Undergraduate admissions requirements to the University of Saint Mary vary by program.
Some basic requirements include:
- A 2.0 GPA on at least 12 credits of previously completed transferrable college coursework
or
- A 2.75 high school GPA for students with no prior college experience, or a GED exam
demonstrating college readiness
Generally, a bachelor's degree at USM requires 120 credits, including coursework that
transfers in.
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The University of Saint Mary online B.S. in Cybersecurity takes an average of two
years to complete for students who have already completed general education course
requirements or who hold an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. It includes
60 credits and 20 courses.
Generally, a bachelor's degree at USM requires 120 credits, including coursework that
transfers in.
Unlike traditional computer information systems degree programs, our online B.S. in Cybersecurity curriculum emphasizes computer forensics and IT system defense. This focus allows students to
build the most valuable skillsets for 21st-century information management careers.
Courses
The goal of this course is to provide a brief introduction to modern operating systems.
Students learn the core principles of operating systems design and implementation,
including basic operating system structure, process and thread synchronization and
concurrency, file systems and storage servers, memory management techniques, process
scheduling, resource management, and security.
An introduction to visual web design and development programming with HTML and CSS.
Students use the latest version of HTML, CSS, a coding editor, multimedia, other web-building
tools to analyze, plan, design, develop, publish, and maintain a website.
An introduction to MIS computing with an emphasis on personal and professional computing.
Topics include hardware, software, data, and networking applied to various applications.
Students are introduced to systems for communication, collaboration, commerce, database,
and security. The course also covers fundamentals of the common application, such
as word processing, spreadsheets, and computer problem-solving.
The course introduces basic networking technologies and concepts with emphasis on
local area networks (LAN). Topics cover the OSI Model, topology, physical network
cabling, and installation. TCP/IP, Ethernet, DNS, routing and routers, network security,
and troubleshooting.
This course provides extensive coverage of technologies in wireless, WAN, virtualization,
cloud computing, voice over IP, data privacy and confidentiality, network protection
and security, and business continuity.
The course introduces data structures and algorithms which provide a variety of solutions
to searching and sorting tasks. Students are expected to apply Big O notation efficiency
techniques to analyzing time and space complexity. In the course, students are introduced
to some common data structures, such as array, liked list, heap, tree, stack, and
queue. Sort algorithms include but are not limited to bubble sort, selection sort,
insertion sort, merge sort, shell sort, quicksort, radix sort, and heap sort.
Prerequisite: CYB 254 or instructor approval.
This course introduces relational database design and development. Topics include
data models, relational databases, DMBS, business rules, and the procedure to design
and develop a database based on business rules. Students also learn SQL programming
and acquire familiarity with the relational databased language to create, delete,
insert, update, query, join, constrain, trigger, and view in a programming way.
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and skills of computer
forensics and digital investigations. The course covers the recovery and analysis
of digital evidence, addressing legal and technical issues. The course aims to help
students develop the skills needed to launch and conduct a successful digital investigation
by acquiring, analyzing, and reporting digital evidence findings.
Prerequisites: CYB 130 and CYB 250.
This course introduces ethical hacking methodologies and technologies. Students will
explore common countermeasures that effectively reduce and/or mitigate attacks. The
course covers common information-gathering tools and techniques, types of malware,
port scanning, fingerprinting, forensics, network monitoring, traffic analysis, data
protection, and business continuity strategies.
Prerequisites: CYB 250 and CYB 350.
Cryptography provides important tools for ensuring the privacy, authenticity, and
integrity of the increasingly sensitive information involved in modern digital systems.
The course aims to help students develop a solid understanding of the foundational
elements of modern cryptography. Topics include classical ciphers, symmetric ciphers,
DES, AES, block cipher, stream cipher, asymmetric ciphers, RSA, hashing functions,
digital signatures, key management, and key distribution. To understand modern cryptography,
students are also introduced to number theory including prime numbers, modular arithmetic,
the Euclidean algorithm, division algorithm, and discrete algorithms.
Prerequisite: CYB 250.
The course focuses on analysis of security risks to computer systems. Students learn
a variety of cybersecurity techniques and strategies including security policies,
procedures, and standards to protect information assets from potential intrusion,
hacking, damage, and theft. CompTIA Security + Certification test is strongly suggested
after successfully completing this course.
Prerequisites: CYB 250 and CYB 350.
This course will provide students an opportunity to use their programming, networking,
cybersecurity, and management skills in a real-world environment. Students work on
a project in line with their internship companies/organizations. Students' performances
are assessed based on the evaluations from supervisors at the internship site, reflection
papers, documentation, and other methods. Students are required to work for at least
48 hours at internship locations.
Prerequisite: 48 credit hours of core courses (70%) completed or instructor approval.
An introduction to basic statistics. Course topics include sampling techniques, classification
of variables, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, measures of relative
standing, probability distributions, binomial and normal distribution, hypothesis
testing, confidence intervals, correlation, regression, and Chi-Square test. Students
must have access to the online textbook.
