Cybersecurity concentration prepares students with advanced skills and in depth knowledge for defending and developing secure software systems. The CT Department of Labor projects the need for Information Security Analysts to grow by 16.3% by 2024 with an average salary of $97,686. Having this concentration listed on the transcript will ensure employers that these graduates have knowledge of a wide range of computer science security issues that will distinguish them from other graduates.
The requirements of this concentration can be met by selecting the following electives as part of either the CS Honors or CS Alternative programs:
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CS 291 Introduction to Computer Forensics
- CS 419 Usable Security and Privacy
- CS 455 Secure Software Development
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CS 492 Computer Security
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CS 493 Secure Software Systems
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CS 494 Cryptographic Systems
Questions and Answers
Yes, you will need to complete a “Change of Major” form to add the new concentration to your degree program. You will keep your existing CS Honors or CS Alternative major and add the Cybersecurity concentration.
Your diploma will read “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.” CS Honors or CS Alternative will be listed on the transcript. Cybersecurity concentration will also be listed on the transcript.
At present time, you will be able to take CS 291, CS 492, and CS 493 during the 2017/18 academic year, but you will have to wait until the 2018/19 academic year to take CS 494. Beginning that year, we are planning to offer all four courses required for this concentration every year. Those who have already taken Computer Security (CS 492) or Computer Forensics (as CS 290 in the summer 2016) will be able to apply these courses towards the Cybersecurity concentration.
It is possible to use the courses required for the concentration as CS program electives (for CS Alternative) or as a combination of CS advanced electives and auxiliary electives (for CS Honors). By doing so, you will not need to take any courses in addition to the requirements of CS Honors or CS Alternative degrees.
CS 291: CS 151
CS 492: CS 253 and CS 254
CS 493: CS 253 and CS 254
CS 494: CS254 and (MATH 217 or MATH 218)
Yes, a minor is still required for anyone in the CS Alternative program.