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Bachelor of Science in Network Administration and Cybersecurity
Course Information
Bachelor of Science in Network Administration and Cybersecurity (BSNC): 120 Credits
GLOBAL LEARN CLASSES
BSNC Courses
Monday – Friday at 6PM – 10PM EST
Program Core:
BUS1150: Information Systems for Business
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic fundamentals of information systems. Students will learn how information systems are used within a business environment and the advantages they provide for an organization. Topics to be explored include business intelligence, cloud computing, e-commerce, enterprise systems, mobile computing, and systems acquisition. (3 credits)
BUS2250: Business Communication
A comprehensive course in business communication, that includes the study and practice of concepts and skills as they apply to business and professional settings including written communication, business and professional presentations, interpersonal and group dynamics. Special attention is given to learning to communicate effectively in multiple formats as professionals in today’s digital, social, and mobile world. (3 credits)
CSM535 Information Security Management
(Prereq. MSC620) The purpose of this course is to help prepare students for a successful career in public practice, industry or government by understanding how to manage, use and participate in the design of information systems. The course will also help students learn how to assess and consider the impact of IT governance, risk and compliance on accounting functions, focusing on how IT affects business processes and controls. This course serves as a preparation course for the Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM) exam certification.
CS1000: Security+
(Prerequisite: IT1110) Security Plus provides students with the foundational knowledge needed within the field of Cybersecurity. This course highlights the vulnerabilities and threats organizations face today. Students will learn how to mitigate these vulnerabilities and various methods to prevent these occurrences. (3 credits)
CS1050: Introduction to Relational Database Management Systems
During this course students will learn concepts regarding various types of databases. Students will also explore concepts in designing basic and advanced databases. This course will also provide students with insight regarding database connectivity with web technologies. (3 credits)
CS2350: Spreadsheet Applications
Students taking this course will learn how to use Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel to prepare databases and spreadsheet applications. (3 credits)
CS2500: Systems Analysis & Design I
Students taking this course are introduced to the analyses, methodology and tools used to translate business requirements into information systems that support the short- and long-term objectives of the enterprise. Students will learn about traditional structured analysis, object-oriented concepts and agile methods and the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). They are also introduced to project management concepts and the software tools most commonly used by systems analysts. (3 credits)
CS3200: Cybersecruity Law & Ethics
Students taking this course will learn about laws concerning network and computer security, legal limits for accessing systems, data, and various other forms of regulations on digital information. Students in this course will also be introduced to Crimeware and how it relates to multiple areas of the application architecture. (3 credits)
CS3300: Project Management for IT Professionals
Students taking this course will develop skills in project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, procurement and stakeholder management as well as planning, executing, monitoring, controlling and closing processes. This course emphasizes the principles distinctive to managing information technology projects that extend well beyond standard project management requirements. (3 credits)
CS3500: Information Security Fundamentals
Students taking this course will learn the fundamental skills needed to evaluate and ultimately defend the networks and clients that they manage. This course introduces students to the core concepts of security, malicious attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Students in this course will have an understanding of cryptography, auditing, and security operations. (3 credits)
CS3750: Computer Forensics
This is an introductory course in computer and digital forensics. The course covers the principles, procedures, and techniques used in computer forensic crime investigations. Topics include understanding computer investigations, current computer forensics tools, processing crime and incident scenes, and digital evidence controls. Students are introduced to file systems, data acquisition, and computer forensics analysis. (3 credits)
CS4100: Risk Management
In this course, students will explore ethical business decision-making and risk management related to the use of technology. This course introduces students to the core concepts of information security contingency plans and risk management. (3 credits)
CS4250: Ethical Hacking
