Bachelor of Science (BS), Cybersecurity and Criminal Justice

Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science (BS), Cybersecurity and Criminal Justice

Program Overview

The Cybersecurity and Criminal Justice program combines the digital world with the principles of law enforcement and investigation. It prepares students to enter a myriad of cybersecurity careers where they can be at the leading edge of protecting individuals, cities, states, and countries. Students will take courses like Constitutional Law, Digital Forensics, and Ethical Hacking. They will have access to a dedicated cybersecurity lab and a cybersecurity advisory board of industry experts to mentor them. This major could lead to a career as a cybersecurity analyst, information security management, digital forensics, or cybersecurity advisor.

Program Details

• Total Credit Hours: 123
• Program Type: BS
• I-20 Approved: Yes
• I-17 Approved: Yes
• Program Director: Dr. Ken Knapp
• Class Format: Seated (Main Campus)
• Program Duration: 4 Years (8 Semesters)
• Start Date: Fall: August | Spring: January

Admission Requirements

• Previous Degree Required: No previous degree is required to enroll in this program.
• Transcript Required: Official high school or GED transcripts will need to be submitted as part of the application process for this program. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from their previous school.
• Additional Admission Requirements: Two essays (prompts) or official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores are required during the application process.
• Application Deadline: Anderson University has a rolling admission process (students are notified when they are accepted whenever that is during the year) but students are encouraged to apply by the following dates: December 1st for the best scholarship consideration and no later than July 1st to begin in the fall semester.

Career Outcomes

• Salary estimates are sourced from Lightcast.
• Related Programs:
  • College of Engineering: Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Engineering
  • College of Business: Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB), Computing & Data Analytics
  • School of Public Service and Administration: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Criminal Justice

Why AU?

From our humble beginnings to our growth into South Carolina’s largest private institution of higher learning, Anderson University has sought to provide a transformational education experience within an intentionally Christian environment. At the heart of the University’s mission is an uncompromising commitment to great academics, great faith, great hospitality, and great purpose.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• Prepare graduates to enter a myriad of cybersecurity careers.
• Equip graduates to be at the leading edge of protecting individuals, cities, states, and countries.
• Equip graduates to understand the principles of law enforcement and investigation.

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Description:

• Combines the digital world with law enforcement and investigation.
• Provides preparation for careers as a cybersecurity analyst, information security management, digital forensics, or cybersecurity advisor.
• Includes courses like Constitutional Law, Digital Forensics, and Ethical Hacking.
• Utilizes a dedicated cybersecurity lab and includes an advisory board of industry experts to mentor students.

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Outline:

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Content:

• The program encompasses criminal justice and cybersecurity, delving into aspects of law enforcement, investigation, computer systems protection, and criminal activity in the digital realm.
• It trains individuals in securing computer systems, examining the criminal justice framework and its components.
• Students acquire skills in digital forensics, ethical hacking, contingency planning, cyber threat intelligence, cryptography, risk management, police systems, criminal law, investigations, judicial systems, constitutional law, and more.

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Structure:

• The program is structured to be completed over four years, with eight semesters.
• The program's starting times include fall (August) and spring (January).

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Schedule:

• Students typically attend classes during weekdays, with the specific schedule varying depending on the chosen courses and individual semesters.

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Modules:

• The program includes various modules, each focusing on specific areas within cybersecurity and criminal justice.
• Examples of modules include:
• Digital Forensics:
Covers techniques for recovering and analyzing digital evidence.
• Ethical Hacking: Teaches students how to ethically exploit computer systems to identify and address vulnerabilities.
• Cybersecurity Risk Management: Equips students with the knowledge and skills to assess and mitigate cybersecurity risks within organizations.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program uses various assessment methods to evaluate students' understanding and progress, including:
• Exams:
Traditional written exams test students' knowledge of key concepts and principles.
• Assignments: Students complete individual or group assignments to demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.
• Presentations: Students present their research findings or project work to their peers and instructors, fostering communication and critical thinking skills.
• Projects: Students engage in individual or collaborative projects to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges, applying their acquired skills and knowledge.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessment criteria vary depending on the specific assessment type and module, but generally focus on:
• Accuracy:
Demonstrating a solid grasp of essential cybersecurity and criminal justice concepts and principles.
• Application: Applying theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems and cases effectively.
• Communication: Communicating ideas and findings clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within teams to achieve shared goals.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program employs various teaching methods to engage students and facilitate their learning, including:
• Lectures:
Instructors deliver informative presentations on key topics, providing foundational knowledge and context.
• Discussions: Interactive classroom discussions encourage students to engage with the material, ask questions, and share different perspectives.
• Case Studies: Analyzing real-world case studies allows students to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios and develop critical thinking skills.
• Guest Speakers: Industry professionals from various cybersecurity and criminal justice fields are invited to share their expertise and experiences, providing students with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
• Hands-on Activities: Students participate in practical exercises and simulations, reinforcing theoretical concepts and developing hands-on skills.

