The Bachelor of Science degree in cybersecurity focuses on real-world cybersecurity problems through the examination of the psychology of cybersecurity, threat assessment, risk assessment, and project tracking and management. Acquire in-depth knowledge on edge systems, tools and applications, and algorithmic analysis, melded with skills in top-level informational reporting and reference-based scoping and analysis.
You have the option to focus your program of study on one of two tracks: cyber risk analysis (e.g., data analytics, data mining) or offensive cyber operations (e.g., pentesting, offensive cyber tools). Alternatively, in lieu of a track, you may select four cybersecurity courses.
Requirements
The B.S. in cybersecurity requires 32 units of credit (128 semester hours). You may transfer up to 16 units toward degree completion. The requirements for the B.S. fall into four categories:
- Cyber core
- Courses meeting distribution requirements
- Elective courses
- A capstone course
Transfer students must take at least half the courses (16 units) for the degree at Clark.
Distribution Requirements
All B.S. candidates are required to complete 11 course units to meet the liberal arts distribution requirement. This requirement is designed to give you perspectives on human affairs that are essential to become a contributing citizen of the world. Required major courses may also satisfy a distribution requirement; consult with your academic advisor if you have questions. The 11 units must be distributed as follows:
- English/Verbal Expression — two units, ENG 1000 – Introduction to Composition and ENG 1150 – Intermediate Composition
- Humanities — three units. These courses must be distributed among at least two disciplines. One unit must be a course on ethics. Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include ASL, ART, ARTH, ARTS, ENG (not ENG 1000 or ENG 1150), FILM, GERM, HEBR, JAPN, MUSC, PHIL, and TA. You may also take COMM 1210: Effective Speaking and Presenting.
- Science/Mathematics — two units. One in math; one in science.
- Social Sciences — three units. These courses must be distributed among at least two disciplines. Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include CJ, COMM, ECON, GOVT, HIST, LEAD, PSYC, and SOC.
- Technology, one unit. Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include CSCI and CSEC.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of the Cybersecurity Program, you should be able to:
- Differentiate forensics and bleeding-edge cyber assessment (black/white/grey hat) in the following areas: threat and risk assessment, domestic/international assessment, and threat hunting assessments.
- Apply model-based analysis and workflow in distinctly different technology teams (DevOps, PenOps, Pentesting, Systems, Networking, and Engineering) for internal and external channel handling.
- Communicate effectively to provide clear and concise planning and incident reporting of cyber and IT practices.
- Manage reporting related to cross-platform analysis (mobile, Web, OS, HW [e.g., ARM], IoT, etc.).
- Describe, apply, and analyze security and IT protocols (cryptographic, networking, IPsec, TCP, HTTPS, etc.) and systems (design, implementation, computing).
- Determine and counter the psychology of cyber warfare in the following areas: social engineering, getting into the mind of the hacker, and ethical hacking.
- Apply operational status and heads-up tools for real-time reporting and closure status, automation of tools and integration with cloud resources, and edge-based analysis.
Electives
Electives may be selected from the entire spectrum of courses. Consult your academic advisor with questions.
International Students
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is a STEM-designated program. STEM degrees are in high demand. International students who graduate with a STEM degree may be eligible to remain in the U.S. for up to 36 months on Optional Practical Training (OPT).