscription services and other sources generally accepted as legitimate and valid.

What You Can Do With This Degree

This new degree will help prepare students for positions with titles such as:

  • Security Technician
  • Security Analyst
  • Security Administrator
  • Security Auditor

The Computer and Network Security (CNS) Bachelor of Science degree will provide students with credentials specializing in digital information security and will also qualify students to “sit” for the following industry recognized certifications:

  • CISA - Certified Information System Auditor
  • CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
  • Security+ Certification
  • CompTIA Network+

Minimum Grade Policy

The Computer & 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.