Ethical hacking covers vulnerability and penetration testing, which are essential elements in modern cybersecurity. Ethical hacking consists of testing the security of IT systems by trying to find and exploit security vulnerabilities. This class demonstrates the ethical use of various “white hat” cyber penetration testing tools and techniques consistent with Ethical Hacking training. Network tools and techniques take place in an enclosed “sandbox” environment. Students are exposed to various computer hacking skills and analyze various protective measures and their effectiveness. (3 credits)
CS4350: Principles of Cryptography
This course provides a practical survey of both the principles and practice of cryptography in computer security. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of cryptography and their use in protecting data and resources from disclosure, to guarantee the authenticity of data and messages, and to protect systems from network-based attacks. (3 credits)
IT1010: Implementing & Troubleshooting OS Technology
This course is designed to prepare students for CompTIA A+ Essentials Certification examination (220-902). Topics include operating system fundamentals; operating system architecture; comparison of operating systems; the boot process; installing, configuring, supporting, and upgrading operating systems; diagnosing and troubleshooting operating systems, and file systems. Students will also be introduced to networking, hard drive support, and Internet concepts and configurations related to operating systems. At the conclusion of the course students will sit for the CompTIA A+ Essentials examination. (3 credits)
IT1030: Virtual Computing
In the Virtual Computing course, students will learn about computer hardware virtualization, container technologies, and virtualization software. Students will deploy Linux and Windows operating systems using virtualization software and will apply these technologies throughout future courses as they build more complex systems. This course will provide a clear understanding of virtual machines and containers and how each are managed and implemented. (3 credits)
IT1100: Network I
(Prerequisite: IT1010) This is a basic introductory course to Networking Fundamentals. Students will learn about switches, routers, and firewalls. This course is a prerequisite to Network II. Students taking this course will prepare for the CompTia Net+ certification. They will use their knowledge of networking technology for local area networks (LANS), wide area networks (WANS), and the Internet. (3 credits)
IT1110: Network II
(Prerequisite: IT1100) This is an Advanced course to Networking Fundamentals. Students will learn about Virtualization and Cloud computing, Subnets and VLANs, Wide Area Networks, and Network Risk Management. Students taking this course will obtain an understanding of networking technology for local area networks (LANS), wide area networks (WANS), and the Internet. As well as prepare them for the CompTia NET+ certification. (3 credits)
IT2150: Client Configuration I
(Prerequisite: IT1010) Students taking this course will obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to implement, administer, and troubleshoot a desktop operating system in a network environment. This course aligns with the objectives in the Microsoft certification for client configuration. (3 credits)
IT2160: Client Configuration II
(Prerequisite: IT2150) Students taking this course will obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to implement, administer, and troubleshoot a desktop operating system in a network environment. This course aligns with the objectives in the Microsoft certification for client configuration. (3 credits)
IT2300: Help Desk Remote Services
Students completing this course will be able to understand concepts that a service and help desk use to solve simple to complex computer and server issues. These issues will be addressed using phone, remote services, and face to face interaction. Upon completion of the course the student will have also acquired skills necessary to measure performance and manage a service and help desk environment. (3 credits)
IT3100: IT Operations Management
Students in this course will explore a unifying paradigm for understanding operations based on the design and management of business process. They will learn how managers can control process structure and process drivers to achieve desired business process performance and understand which level managers have to control: cycle-time, capacity, inventory and quality. (3 credits)
IT4000: Information Security Governance
Students in this course will learn the basic strategies and tools used for developing a business case for information security/information assurance governance and will learn how to develop and implement a strategy to increasingly integrate assurance functions to improve security, lower costs and ensure the preservation of the enterprise and its ability to operate. (3 credits)
NET2050: Windows Server Administration
(Prerequisite: IT1110) This course provides students with a broad understanding of Microsoft Windows Server 2016 as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, implement, administer, and troubleshoot Windows Server 2016 in an Active Directory domain environment. (3 credits)
NET2270: Network Server Installation & Configuration
(Prerequisite: NET2050) This program provides students with the skills to successfully manage and troubleshoot the Microsoft system environment including administering and managing complex local and wide area networks. The course prepares students for roles as network administrators, network designers, network integrators and network analysts in the enterprise environment. (3 credits)
