Bachelor of Science in Computer Security and Forensics
Degree Overview
Train to be an IT professional at Stratford University....seek the knowledge that employers are looking for.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Security and Forensics (BSSF) program prepares students for careers as security specialists and information technology investigators. Students are able to understand and perform investigative activities needed to isolate security incidents and recognize the situation that caused them. Students are also able to recognize risks and develop an effective Risk Management Plan. BSSF students focus on computer networks and their vulnerabilities, with special emphasis on intrusion detection methods and the countermeasures that can be taken to minimize them.
In addition, students learn how to work in teams and how to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Graduates are able to understand network designs and their security implications, intrusion detection methods, legal and ethical aspects of security and forensic activities, encryption, cryptography, investigative tools and methods, vulnerability analysis, and incident handling. An ability to recognize risks within an organization or within a project is part of the program, and graduates will be able to develop an effective Risk Management Plan and develop skills to analysis end-to-end network security in their workplace.
Program Requirements and Online Options
Students can complete the program through classroom instruction, online instruction, or a combination of both. It typically takes 120 weeks (2.5 years) to complete the entire Bachelor’s program without breaks.
Credits Required
Number of Classes
Core Component
126
28
Arts and Sciences
54
12
Total Required for Graduation
180
40
Core Courses
Arts and Sciences
Business Communications - BUS220
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course prepares the student for communication in the workplace. The student will prepare memorandums, letters, proposals, presentations, newsletters, and flyers. Discussions will focus on information exchange in and outside of the organization. Students presentations will be critiqued on message intended and message received.
Project Management - BUS380
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course will allow students to manage a project within their major field of study. Students prepare a project plan that includes details of their project, deliverables, dates when they will be completed, and the associated learning that will be exhibited. Students implement their plan and record weekly status on their progress, issues, decisions, and learning. At the conclusion of the course, students complete their projects and summarize their results in a final report.
Fundamentals of Information Systems - CIS103
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
Students learn to analyze systems and quality concepts and learn how information technology can be used to design, facilitate, and communicate organization goals and objectives. An overview of hardware and software with its relation to information technology is also presented.
Fundamentals of IT Networking - CIS116
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents the essential elements of IT networking to the student. Topics include planning a network, understanding TCP/IP, setting up a server, understanding wireless concepts, running a mail server, managing user accounts and network storage, solving network problems, and protecting the network.
Hardware and OS Architecture - CIS140
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides knowledge in preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of expansion buses, multimedia, video, modems, SCSI controllers, laptops, and printers. In addition, this course provides a brief introduction to networking technology, including the components necessary to attach a client to a local area network LAN).
Data Communications - CIS143
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS140
This course covers the basic concepts of networking technology within Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) environments. Topics include the dominant network topologies (Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI), network protocols (TCP/IP, SPX/IPX and NetBIOS), cabling systems (coaxial, twisted pair, fiber optic), as well as wireless communication. The course introduces the primary features of internetworking devices (bridges, routers, repeaters, hubs, gateways, and switches) and the OSI software model for computer communication. All topics are related to the historical development of the field.
Linux Operating Systems - CIS162
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS140
In this course, students will learn how to install and optimize Red Hat Linux, a multi-user and multitasking Unix-like operating system. In particular each student will become familiar with: the Linux file system; shell programming; filters and pipelines; GUI desktop and application environments; and virtual memory. Through a series of laboratory exercises, each student will configure a server for remote access using the standard suite of TCP/IP tools and application packages.
Internetworking Technologies - CIS170
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides students with an understanding of how the Internet, e-mail, e-learning, and telephony work. It explains network security and how to make a network safe, how traffic gets from here to there. By completion of the course, the student will learn about disaster recovery and other ways to keep a network running, how businesses share data. It covers a broad variety of internetworking topics-from e-mail to VPNs.
Risk Management - CIS175
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides students with a firm understanding of the theories and principles of software risk management. Topics include identifying large and small risks, analyzing risks, planning around risks, tracking risks, and resolving risks. Students learn to use the Spiral Model of software development with very risky projects and are shown how to develop a risk management plan.
Configuration Management - CIS180
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides students with a firm understanding of the theories and principles of software configuration management. Topics include the role that configuration management plays in the software life cycle, software and documentation baseline identification and control, configuration control, auditing and accounting. Students learn what information is critical to include in a configuration management plan and practice creating and implementing a usage model based on a simulated software development project. Students are shown how to develop a configuration management plan and are introduced to the source code control system.
