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Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

  • Credits:
    120
  • Degree:
    Bachelor of Science

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity equips students with the practical and conceptual means to understand and navigate today's vast digital security landscape. This expansive cyber program focuses on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) identified skill sets for the Cybersecurity workforce. The curriculum aligns a wide variety of courses with the technical, legal, social, and investigatory aspects of digital security. Students will emerge with the competencies necessary to compete in a growing global market that demands highly skilled Cybersecurity professionals.

Cyber Program Concentration

  • Network Security Concentration: For students who want a basic understanding of how to analyze and evaluate network security threats and vulnerabilities. Learn more.

Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree Program Learning Outcomes

 Graduates of this cyber program will have demonstrated proficiency in the following areas:

  • Techniques used to protect the integrity of an organization’s security architecture and safeguard its data against attack, damage or unauthorized access
  • Design and develop IT risk and cyber security programs using industry frameworks and methodologies
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity regulatory environment and ethics
  • Monitor and assess cloud assets and resources for misconfigurations and non-standard deployments
  • Meeting the challenges of evolving cyber network threats

The Cambridge College Cybersecurity program is designed to provide the requisite skills and knowledge-base for successful graduates to sit for the following certifications: CompTIA (Cybersecurity Analyst) CSA, CompTIA (Information Security Specialist) Security+.

Cybersecurity Careers

A Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity from Cambridge College qualifies you for in-demand positions such as:

  • Information Security Manager
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Consultant
  • Network Administrator
  • Security and Risk Compliance Analyst
  • IT Auditor
  • Penetration and Vulnerability Tester

Watch FBI and Homeland Security cyber professionals discuss cybersecurity careers

Cybersecurity Scholarships

Cambridge College has scholarships of up to $7,500 per student per year for eligible cybersecurity program students. Ask your admissions counselor for more information, including application deadlines.

Related Programs at Cambridge College

If you’re thinking about this cybersecurity program, you might be interested in starting with an undergraduate certificate. All credits from Cambridge College cybersecurity certificates are transferrable to this bachelor's degree:

Curriculum

Degree Completion: General education requirements may be satisfied by an associate's degree or 60 credits of prior courses that meet all general criteria for transfer; up to 90 credits may be accepted.


General Education
42
Credits

WRT101-102 and MAT101-102 may by waived if equivalent courses have been accepted in transfer. Credits will be replaced with open electives. WRT201 required if both WRT101-102 are waived; not required for students completing WRT101-102 at Cambridge. WRT090 and MAT100 required if assessment indicates need.

