Central to Defending Emerging Threats.
Central’s BS in Cybersecurity provides a strong foundation in both networking and computer science as it prepares students to become highly qualified computing professionals ready to meet the growing and changing demands of businesses and the industry. Students can choose the general option which requires a minor or pursue one of the in-depth concentrations aligned with the content focus areas recommended by the National Security Agency (NSA). The Cybersecurity Cyber Defense concentration has received validation from the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Program of Study in Cyber Defense. Similarly, the Cybersecurity Cyber Operations concentration has earned NSA validation as a Program of Study in Cyber Operations.
Central distinguishes itself as one of the few universities nationwide equipped with the expertise and curriculum to offer NSA Validated Programs of Study in both Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense. The curriculum at Central is meticulously designed to afford students unmatched flexibility as they commence their journey into cybersecurity. This distinctive approach enables students to commence their program with a broad perspective and later select a specialization aligned most closely with their interests. Graduates can be confident in earning a nationally recognized degree, showcasing excellence in their chosen specialization, regardless of the path they choose. Central Connecticut State University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) and a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) by the National Security Agency.
The interdepartmental nature of this program prepares students for careers as cybersecurity experts able to identify system vulnerabilities, detect and anticipate cyber attacks, and secure information assets. Graduates become professionals continually learning and exploring information as software, science, and technology continually evolve and criminals seek ever more ways to exploit system vulnerabilities.
Program Features
- Starts in January and August
- 120-credit program
- Mandatory cybersecurity internship ensures job experience prior to graduation
- ABET accredited Computer Science courses
- Association of Technology Management & Applied Engineering accredited Networking courses
- Taught by professional faculty with industry experience
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Free on-campus child care available
Program Educational Outcomes
- Technical proficiency by using and applying knowledge to identify, analyze and solve problems in computer engineering technology.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills to articulate knowledge, concepts and ideas (in a clear and concise manner by both oral and written form within interpersonal, team and group environments).
- Professionalism and ethics, including a commitment to utmost performance quality and timeliness, respect for diversity and awareness of international issues.
- Desire and commitment in continuing professional development and lifelong learning.
Program Options
Students acquire deep technical, computer science and networking skills and work with their advisor to select courses that set the stage for graduate study or employment in any technical or professional area.
Provides deeply technical, inter-disciplinary skills grounded in the computer science, networking, and electrical engineering disciplines. Prepares graduates for graduate study or employment related to gathering evidence and protecting against possible or real-time threats.
The Cyber Operations concentration is a National Security Agency Validated Program of Study in Cyber Operations. The National Security Agency recognizes this program as a Validated Program of Study in Cyber Operations. This assures students the program meets or exceeds standards in curriculum topics, faculty expertise, laboratory and computing resources, and institutional support necessary for success in the field of cyber operations.
Provides deeply technical, inter-disciplinary skills grounded in the computer science, networking, and computer engineering disciplines. Prepares graduates for graduate study or employment related to using defensive measures to prevent, identify, analyze, and report events that might occur within the software or network to protect information and information systems from threats. The Cyber Defense concentration is a National Security Agency Validated Program of Study in Cyber Defense.
The National Security Agency recognizes this program as a Validated Program of Study in Cyber Defense. This assures students the program meets or exceeds standards in curriculum topics, faculty expertise, laboratory and computing resources, and institutional support necessary for success in the field of cyber defense.