Major in Computer Science, Networks and Security Concentration

Program Overview

The Computer Science, Networks and Security Concentration program prepares students to design, build, and secure computer networks and systems. With a focus on understanding network and security principles, students develop skills for developing and deploying cybersecurity solutions, analyzing vulnerabilities, and defending against cyber threats. The program's emphasis on modern applications and career opportunities in various industries equips graduates for in-demand roles in network security and computer science.

Program Outline

Program Details: Computer Science, Networks and Security Concentration

Degree Overview:

This program focuses on designing, building, and maintaining computer networks while safeguarding them from cyberattacks. It emphasizes the importance of network and security technology in various modern fields, including biology, physics, agriculture, medicine, and defense. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand network and security principles, incorporate them into products and practices, and defend against cyber threats.

Objectives:

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Work effectively in teams to develop computational solutions to complex problems.
• Develop products and technologies that provide network/cyber-security solutions or incorporate these technologies into products requiring security or network capabilities.
• Communicate technical ideas effectively in writing and verbally.
• Confidently pursue graduate studies or professional employment in networks and security and computer science.

Outline:

The program is structured across four years, with specific courses outlined for each semester.

Freshman Year:

• Semester 1:
• CO 150 College Composition (GT-CO2) - 3 credits
• One course from Group A, B, or C (see options in Concentration Requirements Tab) - 3 credits
• Department Approved Science (see list on Concentration Requirements Tab) - 3 credits
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - 3 credits
• MATH 124 and MATH 126 may be necessary for some students to fulfill pre-calculus requirements - 0-4 credits
• Electives - 1-5 credits
• Total Credits:
14-18
• Semester 2:
• CS 201/PHIL 201 Ethical Computing Systems (GT-AH3) - 3 credits
• Remaining course(s) from Group A, B, or C (see options in Concentration Requirements Tab) - 2-6 credits
• Department Approved Science with Lab (see list on Concentration Requirements Tab) - 3 credits
• Total Credits:
12-16

Sophomore Year:

• Semester 3:
• CS 165 CS2--Data Structures - 4 credits
• CS 220 Discrete Structures and their Applications - 4 credits
• One course from the following:
• STAT 301 Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods
• STAT 302A Statistics Supplement: General Applications
• STAT 307 Introduction to Biostatistics
• STAT 315 Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics
• Historical Perspectives - 3 credits
• Elective - 0-2 credits
• Total Credits:
12-16
• Semester 4:
• Select one group from the following:
• Group A: CS 214 Software Development or CT 301 C++ Fundamentals
• Group B: CS 253 Software Development with C++ - 4-5 credits
• Select one course from the following:
• CS 250 Computer Systems Foundations
• CS 270 Computer Organization - 4 credits
• Select one course from the following:
• DSCI 369 Linear Algebra for Data Science
• MATH 369 Linear Algebra I - 3-4 credits
• Social and Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits
• Elective - 0-2 credits
• Total Credits:
14-18

Junior Year:

• Semester 5:
• CS 314 Software Engineering - 3 credits
• CS 370 Operating Systems - 3 credits
• Technical Elective (see list on Concentration Requirements Tab) - 3-4 credits
• Advanced Writing - 2 credits
• Elective - 3 credits
• Total Credits:
15-16
• Semester 6:
• CS 320 Algorithms--Theory and Practice - 3 credits
• CS 356 Systems Security - 3 credits
• CS course numbered 300- or above, excluding 380-399 and 480-499 - 3-4 credits
• Technical Elective - Upper Division (see list on Concentration Requirements Tab) - 3-4 credits
• Elective - 0-3 credits
• Total Credits:
12-17

Senior Year:

• Semester 7:
• CS 456 Modern CyberSecurity - 4 credits
• CS 457 Computer Networks and the Internet - 4 credits
• At least two Upper-Division CS classes must be completed by the end of Semester 7 - 0-4 credits
• Electives - 7 credits
• Total Credits:
15
• Semester 8:
• Select one course from the following:
• CS 430 Database Systems
• CS 458 Blockchain Principles and Applications
• CS course numbered 400- or above, excluding 480-499 - 4 credits
• Electives - 7 credits
• Total Credits:
15
• Program Total Credits:
120

Technical Electives:

Students must select a minimum of 6 credits in Technical Electives, with at least 3 credits being upper-division.

Careers:

The program prepares students for various career paths in the field of computer science, particularly in networks and security. Potential career opportunities include:

• Software developer
• Software architect
• Network security analyst
• Software project manager
• Computer systems security analyst
• R&D jobs for both cyber-security attack and defense
The demand for professionals with network and cyber-security expertise is high across various industries, creating opportunities for R&D and management roles.

Other:

• The program assumes students enter college prepared to take calculus.
Students not prepared for calculus will need to fulfill pre-calculus requirements in the first semester.
• All students must maintain a C (2.000) or better in CO 150 and in all CS, DSCI, MATH, STAT, and departmental Technical Elective courses required for graduation.
• The CSU Cyber-Security Center of Excellence provides additional lab equipment, research topics, and certification opportunities.