Online Cybersecurity Degree

Online Cybersecurity Degree Program Outline

From mission-critical business systems to e-commerce and the Internet, cyber security and IT is not only an industry in its own right but also a fundamental building block of various industries. AIU offers an industry-relevant online cyber security degree program designed to help students learn about the types of information technology security used in business today, as well as the practices that should be in place in any organization to ensure security.

Students will study how to work with security software, administer security systems and identify potential security threats organizations may face in a variety of real-world situations. The program also addresses issues of physical and operations security. The online cyber security degree program is designed for students looking to pursue career opportunities in the fields of digital security, information collection and preservation, and security-system creation.

Online cybersecurity courses can help you learn how to:

Summarize details of essential computer concepts
Use an operating system interface to access, add, troubleshoot and configure hardware and manage files
Implement a relational database management system utilizing the concepts of database design and data modeling
Develop business applications using programming languages, tools and software development methodologies
Manage security threats and risks by applying industry-best practices to assure information integrity, confidentiality, availability, non-repudiation and authenticity

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Earn an IT Certificate Alongside Your BSIT Degree

As you work to complete your BSIT degree with a Concentration in Information Assurance and Security, you may opt to earn an Information Technology Certificate at no additional cost to you. These certificates are designed to coincide with students learning along their path towards degree completion. After you have successfully passed or received transfer credit for the courses listed in your degree concentration, you will be able to obtain documentation of the certificate from AIU. You may even work with your academic advisor to change non-IT general electives to the IT courses that lead to a certificate—this means you can earn more than one certificate at a time!

Unlike certifications that are tied to industry exams, the certificates issued represent competency of learning from a member of an accredited university system.

What undergraduate-level certificates are available?

Digital Investigations Certificate
Information Assurance & Security Certificate
Network Administration Certificate
Software Analysis and Development Certificate

Estimate Tuition and Grad Date

Total tuition for the online Cybersecurity Degree program may vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.

Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date.

Cybersecurity Degree Courses

Degree Requirements

Courses

General Education

Credits

ENGL106 In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.	English Composition I	4.5
ENGL107 In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.	English Composition II	4.5
MATH125 An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success.	General College Mathematics	4.5
MATH133 A course that addresses algebraic topics such as solving equations and inequalities; developing models; graphing functions; and general concepts of functions. Students will have the opportunity to practice communicating their understanding of numerical, analytical, and graphical approaches to discuss problems that can be expressed algebraically. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve algebraic problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success.	College Algebra	4.5
UNIV103 This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings.	Academic and Professional Success	4.5
UNIV106 This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Students will learn how to recognize the difference between good and bad information as well as be able to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will learn how to manage data using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace to investigate, design, construct, and communicate responsibly. This course helps students improve technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century and increases the awareness of their impact on society.	Technology and Information Literacy	4.5
UNIV109 This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.	Interpersonal Communication	4.5
	Humanities (2 Courses)	9
	Natural Sciences (2 Courses)	9
	Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses)	9
	Total Credit Hours:	58.5

