Cybersecurity

Description

This program is for students interested in pursuing careers in Cybersecurity. Cybercrime, cyber terrorism, cyber espionage and cyber-attacks of mammoth levels have led Cybersecurity to become a national priority. The risks are not limited to organizations only - the United States government, every company, and every individual is impacted from these attacks.

Today, we each carry anywhere from two to a dozen devices on us at all times that are subject to these attacks. Our national power grids - the bloodline for the nation’s information highway, is subject to these attacks.

Disruption may result in total incapacitation. Strengthening IT infrastructures and early detection and prevention of attacks is of utmost importance. Recent efforts at cybersecurity legislation have not been as efficacious as needed to fulfill the market growth in this area, leaving a shortage of qualified candidates. Government and industry analysts expect the job market in Cybersecurity to grow more than 50% in the next four years. The government needs to hire at least 10,000 experts in the near future and the private sector needs four times that number.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics includes cybersecurity professionals in the larger category of “information security analysts, web developers and computer network architects”; seeing over 20% increases in employment through 2020. This program prepares the student with the necessary skills and competencies for job titles such as: cybersecurity forensic specialists, security analyst, security auditor, security consultant, security risk assessor, security manager, information security officer, security trainer, and security systems designer. These skills include the investigation of various cybersecurity resources, tools, laws, and methods, to strategically assess, evaluate, plan, design, develop, and implement countermeasures for effective cybersecurity defense mechanisms.

• In addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates:
• Compare and contrast the various aspects of cybersecurity including the relationship between cyber defense, cyber operations, cyber exploitations, cyber intelligence, cybercrime, and cyber law within federal and state laws.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the processes and goals of cyber forensics investigations including the importance of search warrants and chain of custody in a forensic investigation of computer-related crimes.
• Develop strategies and plans for security architecture consisting of tools, techniques, and technologies to detect and prevent network penetration, and to design effective cybersecurity countermeasures.
• Analyze network designs, topologies, architectures, protocols, communications, administration, operations, and resource management for wired, wireless, and satellite networks that affect the security of the cyberspace.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline Rolling admissions Tuition fee

• USD 8038 Year (National)
• USD 8038 Year (International)

We charge a $50 technology fee (per course). Additional fees might apply.

Start date Any time 2015 First Monday of every month Credits 122 points
Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode Online Educational variant Part-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible Structure Fully structured Student interaction Online group works/assignments Attendance No Attendance Teacher support Continuous support with feedback on request More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Core Requirements

• ENTD261 Scripting Languages for the Administrator
• ISSC325 Biometrics
• ISSC342 Operating Systems: Hardening and Security
• ISSC343 Wireless Networks
• ISSC351 Computer Forensics
• ISSC364 IT Security: Access Control and Authentication
• ISSC366 IT Security: Cryptography
• ISSC421 Computer and Network Security
• ISSC422 Information Security
• ISSC431 Database Systems Security
• ISSC451 Cybercrime
• ISSC452 Cybersecurity
• ISSC481 IT Security: Planning and Policy
• ITMG481 Ethics in Information Technology

Major Requirements

• CMRJ303 Criminology

• HLSS320 Intelligence and Homeland Security

• INTL440 Cyber Warfare

• ISSC457 Digital Forensics: Investigating Network Intrusions and Cybercrime Security

• ITMG381 Cyberlaw and Privacy in a Digital Age

Choose 4 from the following:

• CMRJ320 Law Enforcement Intelligence Applications
• ENTD412 Systems Engineering
• HLSS301 Homeland Security Organization
• INFO321 Database Management Systems
• INTL434 Threat Analysis
• ISSC331 Legal Issues in Information Security
• ISSC361 Information Assurance
• ISSC368 IT Security: Physical and Peripheral Defense
• ISSC456 Digital Forensics: Investigating Wireless Networks and Devices
• SCMT371 Legal and Ethical Issues in Security Management

Institutional Requirements

• COLL100 Foundations of Online Learning

General Education

• English (Must take ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing)
• History
• Humanities
• Literature
• Mathematics
• Political Science
• Science
• Social Science

Final Program Requirement

• ISSC499 Senior Seminar in Cybersecurity

General Electives

Electives are typically courses available at your degree level that are not currently required as a part of your degree program/academic plan. Please visit the catalog to view a complete listing of courses.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 520

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Our university welcomes international applicants from many countries around the world. We are an online university and students are not required to enter the U.S. Therefore, we do not issue I-20 or DS-2019 forms for the F-1 or J-1 student visas.

