Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity

Sage College of Albany offers their BS in Information Technology and Cybersecurity fully online. The program trains students to be practitioners in the field of cybersecurity, and prepares students for successful careers as security analysts, intrusion detection specialists, cryptologists, cryptanalysts, vulnerability assessors, and related IT careers. Upon graduation, students will be able to recognize, address, and solve complex cybersecurity issues.

 

Both the certificate programs, and BS degree program in Information Technology & Cybersecurity, are designed to prepare students to sit for many professional cybersecurity certifications to include:

 

Course Map

bs-in-cyber-course-mapThe BS in Information Technology and Cybersecurity offered through The Sage Colleges is unique among Cybersecurity academic programs as it is intentionally designed to have students first complete a comprehensive curriculum in information technology. This approach provides a solid foundation in data communications and networking, programming, operating systems, system administration, database design, systems integration and project management.

Students will then complete a specialization in cybersecurity that provides students the high-demand skills and knowledge needed to protect network infrastructures, secure electronic assets, prevent attacks, investigate cybercrimes, perform in-depth incident analysis and build secure infrastructures. With a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from The Sage Colleges, you will be ready to partner with professionals in business, industry, government, and education to design and build cutting-edge cyber solutions to meet the security needs of companies worldwide.

 

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • Perform security monitoring and assesses security vulnerabilities at all levels (software, hardware, networks).
  • Perform an in-depth cybercrime investigation and digital forensics analysis.
  • Perform incident analysis and craft cybersecurity implementation strategy.
  • Design and configure secure systems that incorporate components related to hardware, software, operating system and systems configuration.
  • Advance to graduate study in various information technology fields.

 

 

 

 

Courses:

Core Requirements: (33 credits)


This course provides both a practical and conceptual background in Information Technology Fundamentals. The course is designed to cover pervasive themes in IT organization issues and history of IT, IT and its related informing, disciplines, application domains, computer math, and other IT topics. The course is designed to provide learners a solid foundation of information technology and computer systems and how they affect everyday life. In addition the course gives the learners a classic introduction to computer concepts with a modern twist known for its emphasis on industry insight and societal issues, this text makes concepts relevant to today’s career-focused students. Prerequisite(s): For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

This course provides both a practical and, conceptual background and understanding about the structure of the complete system (CPU, memory, buses and peripherals) and reinforces that core content with an emphasis on divergent examples. This approach to computer architecture is an effective arrangement that provides sufficient detail at the logic and organizational levels appropriate for EE/ECE departments as well as for Computer Science readers. The text goes well beyond the minimal curriculum coverage and introduces topics that are important to anyone involved with computer architecture in a way that is both thought provoking and interesting to all. Prerequisite(s): ITC 101; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

This course introduces the principles of computer security. Topics include theory and practice of network security, firewalls, Windows, UNIX and TCP/IP network security. Security auditing, attacks, viruses, intrusion detection and threat analysis will also be covered. Prerequisite(s): ITC 201; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

This course is designed to convey the essentials of data communication networks. Major topics include layered network architectures, TCP/IP model, link layer error and flow control mechanisms, packet switching, wired/wireless local and wide area networks. We will also discuss important network management topics such as domain management and security. Prerequisite(s): ITC 201; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

This course will provide the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to manage a Local Area Network (LAN) and its resources. Topics covered include directory services, server management, file and print services, and user/client administration in a heterogeneous operating system environment. Students will setup and manage a fully functioning computer network of systems. Through hands-on assignments students also deal with challenges designed to help them create, customize and grow their own IT toolbox. Prerequisite(s): ITC 201; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

ITC-209 is a hands-on course for developing web sites with various software applications, a markup language, digital images and web programming (JavaScript & PHP). This course will also cover HTML5, CSS3, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Macromedia FLASH. We will explore web programming concepts with Perl and CGI. Throughout the course we will consider issues related to project planning, information systems architecture, usability, content development and accessibility. All web pages designed in this class will meet W3C guidelines for web compliance and must validate XHTML and CSS according to the W3C Markup Validation Service. Prerequisite(s): ITC 201; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

The notion of “object” directs the discipline of programming presented in this course. The C# serves as the medium through which key ideas are introduced. The “smaller” issues of message passing and control flow are presented, as are the “larger” issues of abstraction, encapsulation, and hierarchy. Variables and typing, procedures and parameters are discussed. Functionality provided in specific java packages is employed. Standard algorithms are presented. Problem solving strategies are articulated and exploited. Prerequisite(s): ITC 201; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

This course provides both a practical and conceptual background in understanding the Operating Systems. It is designed as an introduction to operating systems. It is intended for students with a basic background in computing systems. The first portion of the course presents the basic concepts of operating systems, which are platform independent. The second portion of the course covers specific issues with four operating systems in widespread use today. Prerequisite(s): ITC 201; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

This course will examine basic principles of data and databases with an emphasis on relational database modeling. Topics such as database design, creation, maintenance, user interface and SQL queries will be presented from an end-user perspective. Prerequisite(s): ITC 201; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

This course systematically describes the entire life cycle needed to create an information system, including aspects such as system architecture, requirements analysis, interface design, output design and project management issues. This class focuses on both theory and methods of systems analysis as applied to business environment. It is intended to give students a solid foundation in information systems design and analysis using an object-oriented approach. This approach is widely accepted in the information industry and academic environments. The text integrates case studies to present and apply the concepts of the analysis of information systems most commonly used in business applications. Prerequisite(s): ITC 201; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

This course provides both a practical and conceptual background in Project Management. It explores the standards and principles of project management, system development life cycle (SDLC) and project life cycle to enhance skills in scope, quality, budget and timeline management. It will also offer the students the skill needed to use of project management software to design project schedules, using bar charts, PERT and critical path method. Prerequisite(s): ITC 305; For Russell Sage Online degree students only.

