Introduction to Cybersecurity Concepts and Tools

Course Overview

An introduction to the fundamentals of cybersecurity. This includes understanding the concepts of threats, vulnerabilities, and risk as to the definition of “security” for a system. The course will examine types of security policy, provide definitions and examples of contemporary technical, administrative, and physical security controls setting the foundation for system engineering requirements. We will survey common attacks and mitigations, and the shortcomings of common, contemporary cybersecurity models.

The basic concepts of networking, operating systems, and security test tools will be taught through computer virtualization and hands-on labs. Students will develop a penetration testing Cybersecurity Sandbox with multiple virtual machines and demonstrate the use of a set of security test tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Academic Advising

Our cybersecurity programs have Academic Advisors, they are responsible for evaluating applications and admitting new students, monitoring your academic progress and providing guidance as needed. To connect with a program expert, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at (888) 832-0239 or use the chat feature on this page.

Virtual Information Session

Join us for a live webinar where we breakdown most frequently asked questions about our M.S. Cyber Security Engineering program. You will have to opportunity to ask any questions you might have as you hear from our Academic Director, Chuck Bane, and our program expert/enrollment advisor, Tom Cardosi. RSVP link to come.

Virtual Coffee Chats

Want to learn more about our program and be able to ask questions face to face? Join us for one of our virtual coffee chats with a program expert. More details to come!

Are classes scheduled to accommodate working professionals?

Yes. The Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering degree program is designed specifically with working professionals in mind, offering both on-campus and online options for maximum convenience.

The online program can be completed on your own schedule (as long as deadlines are met). The on-campus program typically meets twice a week (Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday) with classes scheduled after 6 p.m.

It is important to note that all of our professors are industry practitioners, meaning that they have a significant amount of experience and are often well-respected leaders within the cybersecurity industry.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program is designed to be completed in 20 months.

Does the program have to be completed within 20 months?

The curriculum schedule functions on a rotational system, meaning that if a student skips a course they will have to wait for the rotation to complete before jumping back in. We encourage individuals who are interested in the program to speak with an enrollment advisor or to work with their program coordinator, who is available to help every step of the way.

How long is each course?

Each course lasts a total of seven weeks with the only exception being introductory courses, which are 14 weeks. Students take two courses each semester, focusing intensively on one course at a time.

Does the program require applicants to take the GRE or GMAT?

No. The admissions committee takes a comprehensive approach when reviewing applications. A GRE or GMAT score is not necessarily a good indicator that someone is, or will be, a successful cybersecurity engineer.

Who will benefit the most from this program?

This advanced degree program was designed specifically to help train the next generation of cybersecurity engineers.

For those already working in cybersecurity and looking to take the next step in their career, this is an academically rigorous program — including hands-on coursework utilizing a virtualized Cybersecurity Sandbox — that will prepare you for more advanced positions within the field of cybersecurity engineering.

For students with less experience, who may be at an earlier juncture in their professional career, or for those switching careers from more traditional IT roles, our this program offers a strong and comprehensive foundation, allowing you to quickly advance into your desired career.

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