NET2280: Network Server Core Services
(Prerequisite:NET2050) This course is intended for students who want to learn how to configure and manage a Windows Server 2016 computing environment. This course covers Windows Server 2016 installation, management, storage, and virtualization concepts. Students will be introduced to both introductory and advanced features of installing, configuring, implementing and managing a Windows Server 2016. (3 credits)
NET3000: Open Source
In this course you will learn modular web development using open-source tools, frameworks, and methodologies. This course provides concepts, principles, and applications of open-source software. Discuss about open-source software development process. Furthermore, this course Cover economy, business, societal and intellectual property aspects of open-source software. Obtain hands‐on experiences on open-source software and related tools through developing various open-source software applications. (3 credits)
NET4000: Designing & Implenting a Server Infrastructure
(Prerequisite:NET2050) This course covers the planning, design, and deployment of a physical and logical Windows Server 2016 Active Directory Domain Services infrastructure. Students taking this course will gain the knowledge and skills to perform name resolution, application integration, optimization and automatic remediation and maintenance of network services. This course maps to the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification credential. (3 credits)
NET4100: Implementing Collaboration Services
Students taking this course will obtain the knowledge and build the skills necessary to install, configure, and administer Microsoft SharePoint in the enterprise. The course also covers managing and monitoring sites and users. This course is designed to help students prepare for and pass Microsoft Certifications. (3 credits)
NET4290: Network Server Advanced Services
(Prerequisite: NET2050) Students taking this course will build the skills and knowledge necessary to implement advanced Windows Server 2016 Services in an enterprise environment. The textbook focuses on mastery of fault tolerance, load balancing, failover clustering, certificate services, and identity federation. (3 credits)
PR2000: Introduction to Programming Logic
This course reviews the basic concepts of programming. The course takes a unique and language-independent approach with an emphasis on modern programming principles while introducing universal programming concepts and ensuring strong programming and logical thinking. This course will also explore gaming concepts as well as debugging techniques. (3 credits)
SD2350: Web Development
This course is an introduction to the design, creation, and maintenance of web pages and websites. Students will learn how to evaluate website requirements and learn how to create and maintain quality web pages. Students will also learn web design standards and learn to create and manipulate images. Various tools and techniques for web editing, graphics and marketing are presented during this course. (3 credits)
SD3210: Operating Systems
This class introduces students to several operating systems. These operating systems include UNIX, Linux, Windows and Android. Some of the topics discussed include the history of operating systems and an overview of the most popular operating systems currently being used today. Another key topic being discussed includes memory management to include virtual memory management. This course is also a good introduction to networking. (3 credits)
SD3250: Software Architecture
This course will explore large-scale software systems and the components needed to support them. This course aims to provide a sound understanding of architecture concepts, functions, tasks and techniques; and how the system constituent parts interact. Students will be exposed to the practical aspects of architecture. This course introduces students to architecture principles and tactics to support development of systems that exhibit system qualities required for successful software systems, such as performance, availability, security, and maintainability. (3 credits)
NAC4990: Networking Capstone Seminar
(Prerequisite: Can be taken in conjunction with other classes as long as it is in the last two terms) In this capstone project course, students complete a networking project that combines multiple aspects of their bachelor program. The project requires collaboration with a team of students to manage, analyze, design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based network. The system development process is initiated with a case study included within the course structure. Students will develop a project charter that will guide them through the discovery of functional and nonfunctional requirements, the creation of a system design based on those requirements, and the development and testing of a functional network application. Students will develop a management presentation to describe the project design and justify the continuation of the project. The capstone course will involve reading, writing, discussion, as well as the preparation by students of a substantive piece of work (e.g., a senior thesis, a research paper, or a creative work.). (3 credits)
General Education Courses
ENG 1020: English Composition