 

Specialization Requirements: (18 credits)


This course, recognizing that cyber threats against individuals, governments, and businesses are continually taking on newer, more complex, and more dangerous forms, will provide an introduction to the range of disciplines that are fundamental to protecting cyber assets in the modern world. This course will also provide an introduction to the various technical and non-technical skills that are foundational in any cyber security career. Prerequisite(s): ITC-201

This course explores methods and techniques used in investigating cybercrime. It also explores how the criminal justice system responds to cybercrime. Specific types of cybercrime are integrated into this discussion and may include such topics as identity theft, digital child pornography, cyber bullying and cyber stalking. Prerequisite(s): CST-201

This course provides students with both a practical and conceptual background and understanding about the key considerations in computer security. Methods to identify vulnerabilities within computer networks and the countermeasures that mitigate risks and damages will also be addressed. Prerequisite(s): CST-201

This course provides a comprehensive guide to software security, ranging from secure coding to rigorous processes and practices for managing system and software lifecycle operations. A comprehensive software lifecycle, covering all elements, activities, and practices encompassed by the universally accepted ISO/IEEE 12207-2008 standard will be discussed.

This course will investigate the laws and policies dealing with cyber-crime, cyber warfare, privacy and international perspectives. In addition, an in-depth look at the National Security Act, the United States Cyber Security Electronic Security Act, the Cyber Security Enhancement Act, the Protecting Cyber Security as a National Asset Act, the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, cyber-crime laws, international cyber-crime laws and other current laws and policies will be reviewed and discussed. Prerequisite(s): CST-201

This course provides a solid foundation in network security fundamentals, but assumes familiarity with basic concepts. This course focuses on how to protect a range of different operating systems against attacks, how to develop more effective security strategies, and how to handle emergencies. Case projects and hands-on projects help students practice their new skills and expose them to the day-to-day duties of a security professional. Prerequisite(s): CST-201

 

General Education

  • HUM 112: Humanities and Language (3)
  • Humanities electives (6)
  • Social science electives (6)
  • Science electives (BIO, CHM, PHY, SCI) (6)
  • MAT 110 or higher (3)
  • ITD 300-level (3)
  • Technology competency (satisfied by a course in the major) (3)
  • Experiential-based learning (satisfied by a course in major) (3)

*Students earning a Bachelor of Science degree must complete at least 60 credits in Liberal Arts coursework. This requirement is satisfied by a combination of transfer credits, general education coursework, and electives.

Admissions

The School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) offers rolling admission with start terms in fall, spring and summer. Applications are encouraged well in advance to allow ample time for transfer credit evaluations and financial aid planning.

Working directly with an admission counselor, we evaluate the amount of transferable credit and work experience you have. We strongly encourage you to be in good academic standing, have at least 40 completed college credits or have an associate degree.

How to Apply

Choose one of the following:

Students must submit:

  • A completed application for admission
  • An official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended since high school. To do this, complete and print the Official Transcript Request Form (located on the last page of this document) and fax it to 800-473-2512.
  • A one- to two-page career goals essay

International students must submit additional information including WES transcript in order to be admitted.

Students can expect to receive an admission decision within two weeks after their admission file is considered complete. Students who have completed the admission procedures and gained acceptance to an undergraduate degree or certificate program will be classified as a matriculated student, are eligible for financial aid and will be assigned a faculty advisor.

Dawitt-DemissieDawit Demissie, PhD (click for full biography)
Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Director, Computer Science
The Sage Colleges
Linkedin3

Michael Weisberg, CISSP
Director, Cybersecurity
The Sage Colleges – Online
Linkedin3

Michael D. Weisberg has over 30 years of professional experience in the fields of Information Security, Information Technology, Computer Science, and Cybersecurity. He is Vice President for Information Security and Assurance Services at Garnet River.  Mr. Weisberg’s responsibilities include managing and coordinating information security consulting practices, as well as building and enhancing SOC/CIRT facilities. Mr. Weisberg also promotes Owl Secure monitoring and compliance services, and speaks on a variety of Information Security and Assurance issues. As a Senior Enterprise Architect with Federal Reserve Information Technology Enterprise Architecture, he specialized in Information Security and Assurance. He was the Dedicated Architect to Bank Supervision and Regulation where he led the Security Road Mapping effort.
Michael joined the Federal Reserve in June of 2006 and provided leadership in multiple programs including Information Flow Control, Platform and Storage Virtualization, Security Road Mapping and Open Source Software Use. Prior to joining the Federal Reserve, Michael was the Principle Engineer for NYSTEC – a trusted agent consulting service to New York State government. He was Director of Technology Services for Rhythms NetConnections, a nationwide high speed networking provider. He served as Vice President of the Information Security Intrusion Analysis group, and Assistant Vice President of Advanced Technology at Bank of America.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and is a trainer for Safe and Secure Online, an international organization educating school age children about safe and responsible Internet use.

 

^ Back to Top