Principles and Processes of Adult Learning
LRN 175 3 credit(s)
Students explore theories of adult learning. They clarify the fit between their academic program and their learning and career needs, and see how their prior learning fits in. They assess their academic skills of critical thinking, mathematics, writing, and computer literacy. Students become independent learners who can effectively manage the structures, processes and expectations of undergraduate education.
College Writing I
WRT 101 3 credit(s)
Through challenging readings, class discussion, small group col­laboration, and different forms of writing, students learn the skills and process of “thinking on paper.” They learn to construct an argument or discussion that supports a clear thesis and present it effectively in a well-organized essay that observes the conventions of written English. They write academic papers that analyze and synthesize the issues suggested in two or more readings. Critical reading, critical thinking, research skills, and forms of documentation are also introduced.
Foundations of Critical Thinking
CTH 225 3 credit(s)
We learn to engage in reasoned thinking. We learn to formulate hypotheses; conceive and state definitions, and understand logical consistency and inconsistency. We explore the differences between claims of fact, value, and policy; what constitutes credible evidence; the nature of assumptions. We learn what constitutes a persuasive argument as opposed to an emotive and propagandistic one, and critically examine them. Students learn to present clear, well thought out critical arguments in writing and oral presentations. We look at the relationships among thinking, writing, speaking and listening, laying a strong foundation for improving our capacity to write, speak, and listen well.
College Mathematics I
MAT 101 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT100 If assessment indicates need. This course introduces students to the value of mathematics for students’ career and educational goals. Students will acquire mathematical study skills, gain strategies for problem solving, and develop a sound foundation for future mathematics coursework. The course is structured towards engaging students in active, applied, and real-life learning in order to facilitate mathematical problem solving and conceptual understanding.
Introduction to Computer Applications
CMP 130 3 credit(s)
Assessment available. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the personal computer, Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software, the Internet, and an overview of Word, Excel and Power-Point uses. Students begin with the basics of each application and progress through intermediate level.
Digital Literacy
CMP 230 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: CMP 130 (course or portfolio) and familiarity with Windows and/or Mac operating system, or permission of instructor. Digital literacy is the ability to find, use, and share information using technology in order to excel in a digital world. Students will practice using a range of digital tools, including tools for searching and evaluating information and for creating and communicating digitally. Students will learn to select and use appropriate digital tools for a variety of settings including the classroom and workplace. Ethical and effective use of information will contribute to students’ identities as effective digital citizens.
College Writing II
WRT 102 3 credit(s)
WRT102 acquaints students with the academic research paper as both process and product. The course begins with an intensive review of the strategies and techniques for writing an academic essay that are covered in WRT101 and then moves to selecting and narrowing a topic, preliminary research, and establishing a focus for a 12-15 page argument research paper. The final paper includes an abstract, an introduction, discussion, conclusion, and references. Students learn how to write an annotated bibliography and use APA documentation for in-text citations and references.
College Mathematics II
MAT 102 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT101 If assessment indicates need. Challenge exam available. This course develops students’ mathematical thinking and problem solving around issues of both mathematical content and process. Students will acquire a conceptual and practical understanding of and familiarity with numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and basic data analysis and probability. The course focuses on supporting students’ understanding of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representations. A key feature of the course is active student involvement to support communicating mathematics in everyday and academic contexts.
General Education Distribution Requirements

Arts & Humanities - 6 credits

Natural & Physical Sciences - 6 credits

Social Sciences - 6 credits

Cybersecurity Major Core Courses
27
Credits
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
CMP 250 3 credit(s)

Learners are introduced to the foundational concepts, principles, threats, information security architecture, hacking techniques, malware, and contemporary technologies to identify and combat cyber security incidents. The interactive framework of the course will provide students with a practical sense of current and emerging cyber security trends.

Information Security Foundations
CMP 255 3 credit(s)

This course expands upon the concepts and applications introduced in CMP250 by providing an in-depth survey of network operating systems, network security, software security, and web security. Students will investigate and analyze some of the more popular attack tools and techniques like Malware, SQL Injection, and Zero Day Exploits. Additionally, concepts of access control, applied cryptography, and legal and ethical issues are covered. Prerequisite: CMP250 or permission of instructor.

EndPoint and Infrastructure Security
CMP 260 3 credit(s)

This course introduces students to basics of endpoint security including mobile threat defense, endpoint detection and response, and system hardening. It also entails configuration and troubleshooting endpoint and networking hardware components. Students gain hands-on experience of large scale system management through technologies such as mobile device management, Windows group policy, Puppet, Chef, Ansible, Salt, Jamf, Altiris and other technologies used to manage thousands of systems.

Operating Systems, Applications and Services
CMP 270 3 credit(s)

This course provides a review of the major computer operating systems in use today. Although there are several Client Operating Systems (COS) available, the most commonly used is the Microsoft Windows system, followed by Linux and Apple OSX. Students will learn both hardware and software mechanisms designed to protect the OS.

Network Security and Communications
CMP 280 3 credit(s)

This course will cover general digital security, cryptography, network attacks, wireless security, application security, device security, identity management, risk mitigation, and cybersecurity tools used by industry professionals. Learners will be prepared for the CompTIA (Information Security Specialist) Security + Exam through this comprehensive course. The Security+ certification is considered an essential qualification for IT security professionals in the workforce.

Digital Forensics
CMP 300 3 credit(s)

This course introduces learners to the science of digital investigation. Topics include laws the digital investigator will use in their craft, privacy considerations, performing data evidence acquisition and analysis, Internet & Email forensics, E-Discovery, and the latest computer forensic tools.

