BS in Information Technology Focused in Cybersecurity

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity

Offered By: College of Science, Engineering, & Technology

Information Technology Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Cybersecurity degree program from GCU prepares students for careers working with computer-based information systems. Graduates work with software application and computer hardware to study, design, develop and support how information is shared, saved and used in an organization. Students interested in user and data security can earn an emphasis in cybersecurity. The combination of learning about IT and cybersecurity ensures that GCU grads from this program are able to support and design systems that are safe from cyber-attacks.

Course topics include:

  • Cloud computing
  • Planning and implementation of IT systems
  • Information technology project management
  • Object-related databases
  • Virtual enterprise and datacenter infrastructure
  • Computer security, ethical hacking and cyber forensics investigations

Students entering this IT with an emphasis in cybersecurity degree program should be comfortable with basic algebra skills. They should also know how to proficiently use common desktop computer applications. The BS in IT: cybersecurity degree at GCU is offered both on-campus and online.

Benefits of BS in Information Technology with Cybersecurity

Grand Canyon University's BS in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity prepares graduates to confidently work in the growing information technology field. The benefits of this degree program include learning in-depth practices in both IT and cybersecurity, meaning many more jobs may be unlocked for you. The IT portion of the degree program emphasizes not only the technology but the business aspects of IT work. The IT bachelor’s with an emphasis in cybersecurity program focuses on some of the core competencies of IT-driven business, software technology and tools, enterprise information systems and cybersecurity. Graduates learn:

  • Ways IT can improve business performance
  • Steps to take to boost organizational efficiency
  • Practices that reduce costs of enterprise systems
  • Skills to apply technology solutions
  • Usage of local and cloud-based programs to enhance the deployment, configuration and management of technologies

Those pursuing receive a well-rounded experience in both cybersecurity and IT. The coursework is made up of both lectures and labs to ensure that theoretical knowledge guides practice application. Some areas of study include:

  • Platform technologies
  • Networking
  • Information assurance
  • IT security and management
  • Programming fundamentals
  • Cloud computing
  • Web systems and technologies
  • Professional and ethical practices in IT

Students may also take part in the Cyber Center of Excellence, a learning environment led by industry-expert faculty that develops skills and knowledge in cybersecurity through research, exercises and hands-on training.

Learn to Defend and Protect Network Systems

This Bachelor of Science in IT program with a cybersecurity emphasis from GCU ensures that graduates understand how cyber defense, cyber operations, and cyber law are interrelated. They learn processes and goals in cyber forensics and acquire practical application in developing plans for security architectures. Cybersecurity graduates learn to problem solve using technology and computer programming. Applied, hands-on activities ensure students have the proper training to excel in the cybersecurity workforce.

The cybersecurity emphasis in the BS program offers courses focused on:

  • Cyber operations planning and execution
  • Cybercrime
  • Cyber law
  • Digital forensic investigations
  • Security architecture
  • Information assurance
  • Secure system administration

The cybersecurity program coursework ends with a security capstone IT project. Students demonstrate practical knowledge as well as develop technical writing and business presentation skills. The capstone is completed as a team and includes:

  • Developing of a project proposal
  • Conducting a feasibility study
  • Protecting intellectual property
  • Creating a project budget and schedule

Future in IT with a Specialty in Cybersecurity

Graduates from the GCU Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity degree program are well-equipped to pursue a career in information systems. Students who complete this BS may find work as:

  • IT manager
  • Information security specialist
  • IT project manager
  • Network support specialist
  • IT instructor
  • System integrator
  • Database Administrator
  • Information Security Analysts
  • Computer Network Architects

With the emphasis in cybersecurity, you can also seek a career as a security analyst. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs are expected to grow by 28 percent over the next 10 years.

If you are passionate about technology and want to make a difference in how data is stored and shared in an organization, a degree in IT and cybersecurity could be the perfect match for you.

Get More Information!
TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 120
Campus: 15 weeks [More Info]

Online: 7 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
TUITION RATE:
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Online: $470 per credit [More Info]

Course List

General Education Requirements:
34-40 credits
Major:
64 credits
Open Elective Credits:
16-22 credits
Total Degree Requirements:
120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Core Courses

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the role of computing technology within business and corporate environments. Introductions to concepts, terminologies, and a wide use of relevant daily software and tools relevant to any career in the information technology field. Topics include: Technology-integrated academics, digital networking concepts, systems administration and maintenance, information security, database and transactional systems, cloud technologies, scripting, and project management. Prerequisite: MAT-154 or MAT-261.

Course Description

This course exposes students to the fundamentals of networks and networking in IT. It then builds deeper understanding of how networks work, including the topics of LANs, WANs, service providers, packets, hubs, routers, switches, and Internet protocols. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on setting up and configuring local and enterprise networks, experimenting with various topologies, and scalability planning with routers and switches. Prerequisite: CST-111 or ITT-111 or CST-105 or acceptance into the bootcamp program.