Quality Management - CIS185
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides students with theoretical knowledge about concepts of software quality, about the quality - models, - standards and – methodologies used in software industry. By completion of the course, students will be able to understand software quality in its complexity, to see the differences and interconnections among the most popular software quality models, standards, approaches. They will have a solid basis that enables them to make the right selection among software quality models, based on a software company’s own characteristics.
Fundamentals of IT Security - CIS201
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course will prepare students to pass the current CompTIA Security+ 2008 certification exam. After taking this course, students will understand the field of network security and how it relates to other areas of information technology. This course also provides the broad-based knowledge necessary to prepare for further study in specialized security fields, or it can serve as a capstone course that gives a general introduction to the field.
Java Programming - CIS207
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
In this course, the student will gain an understanding of object-oriented programming concepts with specific emphasis on Java. This hands-on training class focuses on applet and application development. Basic constructs are explained with greater detail than in regular programming courses. Students will learn how to create Java applets and applications; enhance a Web site with Java applets; write multithreaded Java applets and applications; develop platform-independent graphical user interfaces. Lab exercises reinforce ideas and concepts learned with Java.
Advanced Data Communications - CIS210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS143
In this class the student develops an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of various communication protocols and datalink subnetworks, including TCP/IP, SNA, SPX/IPX, X.25, frame relay and ATM. Students design and analyze a wide area network infrastructure. This analysis includes congestion, bandwidth versus performance trades, bandwidth versus cost trades, equipment specifications, protocol standards, LAN/WAN integration, and network performance in terms of latency and jitter.
Network Security Infrastructure Design - CIS230
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS201
Students learn to analyze the business requirements for security and to design security solutions that meet business requirements. The student learns best practices in security including: controlling access to resources, auditing access to resources, authentication, and encryption. Security topics include: audit policy, encryption file system, authentication strategy, security group strategy, public key infrastructure, DNS, SNMP, terminal services, remote access, signing, and IPSec. The student design a security baseline for a Windows 2003 network that includes domain controllers, operations masters, application servers, file and print servers, RAS servers, desktop computers, portable computers, and kiosks.
IT Security Policies & Standards - CIS231
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides the student with the knowledge of FISMA, NIST, DISA security standards and requirements. It is a new course concentrating on policies to enforce access security, hardening of network devices and servers. This topic is a national requirement for secure networks. It is a new course that we are developing in lights of the experience of implementing a vast range of security measures as mandated by OMB.
Network and Intrusion Forensics - CIS235
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: CIS201
The student will develop a comprehensive understanding of forensics as it relates to data communication networks and intrusions. Students will learn the relationship between computer security, computer crimes, and forensics. Special emphasis will be placed on computer crimes and forensics in law enforcement and financial accounting practices. Forensic tools will be discussed and used in lab sections.
Forensics Tools and Technology - CIS244
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides the student with an understanding of what industry tools and technologies are available for analyzing computer problems. Topics include incident response tools, NFR security, analysis of both Windows and UNIX operating systems, network analysis (including wireless), embedded systems analysis, and computer intrusions.
Legal and Ethical Aspects in Digital Forensics - CIS245
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course uses current events to exploit the impact of civil, criminal, and regulatory law on network and intrusion forensics. Current and future affairs are s of information include articles, journals and papers. Other topics discussed include legislative concerns affecting digital forensics, a study of the legislative process, ethics are discussed. Sources of information include articles, journals and papers. Other topics discussed include legislative concerns affecting digital forensics, a study of the legislative process, ethical issues and standards. This course uses current events to exploit the impact of civil, criminal, and regulatory law on network and intrusion forensics. Current and future affairs are discussed. Sourcecal issues and standards.
Encryption and Cryptography in Digital Forensics - CIS265
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course covers the basics of cryptography. The differences between symmetric and asymmetric encryption will be examined and examples of each type of algorithm are discussed. This course also examines the fundamental sciences behind cryptography. Other topics discussed include encryption and security standards.
Incident Handling and Computer Forensics - CIS275
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
Students learn how to identify an attack in progress or that an attack has occurred and how to properly handle each situation. Students learn to monitor different types of computer systems and platforms for evidence of crime and learn how to gather and preserve such evidence.
