B.S. in Computer and Information Security

Program Description

Computer and Information Security is an evolving discipline that involves the study of technology, strategy, policy, and standards regarding the security of and operations in cyberspace. The program introduces students to a variety of topics in Computer and Information Security such as computer and network protection, penetration testing and prevention, security in mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT), and more by using the state-of-the-art security tools and technologies.

Why Computer and Information Security?

After the security breach associated with more than one billion Yahoo user accounts in 2013, another 500 million Yahoo user accounts were stolen in 2016. Then, Yahoo, the giant web services provider, was hacked again in 2017. We have seen a huge increase in cyber-related incidents, including big data breaches, physical infrastructure tampering, ransomware, among others. These days, computers are an essential part of every type of business and organization and virtually all organization using computers need to hire someone to protect the valuable information stored on computers. As a result,

• The cybersecurity unemployment rate is zero-percent (reported by Cybersecurity Ventures).
• In US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment growth of 37 percent within the information security industry over the next 10 years. At this rate, the United States is on pace to hit half a million or more unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021.
• Globally, Cybersecurity Ventures predicts there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings by 2021 and Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) estimated a global shortage of 2 million cybersecurity professionals by 2019.
• The median salary of Information Security Analyst is $95,510 in 2017.

Why Choose the Computer and Information Security at Marshall University?

The program at Marshall University offers a holistic approach to cybersecurity education to prepare graduates to succeed in professional careers in very rapidly growing cybersecurity fields. With the curriculum designed to be consistent with the ABET/CAC standards and satisfy the core Knowledge Unit (KU) requirements of National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), the graduates will build strong technical skills as well as management of cyber risks and threats. The program promotes increased collaboration with industry, government, and educational institutions.

• Strong partnerships and alliances with government, external corporate, and industry organizations with joint educational and research opportunities in Computer and Information Security.
• Research and grant in Computer and Information Security related areas.
• Rich outreach opportunities to K-12 education as well as other interested parties and organizations.

What Careers in the Computer and Information Security?

Professionals in Computer and Information Security have a wide range of responsibilities with different roles in government organizations and industries including banks, retailers, etc. On the job, you are expected to safeguard an organization’s data, computers, networks, create security plans and monitor activities. If a breach occurs, you’ll be responsible for identifying the problem and finding a solution quickly.

– Security Specialist, Cryptographer, Security Administrator/Manager, Incident Res-ponder, Penetration Tester, Security Architect, Security Consultant, etc.

Program Objectives

Supporting the mission of Marshall University to provide innovative undergraduate and graduate education that contributes to the development of society and the individual, the Computer and Information Security program prepares students for careers in Computer and Information Security through learning based on practice and grounded in theory. The Computer and Information Security Program is committed to our alumni who, within a few years of their graduation, are expected to:

PEO 1: be employed in fields of Computer and Information Security or related technical areas
PEO 2: engage in life-long learning and professional development through self-study, continuing education or graduate and professional studies
PEO 3: become effective communicators, collaborators and innovators.
PEO 4: practice professional ethics with social responsibility addressing social, technical and business challenges.

The B.S. in Computer and Information Security program will strive to ensure that its graduates are placed in the area of cybersecurity or closely-related areas within the professional practice. The graduates are trained to contribute to evolving technology at their workplace, identify opportunities for breakthrough research and assume responsibilities in decision-making processes. The program exposes the students to a range of disciplines including ethics, natural sciences, social sciences, economics, political sciences, history and philosophy, thus acquiring the necessary broad knowledge to address real-world challenges. Graduates of the B.S. in Computer and Information Security degree program will acquire a sense of social responsibility and will be alerted to issues of safety and justice. They will make decisions reflecting their understanding of the professional ethics and practice the ethics of their profession in a way to promote social welfare. They will be effective communicators and active servants to the community.

Student Outcomes

The Marshall University Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Security program graduates shall be able to:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the program’s student outcomes and to the discipline.

Admission and Transfer Criteria

Minimum requirements for admission into the Computer and Information Security major for first time students are

• an ACT composite score of 21 (SAT 1060) and
• an ACT mathematics score of 24 (SAT MATH section score of 580)

Minimum requirements for admission into the Computer and Information Security major for transfer students, whether from within Marshall University or from another institution, are:

• 15 earned semester credit hours of college-level coursework
• an overall Grade Point Average of at least 2.0 in all college-level coursework,
• completion of ENG 101 (or equivalent) with a grade of C, and
• completion of MTH 132 Pre-Calculus, or MTH 127/130 College Algebra and MTH 132 (or
  equivalent) with a grade of C.

For those desiring to major in Computer and Information Security who do not meet the admission or transfer criteria listed above:

• Students may be admitted to “Pre-Computer Science” with a minimum ACT composite of 19 (SAT 940) and an ACT mathematics score of 19-23 (SAT MATH SEC score 500-570) Transfer students must be eligible for MTH 127/130 College Algebra and MTH 132 Pre-Calculus.

Pre-Computer Science students must complete the criteria for transfer students to Computer and Information Security.

Degree Requirements

View the Computer and Information Security, BS Curriculum/Academic Plan