Students taking this course will study and discuss rhetoric, style, and composition, with special emphasis on written communication skills. Students will learn how to effectively communicate. Student will learn how to demonstrate effective writing style and composition. Students will demonstrate the ability to prepare forceful written communication using logical thinking. (3 credits)
ENG1260: Professional Communication
(Prerequisite: ENG0900, if applicable) Students taking this course will develop the ability to express themselves effectively in public and private settings. Students will learn about the various theories and strategies of effective communication. (3 credits)
LOG3570: Logic & Critical Thinking
This practical course provides students with an introduction to the art of thinking based on examining and discussing different types of reasoning and the requirements of logical consistency. (3 credits)
MAT1010: Understanding Mathematics
(Prerequisite: MAT0900, if applicable) Students taking this course will examine the fundamental principles of mathematical theory and grow to understand the logic and inter-relationship of various mathematical functions. Students will learn how to use fundamental vocabulary and symbols related to mathematics. Students will learn how to understand the relationships between various mathematical functions. (3 credits)
MAT2140: Algebra
(Prerequisites: MAT0900, if applicable; MAT1010) Students will learn algebraic problem solving, radicals, quadratic equations, polynomials, inequalities, and applied problem solving. Students will learn how to solve a system of equations by the substitution method, the addition method, and the graphing method. (3 credits)
CPL1010: Computer Literacy
Since technology is in constant flux, you must keep up with the changes to remain digitally literate which involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies. This course introduces students to computing hardware, software, devices, networks, systems, and the web via home computers, mobile devices, laptops, tablets, e-book readers, and the like. (3 credits)
ETH2050: Ethics
Students taking this course will study ethical thought and ideals, with emphasis on the central assumptions of personal and social morality. Students will also investigate ethics and related problems in industry, civil society, and the typical American community. (3 credits)
POL2020: Political Science
This course provides the student with the means and opportunity to engage their government as a concerned individual. Global political systems and principal theories will be examined and compared to events and decisions affecting each student at the local level. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to become participants in their local government and to recognize and understand the various challenges that influence local decisions. The information and skills students learn in this course may be applied to many professional fields. (3 credits)
PSY1270: Psychology
This course provides students with an overview of the fundamental principles and methods of psychology. Topics for discussion include biological basis of behavior, sensory and perceptual processes, learning, motivation, developmental changes, personality, social behavior, and behavioral disorders. (3 credits)
ENV1010: Environmental Science
Environmental Science is a general course for non-biology majors in which students will explore the following basic principles: concepts required to understand interrelationships of the environment and the natural world; environmental problems both natural and man-made; risks associated with air, water, land pollution; health of humans and ecosystems; deforestation and climate change; overpopulation and environmental law, economics, and ethics. (3 credits)
Note(s):
All course prerequisites must be satisfied prior to admission to the program.
For program disclosure information, please visit
https://www.an.edu/programs/master-of-science-cybersecurity/
Technology Requirements
Following are the recommended general technical hardware/software specifications for students enrolled in all academic programs at the University of Fairfax. Please note that
a) these specifications are sufficient for the entire duration of the program,
b) need for specific applications/software would be determined by the actual course(s) registered and the availability of the applications, and
c) although students with Mac computers can access any applications/software by leveraging remote access tools, Mac platform is not recommended and supported, and
d) doctoral students will be required to user several open-source applications, hosted services, and publicly available virtual machines. This may include but is not limited to SAS (Statistical Analysis System) OnDemand, Oracle Virtual Box, Kali OS, Apache Web Server, GNU/Linux, OpenSSL, ROS (Robot Operating System), Blender (3D computer graphics), and Orange (Data Mining).
Minimum Recommended Specifications
1. Ownership of either laptop or desktop is mandatory. Mobile devices such as Tablets/Smart Phones cannot be used for running any applications. Mobile devices may be used for simple tasks such as accessing Canvas courses for checking messages, grades, due dates, and read the slides. For other tasks such as taking test, uploading assignments, and participating in discussion forums, mobile devices are not recommended and must not be used.