Area of Investigation Fulfilled: Mathematics
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or higher in MA 114 or MA 115, OR a minimum score of
23 on the ACT math exam, OR a minimum score on the mathematics placement exam. The
prerequisite must have been completed within the last 3 years otherwise, students
must complete MA 114 or MA 115 with a grade of “C” or higher or take the mathematics
placement exam to determine placement.
This course provides an overview of the history and evolution of management and an
introduction to the general terms and concepts in the field of management. Broad topics
covered include the critical management skills of planning, organizing, leading, and
controlling. Multiple frameworks and systems will be covered. Open to non-business
majors and high school seniors.
This course is designed to introduce students to business analytics. This course is
designed to enable students to use and interpret descriptive statistics to understand
business problems, understand basic mathematical models used in solving various business
questions, and communicate the results of data analysis to various stakeholders.
Prerequisite: MA 230 or MA 330 with a grade of “C” or higher.
This course focuses on the fundamentals of website design and the design of digital
marketing campaigns. Students will learn to create, organize, and design a website
and corresponding blog. Students will explore and use all aspects of digital marketing
– social media, mobile applications, email, search engine marketing, or any new digital
channel.
Prerequisites: CYB 170 and MKT 231.
An introductory course teaching design, development, and creation of multimedia applications
on the personal computer. Topics include hardware and software used in multimedia,
use of presentation software to create interactive visual aids, and authoring tools.
Hands-on projects focus on essential skills and provide experience in a broad range
of media.
This course introduces the Java programming language, one of the most powerful programming
languages. Students are introduced to object-oriented programming principles and concepts
as students use classes, objects, methods, polymorphism, inheritance, and interface.
The course also covers basic programming concepts and syntax: variables, data types,
iteration, conditioning, functions, overloading, array, operators, file handlings,
error handling, and debugging.
Modern web applications combine several backend languages to add functionality to
HTML and CSS web pages. In this course, students are to learn PHP, one of the most
powerful server-side languages. Students will be introduced to PHP variables, data
types, functions, form validations, decision-making, loop, cookies, sessions, file
handling, database handling, error-checking, and debugging.
Prerequisite: CYB 150 or instructor approval.
This course introduces the basics of the C# programming language: variables, data
types, decision making, looping, data structures. The course also introduces to students
structured and object-oriented programming techniques: classes, objects, methods,
inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction, libraries, and other advanced topics.
Python is a powerful, versatile cross-platform programming language that has a strong
presence in diverse software engineering disciplines including web development, information
security, network scripting, data science, and embedded systems. This course provides
a pragmatic and hands-on introduction to Python programming with a focus on practical
applications and projects. Topics include variables, data types, arrays, functions,
control flow, and graphical user interface-driven applications.
Prerequisite: CYB 150.
The course focuses on wireless networks, vulnerabilities, and defense. Students are
expected to learn different types of wireless technologies: Wi-Fi networks, cellular/mobile
networks, satellite, WiMax, wireless PANs, vehicular networks, sensor networks, and
RFID systems. The course aims to help students understand security risks and threats,
identify, analyze, and solve potential problems in the wireless field.
Prerequisites: CYB 250 and CYB 350.
The course is to explore potential techniques for building new platforms, services,
and tools that protect users’ privacy. In particular, the course emphasizes the technical
and economic viability and usability of these privacy technologies. Topics include
but are not limited to: attacks against privacy, user data privacy, trusted computing,
privacy-preserving software systems and applications, cryptographic techniques for
privacy.
Prerequisites: CYB 250 and CYB 350.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Saint Mary makes it easy for online students to ask questions and
find the answers they need. Below are many of the most frequently asked questions
about the online BS in Cybersecurity program. You are encouraged to ask any other questions
you may have!
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 800-752-7043.
How fast can I complete the online B.S. in Cybersecurity degree?
With a prior associate degree, most students complete the program in two years, but
some have been able to finish their degree in as few as 18 months.
Is the online B.S. in Cybersecurity a full-time or part-time program?
The online B.S. in Cybersecurity is offered in both full- and part-time formats.
What is the total tuition for the online B.S. in Cybersecurity?
The online bachelor's in cybersecurity degree costs $429 a credit hour.
For more information about tuition, additional costs, and financial aid options, please
visit our tuition page.
Is the online B.S. in Cybersecurity program accredited?
Yes. The online B.S. in Cybersecurity degree is accredited by the International Accreditation
Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Does the online bachelor's in cybersecurity require work experience?
No, this program does not require work experience.
Which classes are required to complete the online B.S. in Cybersecurity degree?
The online bachelor's in cybersecurity program requires 60 credits. USM requires a
total of 120 credits (including transferred-in courses or other lower level and general
education classes) to award a bachelor's degree.
Coursework includes information systems, networking, database design, computer forensics,
and cryptography, as well as business topics. This degree completion program is ideal
for students who have completed roughly two years of college or have earned an Associate
of Arts or an Associate of Science from a regionally accredited institution. A background
in technology is not required.
