Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity

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Earn a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, help protect America’s vital data assets

The B.S. in cybersecurity program prepares students for exciting entry level positions protecting customer data and defending the nation’s critical infrastructure from cybercriminals and nation states alike.

Not only is the BS cybersecurity accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), this program is also re-designated as an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) program. Each of these distinctions alone are testaments to the program's quality, but together they make this one of few in the nation to receive both ABET accreditation and CAE-CDE designation.

The Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) accredits four-year degree granting computing programs at the bachelor level under ABET. Capitol Tech has CAE-CDE institutional designation for all cyber related programs of study until end of 2021. After the end of 2021, all cybersecurity programs of study must apply for designation individually.

The program will introduce students to the basic concepts of cybersecurity such as how to provide confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. You will be challenged to master concepts and skills such as risk management, virtualization, vulnerability scanning and mitigation, system hardening, cryptography, digital forensics, malware analysis, penetration testing. Students will also be afforded the opportunity to complete for challenging internships with local employers and learn incident handling and log analysis and basic analytics in our student run Security Operations Center (SOC).

Job Titles and Midrange Salaries:

Cyber Security Specialist/Technician - $92,000
Cyber Crime Analyst/Investigator - $94,000
Incident Analyst/Responder - $89,000
IT Auditor - $98,000

Top Certifications:

CompTIA Security+
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
SANS/GIAC Certification

Click here to learn more about the Cyber Analytics and Cybersecurity programs from the Chair of Cyber and Information Security and the Director of the Center for Cybersecurity Research and Analysis (CCRA), Dr. William Butler.

The B.S. degree in Cybersecurity is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria. Visit the ABET website for more information.

The B.S. degree in Cybersecurity is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD) and has held that designation since 2003. Visit the CAE website at https://www.caecommunity.org/cae-map for more information.

^{*Source: https://www.cyberseek.org}

Why Capitol?

Our comprehensive cybersecurity center

The Center for Cybersecurity Research and Analysis serves as the university hub for training, research, analysis, and programming in all things cybersecurity. Learn to defeat simulated cyberattacks, land an internship where you can put your skills to work and prepare for the workforce, publish a scholarly article addressing an existing challenge in the field, and much more. Students–both on-ground and online–faculty, alumni, and community partners alike are welcome.

Our long history in cybersecurity education.

As one of the first schools in the nation to be designated a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency, Capitol Technology University stands ready to advance the field and do its part to combat one of the nation’s greatest challenges.

Our understanding of what you need to know.

The first two required courses in our program prepare you for the CompTIASecurity+ exam. Plus, when you finish your sophomore year, you’ll have completed the coursework that prepares you to pass industry certification exams such as A+, Network+, Certified Ethical Hacker exam, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam, giving you valuable credentials before you even graduate.

Our location puts you in the heart of the action.

The Baltimore, Maryland/Washington D.C. area has one of the largest concentrations of high-tech companies, defense contractors, and government agencies in the United States. Since many of our faculty are currently working in cybersecurity, you’re taught up-to-date strategies and best practices from the world’s top practitioners. Plus, our campus is surrounded by potential employers.

Support for you

Whatever type of resource you need –a way to improve your math skills, a place to exercise, help with a job search or a disability – we have facilities and personnel ready to help.

Capitol Tech Opportunities

America’s Best Cybersecurity Program

Capitol Technology University is honored to receive the prestigious SC Media 2020 Award for Best Cybersecurity Higher Education Program. Formed in 1989, SC Media is highly regarded in cybersecurity circles for its long dedication to the industry. They cite Capitol Tech’s numerous undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, dedication to the employability of students, innovative programs, hands-on teaching methods and deeply rooted relationships with government agencies as reasons why the university stands out among other cybersecurity education programs.

Cybersecurity Challenges

Join our cyber team and work with other students to defend and attack secure systems. You’ll compete against other schools and improve your skills with every challenge. Last year, the team competed in 15 cyber challenges.

Team-Oriented, Multidisciplinary Projects

Professionals from all backgrounds collaborate in the real-world, so we’ve structured our labs to operate the same way. Students majoring in electrical engineering, cybersecurity, astronautical engineering and others all form teams to collaborate, trouble-shoot and explore what’s possible in our labs.

Risk Assessment Exercises

By taking part in risk assessment exercises, you’ll learn how to identify, analyze and evaluate your organization’s biggest vulnerabilities. Once identified, you can create a security strategy to prepare for potential risks.

Professional Organizations

Network with other cybersecurity professionals and Capitol alumni, and learn the newest developments in this ever-changing field by joining Information Systems Security Association and/or InfraGuard.

Certificate Exam Preparation

Your classwork prepares you for essential certification exams. After the first two courses, you’ll be prepared for the CompTIA Security+ exam. By sophomore year, you’ll be ready to take exams such as: A+, Network+, Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Systems Security Professional and Security +. 

