Cybersecurity Accelerated Second Degree (B.S.)
Cybersecurity is a national priority and critical to our society, business sector, and national defense. A large number of experts with cybersecurity skills, knowledge, and abilities, and with a variety of backgrounds, is needed to close the widening workforce gap in government and industry.
The accelerated second degree B.S. in cybersecurity may be completed in four consecutive semesters by students who have earned a bachelor's degree in another program, including criminal justice, politics, history, and communications. The program is specifically designed for career changers. Students should have a good understanding of technology and how it works.
Students admitted to this program have completed, or are in the process of completing, a previous baccalaureate degree and are considered to have met the Liberal Arts Core. They may need to meet some prerequisite requirements (six credits described below).
Upon successful completion of the accelerated second degree cybersecurity program, students will be able to
- identify and remediate cybersecurity attack vectors;
- demonstrate the knowledge and skills to preserve the security and privacy of sensitive information;
- be effective at oral and written communication with business and technology professionals; and
- work successfully as an individual contributor or as a member of a multicultural team.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission, students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, or be in the process of completing the degree.
Residency Requirements: Students must take at least 36 credits at Marymount University.
Program Prerequisites: These courses or their equivalents must be completed prior to starting the accelerated second degree cybersecurity program: statistics (equivalent to MA 132) and introductory computing class (equivalent to IT 110).
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C is required in all information technology (IT) courses. A minimum grade of C+ is required for IT 423 and IT 489.
Major Requirements
This degree requires 71 credits.
Sample Degree Plan
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Semester One - Fall or Spring
Semester Two - Spring or Summer
Semester Three - Summer or Fall
| IT 321 | Cloud Computing | 3 |
| IT 355 | Software Testing, Documentation, and Quality Assurance * | 3 |
| IT 357 | Malware Analysis | 3 |
| IT 370 | Digital Forensics | 3 |
| IT 372 | Cisco Networking I | 3 |
| IT 385 | Managing Big Data | 3 |
| IT 423 | Senior IT Seminar | 1 |
Semester Four - Fall or Spring