An Outline of Bachelor of Science Programs in Computer Systems Security
Majors Overview February 22, 2015Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Program in Computer Systems Security
Students enrolled in a computer systems security program are taught about working with organizations to ensure protection of their resources and data. To accomplish this, they put protective software in place along with survey systems for breaches in security, make proactive efforts to prevent cyber attacks, and gather evidence that is useful for investigations relating to cyber crime.
The beginning of the program is a basic overview of computer science and business principles aimed at developing an understanding of the operational methods and needs of the majority of businesses. Students are imparted the technical expertise required for the safest possible ways of creation and monitoring of systems.
Over the duration of the program, students get a good grasp of detection techniques and security risks, in addition to current laws and regulations. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma; prospective students would benefit from completing high school-level classes in advanced mathematics and computer science.
Coursework
Students enrolled in the program are imparted practical experience with the planning and usage of security systems via internship opportunities and hands-on course assignments. Core courses may include topic areas such as the following:
•Criminal law
•Managing digital evidence
•Cyber threat detection
•Network security
•Computer forensics
•Cyber security fundamentals
Career Choices
With information technology industries gaining greater prominence, there is also a greater need for effective security personnel and measures aimed at ensuring the safe transmission of information.
Students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program gain the computer security and networking knowledge needed to help seek job positions such as those of information technology security analysts, information systems security analysts, computer security specialists, information security analysts, and data security administrators.
Job and Wage Outlook
In December 2013, data security administrators and computer security analysts took home average annual wages of $47,440 and $65,030, respectively (PayScale.com). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2012, information security analysts banked an average annual wage of $86,170. A job growth rate of 37% has been predicted for the information security field over the 2012 – 2022 decade, driven mainly by the expected increase in incidences of online security breaches and hacking (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
After they complete the bachelor’s program, students can pursue continuing education by earning master’s degrees in computer security to achieve significant enhancement to their knowledge of systems security.
Apart from participating in in-depth seminars and courses, they also undertake independent research with a primary focus on creative solutions to large-scale systems security methods or particular security issues.