Course Description

This course introduces students to system administration and maintenance as well as platform technologies. The course surveys operating systems, applications, administrative activities and domains, computer architecture and organization, and computing infrastructures. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on developing practical skills in configuring computer systems, deploying enterprise applications, managing user permissions, and remote administration. Prerequisite: ITT-116.

Course Description

This course focuses on advanced router and switch configuation for use in large and enterprise networks. Topics include dynamic routing, network security and access control, network address translation, wide area network implementations, virtualization, management, design, troubleshooting and automation. Implementation and troubleshooting of advanced routing technologies and services including Layer 3 VPN, Infrastructure security, and infrastructure services. Prerequisite: ITT-116.

Course Description

This course builds upon knowledge already acquired in the areas of system architecture and operating systems and focuses on the core issues of information security. Students learn fundamental concepts of information security including data encryption, security awareness, legal and ethical issues, operational issues, security policies, and attack types; while expanding on the coverage to include security domains, forensics, security services, threat analysis, and vulnerabilities assessments. Prerequisite: ITT-120, or ITT-121 or CST-125 or CST-126 or CST-220 or CST-221 or acceptance into the bootcamp program.

Course Description

This course examines the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of relational database structures. Emphasis is on appropriate application and implementation. Prerequisite: BIT-200 or BIT-205 or CST-110, or CST-111 or CST-105 or ITT-111.

Course Description

This course is focused on Linux server administration and maintenance within a corporate networking context. In addition to server installation, students will learn configuration and troubleshooting along with a variety of command-line and Graphical User Interface utilities and applications. Prerequisite: ITT-121.

Course Description

This course merges the advanced corporate infrastructure skills with emerging technologies that streamline how computing and network resources are accessed and utilized. Concepts in this course include wireless and mobile networking, telephone, Internet of Things (IOT), and the infrastructures required to build and maintain elastic systems and communications availability. Prerequisite: ITT-216.

Course Description

This course covers mathematical models for computer security. It analyzes and compares the properties of various models for hardware, software, and database security. The course examines how system designs, network protocols, and software engineering practices can result in vulnerabilities. Students learn to design, evaluate, ethically hack, and implement adequate security measures that can safeguard sensitive information. Prerequisite: ITT-307.

Course Description

This course is focused on enterprise cloud computing solutions, including migrations strategies for applications, strategies, workflows, and systems. Students develop the skills necessary to analyze, recommend, and implement multiple-vendor cloud solutions. Prerequisite: ITT-221.

Course Description

This course covers the design, management, and maintenance of virtual enterprise and datacenter infrastructure. Students learn to use appropriate tools such as request tracking, monitoring, configuration management, virtualization, and scripting to administer and defend systems using documented, repeatable processes. Emphasis will be placed on volume management, directory services, and network-based authentication and file systems. Students develop automatic procedures for installations and file distribution. Prerequisites: MAT-154 and ITT-307.

Course Description

This course covers the processes and goals of cyber forensics investigations. Hands-on activities include using multiple reporting systems to initiate and provide on-going support for information security investigations relating to data privacy, incident management, data loss prevention, and digital forensics. Prerequisite: ITT-307.

Course Description

This course covers the characteristics of object-relational databases and their application in business. The course also focuses on the main principles of object-oriented and object-relational databases, and their relative advantages. Students gain working knowledge of object-relational features as implemented in standard SQL database management systems. Students also learn to manage unstructured and semi-structured data with XML. Prerequisite: SYM-400.

Course Description

This course provides an insight into professional communications and conduct associated with careers in science, engineering and technology. Students learn about the changing modes of communication in these disciplines recognizing the advances in digital communications. They gain practical experience in developing and supporting a thesis or position in written, oral and visual presentations. Students will explore concepts and issues in professional ethics and conduct such as privacy, discrimination, workplace etiquette, cyber-ethics, network and data security, identity theft, ownership rights and intellectual property. This is a writing intensive course.

Course Description

This course covers strategies and plans for development and operation of the Security Operations Center (SOC). Students gain the knowledge and skills to use technologies to detect and prevent network intrusion and implement cybersecurity countermeasures. Prerequisites: ITT-340 and ITT-375.

Course Description

In this course, students apply the knowledge and skills used in previous courses to develop an IT Project proposal required for new innovative process. The course builds on the knowledge gathered during student’s journey through IT program. It gives them the ability to work on an emerging IT project while gathering very practical experience. This involves critiquing the current scope of IT and use a practical research approach to construct the project proposal. The students will be required to develop project components such as vision, budget, risk management, and timeline. Project teams will be assigned and throughout the semester, these teams present ideas to both peers and the instructor, who provide feedback and insight into what it takes build a successful project. Students will be required to work on a complex and real-life problem related to IT studies. In doing so, the Capstone makes the link between the academic discourse and the world thereafter. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: ITT-430.

Locations

GCU Campus Student


Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.

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