Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degrees in Electronics and Information Security
Majors Overview February 22, 2015Get information about Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Electronics and Information Security and their coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Program in Electronic Engineering Technology or Electronic Technology
Schools usually offer bachelor’s degree programs in electronic technology separately from programs in information security. The focus of these programs centers mainly on maintaining and developing various electronic systems. Students may be taught about the ways some electrical products work; coursework involves working closely with electrical communications technology and computers.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework within the programs covers subject areas oriented heavily toward computer science, applied electronics, science, and mathematics. Coursework may commonly include:
•Thermal energy
•Java programming
•Tech economics
•Tech data analysis
•Circuit analysis
•Microprocessors
Job and Wage Outlook
A negligible job growth rate has been predicted for electrical and electronic engineering technicians over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, electrical and electronic engineering technicians took home an average annual salary of $57,850 (BLS).
Continuing Education Options
Graduates of the bachelor’s program can pursue continuing education by earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering or other subjects pertaining to electronic systems and products. Students seeking occupations in teaching and research can enroll in Ph.D. programs in electrical engineering. Coursework within these programs usually affords concentration options in a particular topic area and culminates in a dissertation.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Program in Information Security
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Information Security will teach students about ways of delivering quality IT projects, in addition to gaining a grasp of the history of information security. Students become adept at analyzing and fixing problems in security, such as viruses, hacking, and data breaches. They may also learn about the ethical implications that arise when users’ sensitive information is breached.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Students usually learn about the rudiments of computer programming and applications. Core coursework may usually include:
•Firewalls
•Computer forensics
•Programming
•Operating systems
•UNIX
•Computer networks
•Database management
•Risk management
•Network security
Career Choices
Graduates should become proficient in the IT skills needed to work as analysts, network administrators, or programmers. In the completion of their job duties, they may work in customer service, identify security breaches, program secure data systems, and train IT workers. They may opt for general career options, such as:
•Security auditor
•Security analyst
•Security technician
•IT director
Job and Wage Outlook
In May 2012, information security analysts took home an average annual wage of $86,170 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). A strong job growth rate of 37% has been predicted for these professionals over the 2012 – 2022 decade.
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates of the bachelor’s degree program may seek additional technical training in information security by pursuing a master’s degree program. Coursework covers theoretical subject areas, such as algorithms, in addition to systems and software. Students may also study advanced topics in network security and cryptography. Students enrolled in some programs may be expected to complete a project or thesis related to the field.