Cyber and Information Security Technology, Bachelor of Science (Degree Completion)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology (BS CIST Degree Completion) program covers all aspects of the use of computers and information systems in today’s organizations. Students are introduced to a variety of operating system environments, networking technologies, and associated security practices. With the growth of the internet, organizations are networking and securing their internal computer resources and also connecting to external internet-based resources. The pervasiveness of the internet and the rise of cloud computing present challenges in defending critical network infrastructure against cyber threats. These employer-driven, hands-on, interactive educational programs equip students with cyber and networking skills required for career-entry positions in a wide range of companies. The Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology program is designed to provide accelerated degree completion and new career options for candidates who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology program are expected to attain the following objectives within a few years of graduation:

Show innovation in applying the skills and techniques of computing in their professions
Pursue lifelong learning to ensure currency and continuous improvement of technical and soft skills and abilities
Participate actively as a member of the computing community, through professional organizations or other activities that serve the profession
Contribute to the advancement of computing while upholding the professional and ethical responsibilities of the field
Exhibit expertise in leadership and management in the profession
Develop adaptive solutions to evolving needs using industry-current tools and processes
Apply cybersecurity and risk management principles universally

Program Outcomes

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology program develop planning, design, implementation, and support skills in operating systems, networking, software programs, and security. Students develop additional focused skills based on which major the student pursues. Students also learn principles of excellent customer service in order to assist clients with technical issues.
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology program, graduates are able to:

Apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to analyze and solve a complex computing problem
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
Make informed judgments in computing practice based on ethics, law, regulatory environment, and standards of the profession
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 the environment, hardware, software, and human aspects of a system
Analyze and evaluate systems to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats

For additional information about the program link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/bachelors-to-bachelors-cyber-network-security-degree-completion . To see the Student Consumer Information link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/student-consumer-services which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see About ECPI University on the ECPI website.

In 12 months, through our year-round schedule, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology.

About Cyber and Information Security Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology program will prepare graduates for IT career paths, including network and cybersecurity positions. Graduates will be prepared to plan, design, and implement computer hardware, software, networking, and cybersecurity systems. They may also work as security analysts, network architects, or administrators who design, implement, and maintain computer networks, including wireless networks. Graduates also may work in cyber defensive or offensive roles. Certain positions may require background checks, drug screening, and/or security clearances, depending on the position and industry.

Some entry-level job titles for a Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology graduate include: Cybersecurity Operations and Maintenance Specialist, Network and Datacenter Administrator, Virtual Server Administrator, Storage Technology Manager, Systems Analyst, and Systems Administrator. IST graduates are required in many industries, so employment could be expected in most any military or business setting.

Recommended Certifications

ECPI encourages students to obtain all appropriate certifications to increase potential job opportunities. ECPI provides students in this program with vouchers which allow the student to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Available certifications for this program include Microsoft, Cisco, and Oracle certifications; A+, Network+, Linux+, and Security+; and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

Program Outline

A student transferring into the Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology (Degree Completion) program will transfer a minimum of 60 credit hours from his/her previous baccalaureate degree. These credits include 30 Arts and Sciences credits and 30 elective credits. To receive the Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security Technology, which requires a total of 120 semester credit hours, a student transferring in the minimum 60 semester credit hours will be required to complete 60 credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 3 semesters which is equivalent to 12 months or 50 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum

60 semester credit hours

ACS100	Computing Fundamentals	6
ACS130	Introduction to Programming and Automation	6
ACS150	Networking Fundamentals	6
ACS200	Security Fundamentals	6
ACS200L	Advanced Cybersecurity Lab	1
ACS225	Windows Administration	6
ACS250	Linux Administration	6
ACS300	Routing and Switching Fundamentals	6
ACS325	Cloud Administration	6
ACS400	Ethical Hacking	6
ACS452	Capstone I (Competition)	2
ACS453	Capstone II (Project)	3

Cyber and Information Security Technology (Degree Completion) - Program Specific Policies

Admissions Requirements

Admission is on a selective and competitive basis. ECPI University reserves the right to select those applicants who are deemed best qualified for the Cyber and Information Security Technology, Bachelor of Science (Degree Completion) program. The Admission process includes the following:

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree from a regionally accredited institution, graduating with a minimum GPA of 2.50. Students who do not meet the 2.50 GPA requirement may apply for admission to the BS CIST program on a provisional status. Upon successful completion of the first semester of the BS CIST program, a student may apply for a change of status from provisional admission to the full admission.
Applicants are required to provide official high school or General Education Diploma (GED) transcripts, as well as official college transcripts for completed college level course work. An educational history evaluation will be completed upon receipt of official transcripts. Transfer credits will be evaluated according to ECPI University’s transfer credit policy.
Relevant work or military history and industry certifications related to computer science are also evaluated
Applicants are expected to have basic proficiency in common computer applications
Submission of an Entrance Essay (1 page maximum length) on Why This Program is Important for My Professional Goals.
Qualified applicants who rank highest on the admissions criteria will be evaluated by an academic review committee. The academic review committee will determine final selection for admission to the BS CIST program.
All applicants must submit to a criminal background check
Entrance requirements include 60 total credits applied from previous degree/coursework, including:
- 30 Arts and Sciences credits (including prerequisite coursework outlined below)
- 30 elective credits

60 semester credit hours

	Course Title	Credits
ARTS	Written/Oral Communication	6
AND	Social/Behavioral Sciences	6
SCIENCES	Natural Sciences	3
	Fine Arts/Humanities	3
	Math	3
	Arts and Sciences Electives	9
ELECTIVES	General Electives	30