Core

Credits

ITCO101 This course provides an introduction to information technologies and information technology careers. The history of information technology is reviewed with a focus on key innovations and innovators. The significance of digital data to information technologies and organizations is reviewed. Students are provided with opportunities to evaluate social and ethical implications of information technology.	Discovering Information Technology	4.5
ITCO103 This course provides an overview of information technology hardware in the categories of microcomputer, handheld/mobile, wearable computing devices, and core networking hardware components. An introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT) is provided. Emphasis is placed on capabilities, functionality, and basic troubleshooting.	Introduction to Computer and Network Hardware	4.5
ITCO105 This course examines the impact of information technology on society at local and global levels. Specific societal implications and concerns inherent in the information technology profession from the perspective of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities will be addressed.	Information Technology and Society	4.5
ITCO107 This course is designed to help students develop skills that will enable them to produce rich and effective professional and technical document using word processing, spreadsheet and presentation tools. The course will also focus on basic principles of good technical writing with other forms of writing and on types of documents common in technical fields and organizations. While the emphasis will be on writing, use of tools and how best to utilize the features available will form an important component of the course.	Developing Professional Communications	4.5
ITCO211 In this introduction to operating systems, students are exposed to contemporary desktop and mobile operating systems. Topics may include operating system support, functions, network requirements, virtualization, and basic maintenance.	Introduction to Operating Systems	4.5
ITCO221 In this course, students are introduced to the programming concepts of control structures, arrays, and modular program design. Students will also develop, debug, and execute simple applications.	Fundamentals of Programming and Logic	4.5
ITCO231 In this course, students will review the fundamental concepts of database systems, leading to the rationale for today's dominance of the relational database model. In addition, the course will focus on designing and implementing a database, entering data, normalizing tables, and performing queries.	Introduction to Databases	4.5
ITCO251 This course provides students with a conceptual overview of network infrastructure. Topics may include network configurations, network operations, segmentation through subnetting, and wireless developments.	Network Infrastructure Basics	4.5
ITCO299 In this lower division capstone course, students will examine IT project management and systems architecture. Topics covered include project management concepts of time, scope, and costs, as well as systems architecture, sourcing, acquisition, development, and deployment processes.	Comprehensive IT Project	4.5
ITCO361 This survey course covers information security concepts and mechanisms. Information security concepts reviewed may include data protection techniques, software security, information assurance process, enterprise network security, and attack types/countermeasures.	Information Technology Security	4.5
ITCO385 This course tracks the evolution path of mobile technologies, and introduces students to wireless networks and its infrastructure, mobile operating systems, devices, and tools that support mobile communications. The focus is on current and emergent technologies, security, and user experience and interaction with mobile devices.	Introduction to Mobile Technologies and Internet of Things	4.5
ITCO391 The course examines human factors and performance in relation to technology applications, components of technology, and methods and techniques used in the design and evaluation of system and application interfaces.	Human/Computer Interfaces and Interactions	4.5
ITCO498 This course offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their level of understanding regarding the application of information technology concepts, technologies, and methodologies. Students are expected to employ their knowledge about hardware, systems, applications, and security management.	Program Capstone for IT	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	58.5

Electives

Credits

	A combination of any 3 undergraduate Information Technology courses	0
	and	0
	A combination of any 7 undergraduate General Elective courses	0
	Total Credit Hours:	45

Prerequisites must be met for selected electives.

Students enrolled in the general Information Technology track will select a total of 10 undergraduate General Elective courses, in lieu of a combination of General Elective and Information Technology Elective courses.

General Information Technology Track

Credits

In lieu of a Concentration, this generalist track allows students to select a combination of Information Technology Electives from any of the Concentrations below. Please contact your advisor to select or change your Electives, or to determine course eligibility.

	Select 4 Information Technology Electives	0
	Total Credit Hours:	18

Prerequisites must be met for selected electives.

Information Assurance and Security

Credits

ITAS362 This class provides students with an overview of network security principles and implementation techniques. Topics covered include authentication issues; examples of attacks and malicious code that may be used against networks, and the countermeasures against these; examples of perimeter and interior attacks; and protecting network services. Additional topics may include risk management and assessment, understanding and developing security policy, and protective technologies, such as firewall, intrusion detection systems and the use of encryption.	Introduction to Information Assurance and Information Security	4.5
ITAS363 This course covers network security principles and implementation techniques. Topics covered include examples of attacks and countermeasures for securing e-mail, definitions and principles underpinning all IT security, security management, and security architectures. Fundamental concepts, principles, and practical networking and internetworking issues relevant to the design, analysis, and implementation of enterprise-level trusted networked information systems are also covered.	Telecommunications and Network Infrastructure Security	4.5
ITAS367 This course covers the mathematical background to cryptography as well as providing a comprehensive review of contemporary cryptographic technologies, as applied to computer and network operations. Topics include determining the appropriate cryptographic targets and methods, digital key management, cryptographic vulnerabilities, and implementation of effective cryptographic methodologies to secure enterprise-wide information systems.	Principles and Methods in Cryptographic Security	4.5
ITAS465 This course covers techniques that hackers use to circumvent security and penetrate computers and computer networks. Topics covered include legal framework for conduction penetration testing, foot-printing, social engineering, host reconnaissance, session hijacking methods, denial of service, exploits of web server vulnerabilities, breach of database security, password crackers, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and firewalls circumvention, routers and switches services disruption, scanning and penetration of wireless networks, and overflow attacks methods and prevention. Other topics covered include creating, using, and preventing Trojan Horses, viruses, and other backdoor hostile codes.	Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	18

