Information and Cybersecurity Operations (BS)
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The Bachelor of Science in Information and Cybersecurity Operations degree provides a comprehensive education in IT and cybersecurity, preparing students to protect and manage modern information systems. Through hands-on learning, students gain practical skills in safeguarding data, managing networks, and responding to cyber threats, equipping them for careers in industries ranging from corporate IT to government and defense. Graduates are prepared for roles like Information Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, and Systems Administrator.
Additionally, students will choose from select groups of courses focused on specialized areas or tracks. Specifically, students will select one of five tracks as part of their degree. A listing and description of these tracks can be found in the table below. These employer-driven, hands-on, interactive educational tracks equip students with cyber and networking skills required for positions in a wide range of companies.
Track | description | |
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Cybersecurity Track | The Cybersecurity Track is required for students pursuing the NSA-CAE certification and focuses on equipping students with the skills needed to protect and defend computer systems and networks against cyber threats. This track covers topics such as ethical hacking, advanced defense mechanisms, network security, and cloud security. Students learn to identify vulnerabilities, implement countermeasures, and respond to security incidents. Graduates of the Cybersecurity Track are prepared for specialized roles such as Information Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, and Network Security Engineer, with expertise in safeguarding critical infrastructure across various industries. | |
Cloud Computing Track | Cloud computing or software services provided across the internet are ushering in a wave of new opportunities to help businesses become more flexible, efficient and agile. By providing infrastructures, platforms and software as a service, cloud computing allows users to access and implement important business and technology tools whenever and wherever they need. | |
Digital Forensics Track | In today’s digital landscape, unlimited possibilities exist for communication, business, and entertainment online. However, the rise in cyber innovation and usage brings with it a brand-new age of electronic crime and security threats due to the widespread amount of sensitive, personal, and often classified information transmitted every day. This intensifies the demand for skilled workers who have the ability to conduct digital forensics investigations and assist in securing computer systems and mobile networks in nearly every industry. ECPI University’s new Digital Forensics Technology track is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, secure, test, and maintain computer networks in order to eliminate digital threats and protect critical infrastructure. | |
IT Project Management Track | The Project Management Track prepares students to lead and manage IT and cybersecurity projects effectively. Students learn key project management principles, including planning, execution, and delivery of IT solutions, with a focus on security. This track emphasizes the ability to oversee secure system implementations, manage risk, and ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards. Graduates will be equipped to guide teams, manage resources, and handle technical challenges in various cybersecurity projects, ensuring both project success and strong security posture for organizations. | |
General Track | The General Track in the Bachelor of Science in Information and Cybersecurity Operations program provides students with a broad and flexible education in IT and cybersecurity. This track allows students to choose from various courses in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital forensics, enabling them to build a well-rounded skill set. Graduates of the General Track are prepared for a wide range of roles in the IT and cybersecurity sectors, offering the flexibility to pursue careers in network security, systems administration, cybersecurity analysis, and more, depending on their chosen course mix. | |
Apprenticeship Option | To be successful in the IT field today, the industry requires that graduates have a degree, certifications, and work experience. The Apprenticeship Option for the Cybersecurity Track in the BS in Computer and Information Science program is intended for students with limited or no in-field work experience. | |
The Program Director determines whether a student's education is best served through the Apprenticeship Option. If that is determined to be the case, then the Apprenticeship Option is considered required for graduation from the Information and Cybersecurity Operations program. |
About Information and Cybersecurity Operations
Graduates of an Information and Cybersecurity Operations degree program have many career options. They often have career paths that lead them into IT security management positions, including Information Security Director or Chief Information Security Officer. They design and implement computer security systems that are vital to any modern computer network. They develop and test security plans to ensure a secure work environment for all employees in a company. Graduates also may work as security analysts, network architects, or administrators who design, implement, and maintain computer networks and systems which are the backbone to any company IT infrastructure.
Certain positions may require background checks, drug screening, and/or security clearances, depending on the position and industry.
Some entry-level job titles for a Bachelor of Science in Information and Cybersecurity Operations graduate include Data Center Engineer, Information Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Network Security Engineer, Digital Forensics Analyst, and Systems Administrator. Cybersecurity graduates are required in many industries, so employment can be expected in most any business, government, or military setting.
Recommended Certifications
Certifications are not required for completion of this program; however, ECPI encourages students to obtain all appropriate certifications to increase potential job opportunities. ECPI provides students in this program with vouchers which allow them to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Available certifications for this program include CompTIA IT fundamentals, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Cloud+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Security+, AWS cloud practitioner, CISCO CCNA and EC-Council CEH.