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Faculty:

• The program boasts a team of dedicated faculty with extensive expertise and experience in the fields of cybersecurity and criminal justice.
• Faculty members possess a passion for teaching, mentorship, and supporting students in achieving their academic and career goals.
• The faculty includes renowned researchers, experienced professionals, and certified experts who actively engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to the advancement of the fields.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program utilizes innovative teaching approaches to enhance the student learning experience, such as:
• Flipped classroom:
Students prepare by reviewing assigned readings and materials before class, allowing classroom time for deeper discussions, problem-solving, and hands-on activities.
• Problem-based learning: Students actively participate in solving real-world cybersecurity and criminal justice challenges, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Project-based learning: Students engage in collaborative projects that require them to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to address complex problems, simulating real-world work scenarios.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Graduates of the program pursue a wide range of careers in the cybersecurity and criminal justice fields, such as:
• Cybersecurity Analyst:
Protecting organizations from cyber threats, conducting security assessments, and responding to security incidents.
• Information Security Manager: Overseeing an organization's overall cybersecurity strategy, developing security policies, and managing security teams.
• Digital Forensic Analyst: Investigating digital crimes, recovering and analyzing electronic evidence, and presenting findings in court.
• Law Enforcement Officer: Maintaining law and order, investigating criminal activity, and protecting the public.

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Career Opportunities:

• Industries ranging from banking to energy to national security are seeking well-trained graduates to join their ranks in protecting the security of individuals, cities, states, and countries globally.
• Opportunities exist in various organizations hiring cybersecurity professionals, such as:
• Financial institutions
• Retail companies
• Healthcare organizations
• Criminal investigation agencies
• Military and defense organizations
• Technology corporations
• Public utilities
• Consulting firms

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Outcomes:

• The program prepares graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in their chosen cybersecurity or criminal justice career paths.
• Graduates are well-equipped to:
• Analyze and address complex cybersecurity challenges
• Conduct thorough investigations and gather evidence
• Utilize advanced digital forensic techniques
• Develop and implement effective security strategies
• Navigate the legal landscape of cybersecurity and criminal justice
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public

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Other:

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Program at a Glance:

• Total credit hours: 123
• Program type: Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Location: Seated (Main Campus)
• Time to complete: 4 years (8 semesters)
• Take courses in digital forensics, ethical hacking, contingency planning, cyber threat intelligence, cryptography, risk management, police systems, criminal law, investigations, judicial systems, constitutional law, and more.

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Alumni Spotlight:

• The program boasts successful alumni working in various cybersecurity and criminal justice fields, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for diverse career paths.
• Alumni success stories highlight the program's ability to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a significant impact in their chosen fields.

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Digital Learning Initiative:

• The program utilizes technology to enhance the öğrenme deneyimi, providing students with access to digital resources, online learning tools, and collaborative platforms.
• This approach fosters a flexible learning environment, promotes student engagement, and prepares graduates for a technology-driven professional landscape.

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Admission Requirements:

• No previous degree is required to enroll in this program.
• Official high school or GED transcripts are required for application consideration.
• Transfer students must submit official transcripts from their previous school.
• Students can submit two essays (prompts) OR official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores.
• The application deadline varies: December 1st for best scholarship consideration and no later than July 1st to begin in the fall semester.