Total Credit Hours : 180

This program includes a series of courses that correlate to the respective content and competencies of the A+, Network+, and Security+ certification exams offered by CompTIA¹ and the Certified Ethical Hacker certification exam offered by EC-Council¹. These credentials can serve as independent validation of the knowledge and skills required to be successful in the fields of information technology (IT) computer user support, IT security, and networking.

CompTIA A+ Certification¹	CompTIA Network+ Certification¹	CompTIA Security+ Certification¹	EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker¹
ITCO 103 Introduction to Computer and Network Hardware	ITCO 251 Network Infrastructure Basics	ITCO 361 Information Technology Security	ITAS 367 Principles and Methods in Cryptographic Security
ITCO 211 Introduction to Operating Systems	ITNA 353 Routing and Switching	ITAS 362 Introduction to Information Assurance and Information Security	ITAS 465 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
	ITNA 355 Advanced Routing and Switching	ITAS 363 Telecommunications and Network Infrastructure Security
	ITNA 357 Network Security Management

AIU B.S.I.T. students will be eligible to receive a discounted rate for the CompTIA examination fee² once all of the respective courses above have been successfully completed in residence with the universityᶟ.

For more information on the A+, Network+, or Security+ certifications, including exam objectives, sample questions, and certification information, please visit https://www.comptia.org/certifications.

For more information on the Certified Ethical Hacker certification, including information about the exam, course outlines, and requirements, please visit https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/.

¹American InterContinental University does not prepare students to take the exam necessary to receive the A+, Network+, Security+, or Certified Ethical Hacker credential. AIU cannot guarantee that students or graduates of this program will be eligible to take third party certification examinations. Certification requirements for taking and passing these exams are controlled by outside entities and are subject to change without notice to AIU.

²Students must contact the office of the Registrar in order to receive the promo code for the discounted exam rate.

ᶟIn order to receive the discounted CompTIA exam rate, the listed courses must be completed in residence at American InterContinental University.

Cybersecurity Degree Classes Overview

For an Online Cybersecurity Degree, your classes may include:

Introduction to Information Assurance and Information Security

This class is designed to provide students with an overview of network security principles and implementation techniques. Topics covered include authentication issues; examples of attacks and malicious code that may be used against networks, and the countermeasures against these; examples of perimeter and interior attacks; and protecting network services. Additional topics may include risk management and assessment, understanding and developing security policy, and protective technologies, such as firewall, intrusion detection systems and the use of encryption.

Telecommunications and Network Infrastructure Security

This course covers network security principles and implementation techniques. Topics covered include examples of attacks and countermeasures for securing email, definitions and principles underpinning all IT security, security management, and security architectures. Fundamental concepts, principles, and practical networking and internet working issues relevant to the design, analysis, and implementation of enterprise-level trusted networked information systems are also covered.

Information Systems Control and Auditing

The course covers the essential subjects and topics in information systems control, including types of audits, types of audit risks, frameworks for management and application controls, audit software and tools, concurrent auditing techniques, data integrity, system effectiveness, IT services delivery, life cycle management, information asset protection, IT governance, business continuity, and system efficiency. Also covered are processes for creating information systems audit and reviewing audit reports.