Managing Information Systems - CIS300
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course will focus on information system which supports business decisions, internal business processes, customer relations, and interaction with suppliers. It deals with the organizational foundations of such systems, their strategic role, and the organizational and management changes driving electronic commerce, electronic business and the emerging digital firm. The course includes an overview of the hardware, software, data storage, and telecommunications technologies needed for information systems. The impact of such systems on the reengineering of critical business processes and on the decision making cycle are discussed in detail.
Fundamentals of RF Identification Technology - CIS308
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents essential elements of radio frequency identification and the technologies that help to do it. Topics include communication protocols and modulation, transmitters, receivers, radio propagation, antenna fundamentals, LAN, WAN, voice over Wi-Fi, and security.
Managing Cisco Network Security - CIS350
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course reviews the development and evaluation of a network security policy and best practices in securing a Cisco network infrastructure. Specific topics include, but are not limited to, dialup security (AAA, ACS, TACACS/RADIUS), hardening perimeter device (routers, PIX firewalls), encryption technology, and VPNs with IPSec. The impact of security systems of system scalable is discussed.
Database Security Administration - CIS373
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents approaches and methods to help ensure that your database integrity is not violated. Technical security algorithms are not part of this course, with the focus on the management of overall database security. Topics include hardening various database environments, installing audit checklists, tracking security issues, recognizing intrusion possibilities, eliminating unnecessary software and data, firewall concepts, authentication and password security, and regulation and compliance requirements.
Virtual Private Networks & Firewalls - CIS410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course includes the theoretical foundation of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) including Insect and IKE. Students review Cisco VPN technology, including IOS Software Router and PIX firewalls. Students configure routers and firewalls for site-to-site VPNs and remote access using both preshared keys and digital certificates. The course includes configuration and advanced configuration of the Cisco PIX firewall including AAA, attack guards, IPSec, and context-based access control. Students learn how to monitor and scale Cisco VPN technology.
Intrusion Detection - CIS420
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course includes the major aspects of the Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (CSIDS). Students review network security concepts, installation and major components of the Cisco Secure IDS, alarm management and intrusion detection signatures, CSIDS Configuration, and installation and configuration Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection Director (CSIDD). This course is part of the Cisco Security Specialist 1 sequence.
Business Information Systems Security - CIS435
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the development of a security policy that balances access, protection and cost, and the importance of a global policy that is consistent and of even strength throughout the organization. Topics include security threats, security tools, system security, firewalls, voice systems, and security deployment and management. This course deals primarily management and enforcement of security system requirements, rather than with the actual configuration of hardware.
Information Technology Senior Project - CIS490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
Students will work under the supervision of a faculty advisor to further refine and develop their skills and knowledge through a student-created independent project. Project proposals must be submitted to the faculty advisor of the student's choosing and approved by the advisor and the dean before the student may register for this course. Faculty committee will determine the student's final grade for the project.
College Composition - ENG111
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on reviewing grammar, sentence structure, punctuation skills, and style points required for effective written communication. Students use a standard handbook and apply proofreading skills to all types of written communications. The student is guided in learning writing as a process: understanding audience and purpose, exploring ideas and information, composing, revising, and editing.
Current Topics in English - ENG290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in English including, but not limited to, introductory topics in understanding and creating various genres of English communication such as narrative prose, technical communication, poetry, and cinematic forms.
Oral Communications - ENG310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents the principles and functions of spoken communications. The student learns how to prepare to deliver various types of oral presentations. Emphasis is on planning and on how to orient content to a particular audience. Students present short talks and plan and present longer, more formal speeches on assigned topics and/or on topics of choice.
Advanced Composition and Research - ENG320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent
This course emphasizes advanced writing and research including understanding the documentation process, presenting material in academic form, and academic research techniques. Materials may Include MLA and APA styles effective use of internet research tools, critical reading processes, and research writing techniques.
Special Topics in English - ENG490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in English. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics such as English philology and etymology, as well as advanced topics in rhetoric and critical interpretation of texts.
Principles of Ethics - HUM110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the application of ethics to personal and professional life. Positive and negative sides of behavior and how this affects self-image and self-respect will be discussed.
Spanish I - HUM210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course uses vocabulary and structure through a series of activities designed for realistic communication which allow students to achieve both written and spoken Spanish language skills. Through reading, dialogue, and associated study, students develop an understanding of the language and cultural distinctions of Spanish speakers worldwide.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in philosophy, religion, culture, and/or language arts.
World Literature - HUM320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes an understanding and appreciation of world literature. Materials covered Include Western and non-Western literary endeavors. Focus will be on similarities among the various literatures, analysis of literary genre, and appreciation of voice.