In addition to the admission requirements for undergraduate or graduate study, we may require additional documents related to residency, English proficiency, and educational background. Our institution maintains the right to require this documentation when needed.

Undergraduate Students

This category includes associate, bachelor's, undergraduate courses for transfer, and undergraduate certificates. Note: Students wishing to take individual courses to transfer elsewhere must enroll as "undergraduate corses for transfer", which means you are not seeking a degree with us. All undergraduate-level applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.

Students without college-level academic credits OR non-degree-seeking:

• Applicants self-certify on their admissions application that they have received the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.
• Applicants residing in the U.S. are required to have a current U.S. residency card, appropriate current Visa, or Social Security Number card and are required to submit that documentation to APUS for record retention.
• Depending on the country of citizenship applicants may be required to provide documentation of English proficiency to complete their admission file.

Students with previous college-level academic credits information:

Associate or bachelor degree students

• Applicants self-certify on their admissions application that they have received the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.
• Students with previous college credit earned at a CHEA or AUCC accredited institution are required to submit a Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) Application as part of their admission process.
• Students with previous college credit earned only at non-CHEA or non-AUCC accredited institutions are not required to submit a TCE application as part of their admission process. However, students do have the option to have these transcripts evaluated for U.S. equivalency by an APUS-approved agency and undergo the TCE for possible transfer credit.
• Applicants residing in the U.S. are required to have a current U.S. residency card, appropriate current Visa, or Social Security Number card and are required to submit that documentation to APUS for record retention.
• Depending on the country of citizenship applicants may be required to provide documentation of English proficiency before being able to register for class. Learn more about our English proficiency requirements.

Undergraduate certificate students

• Applicants self-certify on their admissions application that they have received the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.
• You have the option to undergo a Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE), but it is not a requirement. We may request official transcripts from CHEA or AUCC accredited institutions via the TCE process. Students that earned their college credit at a non-CHEA or non-AUCC accredited institution must have a course-by-course evaluation for U.S. equivalency conducted by an APUS-approved agency for the TCE.
• Applicants residing in the U.S. are required to have a current U.S. residency card, appropriate current Visa, or Social Security Number card and are required to submit that documentation to APUS for record retention.
• Depending on the country of citizenship applicants may be required to provide documentation of English proficiency before being able to register for class.

Non-U.S. Transcripts

As an international student, you must have your non-U.S. college and university transcripts (those not accredited by CHEA or AUCC) evaluated by a credential evaluation agency, listed below, that can interpret your educational background received outside the United States and provide statements of U.S. equivalencies.

Agency Issued Reports

Evaluation agencies will complete your evaluation in one of two ways:

• Degree-only verification: Verifies the type of degree earned and whether or not the non-U.S. institution degree is equivalent to one earned at an accredited U.S. institution.
• Course by course evaluation: Verifies whether or not the non-U.S. institution is equivalent to an accredited U.S. institution and includes a separate report that provides U.S. semester credit, grade equivalent, and level equivalent (graduate or undergraduate) for each course. This report is used for Transfer Credit Evaluations (TCE) and three year non-U.S. bachelor degrees.

Accepted Credential Evaluation Agencies

You are responsible for contacting one of these accepted foreign education evaluation agencies to have your non-U.S. transcript evaluated, and to receive procedure and fee information:

• Office of International Education Services, Credentials Analysis Service at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. (AACRAO)
• Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) – We only accept the academic report which includes the earned credential equivalency and a course-by-course report.
• National Association of Credential Evaluation Services National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Current Members Only*
• Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Current Members Only*

*Because membership may change throughout the year, visit the NACES or AICE websites to see the most current information.

Agencies Should Use the Following Address to Send Transcript Evaluations:

American Public University System

Attn: Document Services

10110 Battleview Parkway, Suite 114

Manassas, VA 20109

Please note: Faxed evaluation reports are not considered official.

English Proficiency for International Students

Non-exempt, non-U.S. citizens must provide verification of English proficiency by submitting the results of a standardized test.

The university's preference is for students to submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, but we would accept the other standardized tests listed below as well.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Paper Based Test-520 with TWE of 4.0

• Internet Based Test

Reading 21

Writing 23

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)-Academic Version

• Reading 6.0

• Writing 6.0

Tests Requiring University Approval First

To submit one of the following tests in place of the TOEFL or IELTS, contact international@apus.edu for approval.