Principles and Methods in Cryptographic Security

This course covers the mathematical background to cryptography and is designed to provide a comprehensive review of contemporary cryptographic technologies, as applied to computer and network operations. Topics include determining the appropriate cryptographic targets and methods, digital key management, cryptographic vulnerabilities, and implementation of effective cryptographic methodologies to secure enterprise-wide information systems.

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

This course covers techniques that hackers use to circumvent security and penetrate computers and computer networks. Topics covered include legal framework for conduction penetration testing, foot-printing, social engineering, host reconnaissance, session hijacking methods, denial of service, exploits of web server vulnerabilities, breach of database security, password crackers, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and firewalls circumvention, routers and switches services disruption, scanning and penetration of wireless networks, and overflow attacks methods and prevention. Other topics covered include creating, using, and preventing Trojan Horses, viruses, and other backdoor hostile codes.

IT Governance for Information Security Managers

This course covers enterprise IT governance framework, enterprise security governance framework, business-based investment decisions, maturity practices, compliance issues, IT security strategies, privacy regulations, computer misuse, and incident investigation procedures.

System Architecture and Integration

In this course, students will analyze the system integration requirements and apply appropriate frameworks, methodologies, and techniques that are used to manage, administer, acquire, develop, implement, and integrate enterprise systems.

Comprehensive IT Project

In this lower division capstone course, students will examine IT project management and systems architecture. Topics covered include project management concepts of time, scope, and costs, as well as systems architecture, sourcing, acquisition, development, and deployment processes.

Information Technology Security

This survey course covers information security concepts and mechanisms. Information security concepts reviewed may include data protection techniques, software security, information assurance process, enterprise network security, and attack types/countermeasures.

Data Structures and Implementation

This course is designed to introduce students to basic data structures and algorithms which are to be used as tools in designing solutions to real-life problems. Students will explore the specification, usage, implementation and analysis of basic data structures and algorithms.

Program Capstone for IT

This course offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their level of understanding regarding the application of information technology concepts, technologies, and methodologies. Students are expected to employ their knowledge about hardware, systems, applications, and security management.

View the University Catalog

Course content subject to change.

Ways to Save on Your Online Cybersecurity Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) degree with a concentration in Information Assurance and Security?

The BSIT degree with a concentration in Information Assurance and Security is designed to provide you with knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for the information assurance and security field. The online information assurance and security degree program emphasizes problem-based and hands-on learning, so upon graduation you will be ready to pursue a career in the field.

How long does it take to earn an Information Assurance and Security degree?

Our bachelor’s degree programs are designed as 48-month programs. However, many factors can impact your time to completion. The time it may take you to earn your information assurance and security degree can be influenced by course loads proficiency and/or transfer credits, and breaks.

What kind of courses will I take during my information security and assurance degree?

As you work to complete your degree concentration in information assurance and security, you will be immersed in courses such as: Introduction to Information Assurance and Information Security; Telecommunications and Network Infrastructure Security; Principles and Methods in Cryptographic Security; and Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing.

When can I begin classes?

Courses for the online information and assurance security degree program start approximately every five weeks. Your actual start date is based on several factors, including receiving academic and financial documentation.

How many credits are required to graduate with an information assurance security degree?

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree with a concentration in Information Assurance and Security program consists of 180 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. Please see the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Why should I pursue an information assurance and security degree?

By studying key topics in information assurance and security, you have an opportunity to focus your studies in the areas of digital security, information collection and preservation, and security-system creation. In this specialized curriculum you will work to develop experience in the major areas of system and network assurance and security, which includes wireless security, coping with insider threats, and hardening operating systems. This real-world concentration can help you work to develop a focused, industry-specific knowledge base common to IT professionals in the field of information assurance and security.

What does the concentration in information assurance and security mean?

Our online information assurance and security degree program can help you learn to spot weaknesses, create security protocols, and formulate fresh ways to protect an organization’s digital assets. When enrolled in this program, you will explore system and network assurance security. Coursework covers principles and methods in cryptographic security; ethical hacking and penetration testing, and information systems security; and network infrastructure security.

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