Bachelor of Science in
Cyber Intelligence and Security
Business conducted over computer networks will only continue to increase and e-commerce is growing on a global scale. The need for computer security specialists continues to rise. Companies must have policies and systems to forestall compromises of their data. Through a unique blend of computer science, engineering, intelligence gathering, security, and management, Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence & Security will prepare graduates for a host of opportunities within countless companies, government agencies, and even entrepreneurial endeavors. Graduates are prepared to lead, manage, administer, and even to establish organizations focused on the field of cybersecurity.
Early in 2014, ERAU Prescott founded the United States’ first College of Security and Intelligence. Embry-Riddle has long been positioned as a leader in areas related to technology, so it was a natural progression to launch into this field that is complementary to the other safety- and security-related degrees at ERAU. It is one of only a few universities in the southwest region of the U.S. to offer a degree program in Cybersecurity.
Led by a faculty whose wide range of knowledge and expertise spans government, academia, and computer science roles, the B.S. in Cyber Intelligence & Security program offers a high-tech, hands-on academic experience.
According to a recent effort developed by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) together with Burning Glass, a leading technology recruiter, we can now see the demand for Cyber Security professionals across the US. Demand is out stripping supply resulting in excellent opportunities for years to come for those with Bachelors or Masters Degrees. The interactive map shows job openings by region and category using the Workforce Framework. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are available and some of them are prefect for entry-level students seeking to enter the profession. Our graduates have found employment with GoDaddy, Textron, Mitsubishi, T-Mobile, Xcel Energy, the NSA as well as going on to graduate school at Northeaster, USC and others.
Students have the opportunity to participate in ERAU’s very own “Hacker Lab,” where they can experiment in computer forensics, intrusion detection, computer security, and computer viruses.
DEGREE DETAILS
About Cyber Intelligence and Security at the Prescott, AZ Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security program prepares graduates to deal with threats from those who would abuse our world’s growing dependency on technology. In reality-based scenarios, students develop the knowledge in computer science and cybersecurity needed to defend the people, data, software, and networks that keep the world safe and productive. Graduates are prepared for professional roles in the rapid growing field of cybersecurity.
The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security degree is housed in the College of Security & Intelligence.
Students work on real-world activities with key agencies such as the FBI, DHS, and DPS through programs and coursework.
ERAU faculty are leaders in this emerging field and have authored some of the textbooks in use.
The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security program offered at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus is in candidacy for accreditation as a Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA. Embry Riddle is a member of the Cyber Patriot program and the CyberWatch Network.
Students have access to specialized labs, like the Forensic Science Lab and the Global Security and Intelligence Science’s Eagle Operations Center.
Emphasis is placed on effective communications, quantitative skills, global awareness, social responsibility, ethical and legal grounding, information technology, critical thinking skills, teamwork, computer and network functional skills, broad cyber industry familiarity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Students may also join organizations such as ERAU’s student chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), the Upsilon Pi Epsilon honor society, and gain exposure to the Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA).
The Cyber Intelligence and Security (CI) degree program, offered by the College of Security and Intelligence Studies, is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills essential for entry into many areas of cyber security work including: cyber analytics, incident response, network security and cyber security operations and management careers.
Our students are encouraged to think beyond traditional academic boundaries and seek workplace and cultural experiences that will enrich and enlighten them on the evolving workplace and the global internet/ business environment. Dedicated faculty advisors assist CI students in evaluating the many opportunities available to them in this program. Emphasis is placed on effective communications, quantitative skills, global awareness, social responsibility, ethical and legal grounding, information technology, critical thinking skills, teamwork, computer and network functional skills, broad cyber industry familiarity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Course requirements include a core computer science foundation with lecture and labs, group/individual projects and presentations, and a blend of theory and applications to best prepare students for a variety of positions in the workplace. Colloquia, forums, visiting speakers, interesting field trip experiences, and interdisciplinary opportunities/ activities serve to enrich the curriculum. Diverse elective courses allow students to broaden their general education interests or pursue specific interests in many specialized areas, including international commerce, unmanned aviation, global security and intelligence, and culture and language. A student interested in minoring in Mandarin will be required to take at least 12 credit hours additional coursework outside the normal 120 credit core course schedule. The student may utilize their six credits of open electives for LCH classes.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Intelligence and Security (CI) requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, and is normally completed in eight semesters. Students choose one of three options as a part of their senior capstone - either a project, a thesis, or internship/co-op program. Some courses may require prerequisite subject knowledge or particular class standing. Course descriptions should be reviewed prior to registration to ensure proper placement.