2. These recommendations are universal across all academic programs and provide a basic format for all courses. As you move further into a degree program, these requirements may increase (only minimal) based on the expectations of the program and the availability of applications.
|
Platform: Intel-based systems |
Minimum |
Better |
Best |
| CPU | 4 core 3.0 GHz. | 6 core 3.0 GHz. | 8 core 3.0 GHz. |
| RAM | 16GB | 32GB | 32GB |
| Storage | 500GB SSD | 1TB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Graphics | {Integrated} OR {2GB} OR {1GB DirectX 11} | {Integrated} OR {4GB} OR {2GB DirectX 11} OR {NVIDIA 4GB} OR {NVIDIA 4GB DirectX 11} | {4GB} OR {NVIDIA 4GB} OR {4GB DirectX 11} OR {NVIDIA 6GB DirectX 11} |
| Operating System | Windows 10 or 11 64-bit (Professional Edition only), No Home Edition | Windows 10 or 11 64-bit (Professional Edition only), No Home Edition | Windows 10 or 11 64-bit (Professional Edition only), No Home Edition |
| Extras | 2-3 USB 2.0 or 2-3 USB 3.0 Ports
Microphone
Camera
External USB Drive for backup (minimum 1 TB) |
2-3 USB 2.0 or 2-3 USB 3.0 Ports
Microphone
Camera
External USB Drive for backup (minimum 1 TB) |
2-3 USB 2.0 or 2-3 USB 3.0 Ports
Microphone
Camera
External USB Drive for backup (minimum 1 TB) |
| Recommended Standard Productivity Applications | Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI, Project, Publisher, Visio, Sway, Word, Forms, Delve
Internet browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. (recommend the use of multiple browsers)
Document Management Application – Adobe Acrobat Professional
Zoom Desktop Client (https://zoom.us/download)
Free Video / Photo Editing (select 1 or2) Application – PowerDirector (best) – Google, Promeo – Best App for Social Media, iMovie – Video Editor App for Beginners, Splice – Free Video Editor for Trimming and Cropping, Quik – Best Video Editor for Montages, KineMaster – Video Editing App For Experienced Editors, Filmmaker Pro – Best for Vertical Editing, InShot – Best Video Editor App for Aspiring Social Media Content Creators, Mojo – Best for Any Kind of Social Media Post, VivaVideo – Best for Beginners
Keep the system up to date with Windows Updates, .NET Framework etc.
|
Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI, Project, Publisher, Visio, Sway, Word, Forms, Delve
Internet browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. (recommend the use of multiple browsers)
Document Management Application – Adobe Acrobat Professional
Zoom Desktop Client (https://zoom.us/download)
Free Video / Photo Editing (select 1 or 2) Application – PowerDirector (best) – Google, Promeo – Best App for Social Media, iMovie – Video Editor App for Beginners, Splice – Free Video Editor for Trimming and Cropping, Quik – Best Video Editor for Montages, KineMaster – Video Editing App For Experienced Editors, Filmmaker Pro – Best for Vertical Editing, InShot – Best Video Editor App for Aspiring Social Media Content Creators, Mojo – Best for Any Kind of Social Media Post, VivaVideo – Best for Beginners
Keep the system up to date with Windows Updates, .NET Framework etc. |
Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI, Project, Publisher, Visio, Sway, Word, Forms, Delve
Internet browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. (recommend the use of multiple browsers)
Document Management Application – Adobe Acrobat Professional
Zoom Desktop Client (https://zoom.us/download)
Free Video / Photo Editing (select 1 or 2) Application – PowerDirector (best) – Google, Promeo – Best App for Social Media, iMovie – Video Editor App for Beginners, Splice – Free Video Editor for Trimming and Cropping, Quik – Best Video Editor for Montages, KineMaster – Video Editing App For Experienced Editors, Filmmaker Pro – Best for Vertical Editing, InShot – Best Video Editor App for Aspiring Social Media Content Creators, Mojo – Best for Any Kind of Social Media Post, VivaVideo – Best for Beginners
Keep the system up to date with Windows Updates, .NET Framework etc. |
Policy on Sync Sessions
- The Sync Sessions must be held in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8.
- The Sync Sessions must be spent having students defending and explaining their research assignment for that week. This time should not be spent lecturing as it should be structured in a manner to help prepare candidates in the process of defending and justifying their research.
- The Sync Sessions must be held Thursday-Saturday.
- If the Sync Sessions are held on a Thursday or Friday night, the times to begin should be 8pm, 9pm, or 10pm Est to accommodate students who are on the west coast.
Note: Certain courses may require specific software. Before registering for a course, please contact your instructor or a Student Services Representative for applicable software requirements.