The American Experience - HUM330
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the development of American values and Institutions through analysis of social, political, and economic materials. The course examines the Influence of political, economic, social, and environmental factors as it explores Ideas of Individualism, success, and national character. Materials may include historical documents, literature, and social, political, and artistic works.
Understanding World Cultures - HUM410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course discusses civilizations and cultures as they evolved from Eastern, Western, African and South American influences. The student is enabled to relate diverse cultures to their impact on contemporary society, politics, and world events.
Spanish II - HUM420
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: HUM310
This course reviews the fundamentals of the Spanish language and provides special attention to the continuing development of students' conversational and reading skills. Students build upon their understanding of the language in both written and oral forms.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities II - HUM491
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities III - HUM492
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Fundamentals of Mathematics - MAT110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the basic techniques of mathematics and applies them to problem solving in different areas of business and industry. This course does not count towards the Bachelor's program.
College Algebra - MAT210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course explores a series of algebraic concepts including rational expressions, radicals and exponents, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and applications.
Current Topics in Mathematics - MAT290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on current issues in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, set theory, algebraic concepts, geometry, and probability.
Statistics - MAT310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents material essential in an increasing number of professional fields by providing a new type of competence, quantitative literacy. Topics include descriptive statistics; collecting and interpreting data; inferential statistics; probability; consumer mathematics; management mathematics; and growth and scaling.
Calculus - MAT410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MAT210 or equivalent
This course focuses on techniques of differential and integral calculus likely encountered in professional activities and real-world situations. Students will gain a sound, intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of calculus through a problem-solving approach. Topics include functions, graphs, and limits; differentiation; derivatives; exponential and logarithmic functions; integration; and variables.
Special Topics in Mathematics - MAT490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permission of the Instructor
This course concentrates on special topics in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, mathematical history and philosophy, Euclidian and non-Euclidian geometries, linear algebra, polar coordinates, vectors, partial derivatives, line integrals, and multiple integrals, as well as applications for these topics.
Social Psychology - PSY110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an application of the Psychological principles to the development of a stable social framework within business and personal environments.
Current Topics in Psychology - PSY290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in learning, memory, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, psychological assessment, mental health, psychology of personality, and creativity.
Human Growth & Development - PSY320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the human organism. Materials include those related to the various stages of the life span, and the developmental Influence of social class, the family, the school, and the group. A focus is placed on the abilities, needs, problems, and concerns of humans to change throughout life, and how people are shaped by their experiences throughout their development.
Critical Thinking and Reasoning - PSY340
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to help students develop thinking skills and make good judgments. Participants are exposed to both logical and illogical thinking processes as a means to develop their skills in reasoning, analysis and the use of logical arguments. Various kinds of arguments are presented and analyzed, and logical fallacies are explored with the goal of reaching sound conclusions. Deductive and inductive reasoning are examined as are the criteria for sound reasoning and common reasoning mistakes people make. Students debate issues from different sides with both logical and illogical arguments.
Special Topics in Psychology - PSY490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: PSY110 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in deviant behavior, psychological testing and assessment, religious behavior, neurophysiology, and psychology and the law.
General Science - SCI110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines scientific concepts and principles in an integrated manner to provide an overview of the sciences. Topics include physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth science, and biology as a means to address areas such as growing global population, limited resources and the fragile environment.
Microbiology - SCI250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines the structure, nutrition, growth, genetics, classification, and ecology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Attention will be given to methods of microbial control, and the human immune response to microbes. Students will also learn the fundamentals of microscopy, laboratory safety, scientific method and techniques of experimentation. Laboratory component required
Current Topics in Science - SCI290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in meteorology, geology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and the space sciences.
Introduction to Biochemistry - SCI360
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: SCI110
This course examines the basic structures and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides and proteins and their role in human metabolism. Vitamins, co-enzymes, and minerals are examined and pathways for xenobiotic metabolism are discussed.
Impact of Science and Technology - SCI410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of science and future thinking. The content demonstrates how scientific and technological advances have significantly impacted all aspects of contemporary life.
Special Topics in Science - SCI490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in interdisciplinary topics such as the history of science and technology, cross-cultural studies of science, cosmology, biotechnology, the use of science and technology to enhance human abilities and quality of life, and techniques for assessment and remediation of science and technology hazards.