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and its Prescott Bachelor of Science degree program in Cyber Intelligence and Security is in candidacy for accreditation as a Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA. Embry Riddle is a member of the Cyber Patriot program and the CyberWatch Network.
In order to be awarded a CI degree, a student is required to complete a minimum of 80% of the core in residence or transfer those credits from institutions approved by the Program Director.
Students should follow the suggested course of study--taking 200,300, and 400 level courses in sequence--unless otherwise approved by the Program Director. This will provide the student with greater chance of success.
General Education
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| COM 223 | Intelligence Writing | 3 |
| CS 118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | 3 |
| MA 111 | College Mathematics for Aviation I | 3 |
| MA 112 | College Mathematics for Aviation II | 3 |
| MA 222 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| PS 113 | Introductory Physics I | 3 |
| PS 117 & 117L | Introductory Physics II and Introductory Physics II Lab | 4 |
| Lower-Level Humanities | 3 | |
| Lower-Level Humanities or Social Science | 3 | |
| Lower-Level Social Science or Psychology | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Cyber Core
| BA 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BA 210 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| BA 312 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| BA 329 | Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination | 3 |
| CI 120 | Introduction to Cyber Security Majors | 3 |
| CI 320 | Ethical Hacker - Pen Testing | 3 |
| CI 410 | Malware Analysis | 3 |
| CS 125 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| CS 213 | Introduction to Computer Networks | 3 |
| CS 225 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| CS 304 | Introduction to Computer Forensics | 3 |
| CS 315 | Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 317 | Files and Database Systems | 3 |
| CS 420 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| MA 225 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
Intelligence & Security Concentration
| CI 310 | Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance | 3 |
| CI 311 | Securing Computer Networks | 3 |
| CI 450 | Computer Forensics II | 3 |
| CS 303 | Network Security | 3 |
| CS 432 | Information and Computer Security | 3 |
| SIS 210 | Security Fundamentals | 3 |
| SIS 315 | Studies in Global Intelligence I | 3 |
| SIS 425 | Information Protection and Computer Security | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Senior Capstone
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
CI 490 | Cyber Capstone Project | |
CI 475 | Cyber Senior Thesis | |
CECI 396/496 Cooperative Education | ||
SIS 470 | Senior Cooperative Internship | |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives
| Electives CI/CS/SE/SIS Upper Level | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
| * | Students interested in studying Mandarin Chinese may use LCH 101, LCH 102, and LCH 201 for Electives. This will result in a total of 123 credit hours minimum. Please see your advisor. |
Suggested Program of Study
This suggested sequencing is appropriate for most CI students. However, those seeking to supplement with a minor should consult their advisor.
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CI 120 | Introduction to Cyber Security Majors | 3 |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| CS 118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | 3 |
| MA 111 | College Mathematics for Aviation I | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | (1) |
| Credits Subtotal | 12.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| CS 125 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| Lower-Level Humanities | 3 | |
| MA 112 | College Mathematics for Aviation II | 3 |
| PS 113 | Introductory Physics I | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 223 | Intelligence Writing | 3 |
| CS 213 | Introduction to Computer Networks | 3 |
| CS 315 | Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| MA 225 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| PS 117 & 117L |
Introductory Physics II | 4 |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA 210 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| CI 310 | Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance | 3 |
| CS 225 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| MA 222 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| SIS 210 | Security Fundamentals | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BA 312 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| Lower-Level Social Science or Psychology | 3 | |
| CI 320 | Ethical Hacker - Pen Testing | 3 |
| CS 304 | Introduction to Computer Forensics | 3 |
| CS 317 | Files and Database Systems | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| Lower-Level Humanities or Social Science | 3 | |
| CI 311 | Securing Computer Networks | 3 |
| CS 303 | Network Security | 3 |
| SIS 315 | Studies in Global Intelligence I | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BA 329 | Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination | 3 |
| CI 450 | Computer Forensics II | 3 |
| CS 420 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| SIS 425 | Information Protection and Computer Security | 3 |
| Elective CI/CS/SE/SIS Upper Level | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | 3 | |
| CI 490 | Cyber Capstone Project | 3 |
| CS 432 | Information and Computer Security | 3 |
| CI 410 | Malware Analysis | 3 |
| Elective CI/CS/SE/SIS Upper Level | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 120 | |
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Degree Summary
120 Credits
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