• ACT English

• SAT Verbal

• Advanced Placement International English Language (APIEL)

• General Certificate of Education (GCE)

• International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGSCE)

• General Certificate of Secondary Education (GSCE)

Transcripts and Other Documentation Needed

The following types of individuals are required to provide us additional documentation and should read the relevant sections below for details on the necessary documentation

Note: If you are an undergraduate student with no previous college credit, or if you are a non-degree seeking student, we will not need any transcripts.

Undergraduate Students with Previous College Credit

If you are an undergraduate student with previous college credit and you have not earned a bachelor’s degree or above yet, we need:

• Official transcripts sent from all previous institutions

• TCE application for transfer credit review

If the course work was completed at an institution not accredited by a U.S. recognized body, you will need to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an international education agency.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

---

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than American Public University.

Funding

International applicants are required to pay each course in full using a U.S. credit card or money order. The Automatic Debit Plan (ADP) payment option is available when used with a credit card drawn from a U.S. institution.
Suggestions for international students seeking financial assistance to fund their studies at APUS:

• Contact their Ministry of Education – explore scholarship, grants or loan possibilities
• Contact private lenders – companies or banks
• Seek sponsorship from a personal investor

Accreditation

American Public University is part of the American Public University System (APUS), which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC accredits degree-granting institutions located in a 19-state region, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

ED formally recognizes accrediting commissions that meet all federal standards, and CHEA extends recognition to accrediting bodies and their institutions that meet these established standards. Accreditation should be important to you because it determines a school’s eligibility for federal and state financial aid, and may influence acceptance of transfer credits and admission to accredited graduate schools.

In addition to our HLC accreditation, our B.S. in Nursing program, as well as many of our business programs, have obtained specialized accreditation from external accrediting organizations in these specific disciplines.

Credits and degrees earned through APUS may be recognized for promotion, assignment, and position qualification standards within the military, federal government, and private sector. For students transferring to other colleges, APUS credit is considered transfer-eligible based on its accreditation. However, APUS cannot guarantee that its credit will be accepted, as acceptance of credit is always the prerogative of the receiving institution.

Institutional Accreditation

This level of accreditation requires a significant amount of self-study and presentation of evidence to satisfy the demanding requirements of accrediting organizations. Obtaining accreditation with HLC demonstrates our focus on providing academic excellence and the best possible experience for our students.

As an accredited institution, our university is eligible to participate in federal educational entitlement programs such as military tuition assistance, government tuition reimbursement programs, the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill, and many corporate education assistance programs. In addition, APUS has been granted approval by the Department of Education to participate in Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs.

Further information on recognition policies and standards may be found on the following websites:

U.S. Department of Education (ED)

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202

(800) USA-LEARN (800-872-5327)

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 510

Washington, DC 20036

(202) 955-6126

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500

Chicago, IL 60604

(800) 621-7440

View the APUS 2011 HLC Reaccreditation letter

Specialized Accreditation

In addition to our HLC accreditation, our university has obtained specialized/programmatic accreditation through appropriate governing organizations for the specific academic programs listed below. The curriculum for these programs meets the higher standards required by these external accrediting organizations.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Business School

A.S., B.S., and M.S. in Accounting; A.A. in Business Administration; Bachelor of Business Administration; Master of Business Administration; B.A. in Marketing; A.A., B.A., and M.A. in Management; A.A. and B.A. in Retail Management; A.A. and B.A. in Hospitality Management; B.A. and M.A. in Transportation and Logistics Management; and A.A. in Real Estate Studies.

The B.A. and M.A. in Reverse Logistics Management and the B.A. and M.A. in Entrepreneurship programs within the School of Business are not accredited by ACBSP. They will be eligible for accreditation once they have been standing for a minimum of two years and each has at least one graduate.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

B.S. in Nursing (RN to BSN)

CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs.

Council for Education for Public Health (CEPH)

At this time, our university is not accredited by CEPH, and our prior application for CEPH accreditation lapsed on January 1, 2013. However, the governing body of the CEPH, at its June 2013 meeting, formally approved our request to begin the accreditation process for our Master of Public Health program. The steps and timeline for the CEPH accreditation process are subject to modification, and there is no assurance that we (or any institution seeking accreditation) will achieve this accreditation.

Professional Recognition and Affiliation

Management

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Sports and Health Sciences

American Sport Education Program (ASEP) (B.S.)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) (M.S.)

Information Systems Security

National Security Agency (NSA) - Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE)

Child and Family Development

National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)

School of Education, M.Ed. Teaching, M.Ed. Educational Leadership, M.Ed. School Counseling

WV state approved educator certification programs (WVDE)