Incident Response
CMP 341 3 credit(s)

This course prepares learners for contingency planning in the event of a cybersecurity incident or emergency. An integral component to organizational readiness is the development of an incident response plan. Boards and management will rely on IT security professionals to aid in their development. This course guides learners through the creation of an incident response plan: incident detection and decision-making, the organization of a computer incident response team (CSIRT), response strategies, and recovery.

Cybersecurity Communications
CMP 350 3 credit(s)

This course focuses on key elements of crisis management—preceding, during, and after a cybersecurity crisis. Students will learn and practice the elements of the crisis management process: prevention, preparation, response and long-term communication strategies. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications of crisis communications theory, with the use of case studies and perspectives from top crisis expert practitioners.

Emerging Technologies
CMP 390 3 credit(s)

This course explores the rapid adoption of emerging technology and the growing implications for the security and privacy landscape. As emerging technology grow in all aspects of our lives, there is emerging a parallel, ongoing increase and evolution in cybersecurity risks. As this rapid adoption of new technology continues to explode, along with the volume of data sources in combination with the creativity of bad actors, the risk for organizations are increasingly growing. This course will allow students the opportunity to explore how emerging technologies such as IoT and AI are changing the threat landscape.

Open Electives
36
Credits

Choose electives and/or concentrations to support your academic interests and professional goals.

Concentration Option: Network Security
15
Credits

The concentration in Network Security is for students who want a basic understanding of how to analyze and evaluate network security threats and vulnerabilities to complement their major in Cybersecurity.  The course work provides a practical framework for understanding how to analyze network communication protocols, network analysis tools, and hacking methodologies.

The courses in this concentration are taken as part of your open electives.

Cloud Networking Security
CMP 400 3 credit(s)

This course covers the ground-up fundamentals of implementing policies, controls, procedures and technologies that work together to protect cloud-based systems, data, and infrastructure. A basic understanding to the cloud and the concepts, and technologies associated with it. The course will delve into not only how public and private cloud security works but the known risk and challenges it can pose for an organization.

Wireless Technology and Security
CMP 401 3 credit(s)

This course will cover the fundamentals of wireless security. Students will be introduced to the issues and technologies involved in designing and securing a wireless network from various passive and active attacks.

Network & Digital Forensics Investigation
CMP 415 3 credit(s)

This course presents an in-depth examination of digital forensics. Students will learn advanced cyber-investigatory techniques including collecting and preserving digital evidence, cybercrime defenses, mobile forensics, network forensics, endpoint forensics, case studies, and the latest forensic tools in the industry to combat cybercrime.

Network Protection and Threat Monitoring
CMP 435 3 credit(s)

Learners take an advanced look into the world of network intrusion analysis. Advanced intrusion methodologies, incident response, data analysis, malware analysis, network analysis, and advanced reporting are covered within this course.

Machine Learning for Network Intrusion Detection
CMP 450 3 credit(s)

Cybercriminals are using machine learning to launch large-scale and sophisticated attacks. Machine learning and AI provides the ability to uncover patterns and vulnerabilities that may be difficult for human security team to find. This class teaches students how some businesses are embracing machine learning-based security tools to identify and fight off cyber-attacks.

Core Faculty

Senior Instructor

Pages

Admissions

  • Admission Test:

    No SAT or ACT tests required.

  • Admissions Office:
    1-800-829-4723
  • Application Form:
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students)

Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students 

The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:

Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form

Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.

School Requirements

See Admissions Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

 

International Students 

International students need to provide supplemental documentation:

  • Official demonstration of English language proficiency
  • Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
  • International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service

Transfer Credit

Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.

Tuition

  • Credits:
    120
  • Cost per credit hour:
    $502
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students)
  • Health Insurance Fee:
    $2,290 (Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)

Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.

Financial Aid

Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more

Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college.  Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more

Getting Your Company to Help

Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more

Take the Next Step Toward Your Degree in Cybersecurity