Information Security and Assurance

Application Code:

2085

Degree Received:

Bachelor of Technology (BTech)

Academic Department:

Description:

The bachelor of technology degree in information security and assurance at Alfred State College is designed to prepare graduates to enter the work force as information security professionals with a special emphasis in network and host security, secure programming, and database applications. A four-course sequence in security is provided. The programming language sequence includes modern languages such as VB.NET, Java, and C++. In addition, students receive a sound foundation in Web development, networking, and microcomputer systems. Additional upper-level courses are provided in management, oral and written communication, and business. A full semester internship is included.

A laptop computer is required for students entering the information security and assurance program. See laptop specifications.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations:

Required: math A & B (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), SAT and/or ACT scores with a recommended combined SAT score of 1000 (critical reading and math) or a composite ACT score of 21.

Accreditation/Certification:

Alfred State College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 662-5606.

Features & Facilities:

Alfred State, as a college of technology, provides over 1,600 computers and a 2:1 student-to-computer ratio. The campus is equipped with a wireless network that allows students to have network access using personal laptops in and out of the classroom. The Information Technology Department maintains six computer labs which are upgraded regularly for use in providing hands-on training. The network administration program uses three of the labs to provide students with experience performing common networking tasks. Virtualization technology is used so that students can work with several "virtual computers" at one time. This gives each student the ability to create complex "virtual networks" using cutting-edge technology. Sixteen enterprise-class Cisco routers and switches are available for student use in the Cisco Academy lab. Alliances with Microsoft Corp. and VMware provide students with free software for educational use. Classroom instruction is enhanced by the use of computer projection equipment in all of the department's classrooms.

Articulation Agreements:

It is possible, with careful selection of courses, to transfer from a variety of associate degrees including computer information systems, computer technology, computer science, and others.

Graduation Requirements:

128 credit hours exclusive of physical education courses
39 credit hours in major field required courses
24 credit hours in professional courses
18 credit hours in core concentration
30 credit hours in liberal arts/general education courses
a 2.5 grade point average in the major is needed for the required internship
other requirements as stated in College academic regulations
8 general education areas are required, with 3 of 5 (art, language, other world civilizations, American history, or western civilization)

Career Opportunities:

Organizations of all types and sizes need information technology professionals. The primary employment field includes security professionals, database administrators, programmers, and system analysts. Due to the solid foundation in other areas, graduates will not be limited to these areas; thus the job opportunities are wide and numerous. They include network security manager, network support, project managers, user support, Web developers, IT managers, technical sales, and technical support staff, to name a few.

Transfer Opportunities:

Articulation agreements have been established with many community colleges and additional agreements will be developed. It is possible, with careful selection of courses, to transfer from a variety of associate degrees including computer information systems, information technology, computer science, and others. Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, students will be prepared to pursue a graduate degree in information technology. The computer information systems degree (AAS) at Alfred State College is especially well suited for transfer into this degree at the junior level.

Typical Semester Layout:

Information Security and Assurance majors take 15 to 18 credit hours per semester and spend around 20 hours per week in the classroom or lab. Average class size is under 25 with most networking classes limited to 16. Most courses in the Information Technology Department consist of a 50-50 mix of classroom and lab instruction. Some students also meet with faculty during office hours and work on lab assignments during daytime and evening open lab hours. Many students are also involved in campus organizations, including the department's student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Some students also gain valuable experience by working for the college's Technology Services Department.

First Semester			credits
CISY	1023	Intro to Information Tech.	3
CISY	1123	Intro to Computer Prog for IT OR
CISY	1113	Intro to Computer Programming	3
CISY	1111	IT Freshman Seminar	1
	xxx3	Gen Ed Elective (Soc. Science)	3
COMP	1503	Freshman Composition	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed Elective	3
			16

Second Semester			credits
CISY	4103	Visual Programming & Dev.	3
ELET	1003	Intro to Comp. Hardware & Troubleshooting OR
CISY	2143	Micro Systems	3
LITR	2603	Intro to Literature**	3
MATH	xxx3	College Algebra or above	3
CISY	2153	Database Appl. and Prog. I OR
CISY	3223	Web Page Development	3
			15

Third Semester			credits
CISY	4033	Networking I	3
CISY	2153	Database Appl. and Prog. I OR
CISY	3223	Web Page Development	3
MATH	2124	Statistics Methods & Analysis	4
	xxx3	Gen Ed "Natural Science"	3
ACCT	3043	Accounting Foundations	3
			16

Fourth Semester			credits
CISY	4053	Linux OS and Scripting	3
BUAD	3153	Fundamentals of Management	3
CISY	5203	Net Admin OR
CISY	5613	Linux Admin	3
SPCH	1083	Effective Speaking	3
CISY	5723	Ess of Info Security	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed "Other"	3
			18

Fifth Semester			credits
COMP	5703	Technical Writing II	3
BUAD	5003	Management Communications	3
CISY	7033	Security Tools	3
	xxx3	Gen Ed "Other"	3
CISY	7023	Comp Forensics & Legal Issues	3
	xxx3	Professional Elective	3
			18

Sixth Semester			credits
CISY	7003	Project Management	3
CISY	7013	Network and Host Security	3
CISY	5133	Security Policies and Risk Mgt	3
	xxx3	Open Elective	3
	xxx3	Open Elective	3
	xxx3	Professional Elective - Upper	3
			18

Seventh Semester			credits
CISY	8703	Info Sec Capstone	3
CISY	8603	Seminar in Critical Issues in IT	3
	xxx3	Open Elective	3
	xxx3	Professional Elective - Upper	3
	xxx3	Liberal Arts - Upper	3
			15

Eighth Semester			credits
CISY	8712	Info Technology Internship****	12
			12

Other social science elective to be selected from social science general education list (for example: sociology, psychology), as approved by adviser.

Social science elective to be selected from American history, western civilization, or other world civilization general education list.

*** Other literature courses may be selected, as approved by adviser.
**** GPA of 2.5 or higher required in major courses; GPA of 2.0 minimum overall; internship is student initiated.

Also required: One unit of physical education.

Academics