Key Faculty

Dr. Kellep Charles

Chair

Cybersecurity Read Bio

Dr. William Butler

Vice President

Academic Affairs Read Bio

Dr. Ron Martin

Professor of Practice

Critical Infrastructure Read Bio

Dr. Fatoumata Sankare

Director of Cyber Labs and Professor

Read Bio

Top Employers of Capitol Technology University's Graduates

Career Opportunities

The Capitol Commitment

We’ve created a game plan to make sure you find a job upon graduation. Learn more.

Cybersecurity explained in five functions

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines “Five Functions of Cybersecurity” that organizations should use to manage cyber risks.

Degree Details

The BS in Cybersecurity degree is a total of 120 credits, which covers programing and computers, information assurance, management, mathematics and sciences, English and social science courses. The last two years of this program are offered in the Anytime Online and Realtime Online Delivery Options.

Curriculum

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Total Credits: 120

Programming and Computers - 33 Credits

CS-120 Intro to Programming Using Python	3
CS-150 Introduction to Programming Using C	3
CS-200 Intro to Object Oriented Programming C++	3
CS-220 Database Management	3
CS-230 Data Structures	3
CS-250 Intro to Network Programming Using C	3
CS-300 Secure Coding	3
CS-418 Operating Systems	3
CT-152 Introduction to Unix	3
CT-240 Internetworking with Routers and Switches	3
NT-150 Introduction to Networking	3

Information Assurance - 33 Credits

IAE-201 Introduction to Information Assurance Concepts	3
IAE-250 Comprehensive Computer and Network Security*	3
IAE-260 Secure System Administration and Operation (UNIX)*	3
IAE-321 Applied Wireless Network Security*	3
IAE-325 Secure Data Communications and Cryptography*	3
IAE-390 Penetration Testing*	3
IAE-402 Introduction to Incident Handling and Malicious Code*	3
IAE-405 Malware Analysis/Reverse Engineering*	3
IAE-406 Digital Forensics and the Investigative Process*	3
IAE-457 Senior Design Project I*	3
IAE-458 Senior Design Project II*	3

Management - 9 Credits

BUS-101 Introduction to Data Science	3
BUS-174 Introduction to Business and Management	3
BUS-301 Project Management	3

Mathematics and Sciences - 12 Credits

MA-112 Intermediate Algebra	3
MA-124 Discrete Mathematics	3
MA-128 Introduction to Statistics	3
Science Elective**	3

English Communications - 6 Credits

EN-101 English Communications I	3
EN-102 English Communications II	3

Humanities/Social Sciences - 15 Credits

HU-331 Arts and Ideas	3
SS-351 Ethics	3
Humanities Electives (2)**	6
Social Science Elective (1)**	3

General Electives - 12 Credits***

*Offered online only.

**See appropriate department for approved list.

***Any course may be taken to satisfy the general elective requirement.

Please check with an Academic Advisor to confirm degree requirements and program electives.

Educational Objectives
1. Within three to five years of graduation, Cybersecurity alumni will be highly sought and will be recognized as having expertise in their field.
2. Within three to five years of graduation, Cybersecurity alumni will demonstrate a lifelong commitment to expanding their professional expertise.
3. Within three to five years of graduation, Cybersecurity alumni will continue to demonstrate character and values by making ethical decisions throughout their professional careers.
4. Within three to five years of graduation, Cybersecurity alumni will strive for the betterment of society by pursuing their vocation.
Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, graduates will:
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 computer practice based on legal and ethical principles;
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the programs discipline; and
6. Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

Enrollment and Graduation Data for Selected Undergraduate Degree Programs: Click Here

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2023-2024 academic year, beginning in Fall 2023 and continuing through Summer 2024:

There is no charge for online application, $25 fee for paper application
Full-time tuition is $13,044 per semester, plus fees
Anytime Online Tuition - Standard Rate ** $450 per credit, plus fees
Anytime Online Tuition - Partnership Rate ** $360 per credit, plus fees
Active Duty Military Tuition ** Tuition $250 per credit, plus fees
Retired Military Tuition ** Tuition $746 per credit, plus fees
Academic Fee for UAS-120 $500

Information technology fees
Part-time (1-11 credits) - $39 per credit
Full-time (12+ credits) - $431 per semester

_{**eligibility for this rate requires acceptance into an anytime online program; additional discounts or scholarships do not apply}

Find additional information for 2023-2024 undergraduate tuition and fees.

The National Security Agency and Department of Defense have designated Capitol Technology University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. We were honored to have a communications team from the NSA come to campus and produce this video explaining the benefits of our award-winning program.

Related Information

The B.S. degree in Cybersecurity is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria. Visit the ABET website for more information.

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