Computer Security Technology

Bachelor of Science Degree

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Security Technology prepares students to combat the increasing security issues and challenges in the digital environment, including computer systems, computer networks, and cyberspace. Graduates will be able to face security threats and protect valuable information and physical resources from unauthorized access and malicious activities. The curriculum covers the following major topics.

  • Computer Security: cryptography, malware analysis, and prevention, risk analysis.
  • Programming: C++, UNIX, and Python.
  • Computer Network: routing protocols, VLANs, access control lists, and subnetting.
  • Network Security: intrusion detection, virtualization, penetration testing, and network defense.
  • Systems Security: digital systems, operating system security, smart grid security.
  • Computer Vision: image processing, biometrics.

Skilled cybersecurity personnel are sought after in a plethora of different industries to make sure networks are safe and secure. Graduates of the program will possess strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. These will enable them to become confident employees able to properly secure a network.

Typical Employment Opportunities

Corporate Security
Federal, State, and Local Security Agencies
Software Industries
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Security Operation Center (SOC) analysis
IT Security Specialists
Cybersecurity

Computer Security Technology (BS) Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge-based skills to analyze and excel in computer and cyber security technologies.
  • Graduates will demonstrate an appreciation of professional requirements, ethics and leadership skills.
  • Graduates will utilize effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Graduates will apply critical thinking skills to analyze current issues and develop innovative solution techniques.

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Computer Security | Dr. M. Nazrul Islam | sst@farmingdale.edu | 934-420-2538

Fall 2023

Subject to revision

Liberal Arts and Sciences (62 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing (GE) 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
MTH 110 Statistics
MTH 129 Precalculus with Applications 4
MTH 130 Calculus I with Applications 4
PHY 135 College Physics I 4
PHY 136 College Physics II 4
BIO 120 General Biology 4
Humanities (GE) 3
The Arts (GE) 3
US History and Civic Engagement/World History and Global Awareness(GE) 3
World Languages (GE) 3
Liberal Arts & Sciences Electives 9
ECO 321 Engineering Economics 3
EGL 310 Technical Writing 3
300-400 Level Liberal Arts/Sciences Electives 6
Required Courses: (59 credits)
BCS 120 Foundations of Computer Programming 3
EET 105 Introduction to Digital Electronics 2
CPS 100 Introduction to Cybersecurity 1
CPS 201 Digital Systems and Security 3
CPS 203 Data Security and Privacy 3
CPS 205 Digital Signal and Image Processing 3
BCS 230 Foundations of Computer Programming II 3
CPS 301 Biometric Recognition 3
CPS 303 Operating Systems and Security 3
CPS 305 Foundations of Cryptography 3
CPS 325 Vulnerability Analysis 3
Computer Networking Electives: A minimum of 8 credits, one of which must be at the 300 or 400 level, from EET 440, 441, BCS 208, 209, 320, 321 8
CPS 401 Applied Cryptography 3
CPS 460/TEL 460 Network Security 3
CPS 405W Senior Project 3
Technical Electives from BCS, CPS, CRJ, EET, SST, SET 3
400 Level CPS Elective 3
300-400 Level Technical Electives * (BCS, CPS, CRJ, EET, SET) 6
Total Credits 121

Curriculum Summary

Degree Type: BS
Total Required Credits: 121

Please refer to the General Education, Applied Learning, and Writing Intensive requirement sections of the College Catalog and consult with your advisor to ensure that graduation requirements are satisfied.

As a part of the SUNY General Education Framework, all first-time full time Freshman at Farmingdale State College (FSC) beginning Fall 2023, are required to develop knowledge and skills in Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ). Students will be able to fulfill this requirement at FSC by taking a specially designated DEISJ course that has been developed by faculty and approved by the DEISJ Review Board. DEISJ-approved courses will be developed in accordance with the guiding principles and criteria outlined below. DEISJ-approved courses may meet other General Education Knowledge and Skills areas and/or core competencies and thus be dually designated. DEISJ-approved courses may also earn other special designations such as those for Applied Learning or Writing Intensive.

Notes:
*Technical Elective courses can be selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor within the course designations of EET, SET, BCS, CRJ and CPS.

100-200 Level Technical Electives:

BCS 262 Data Communications 3
SST 217 Computer Forensics II 3
EET 113 Electrical Circuits II 4
EET 118 Semiconductor Devices & Circuits 4
EET 223 Digital Electronics 4
SET 105 Intro to Symbolic & Logic Programming 3
SET 205 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Technology 3

 

300-400 Level Suggested Technical Electives:

BCS 318 Virtualization & Cloud Computing 3
CPS 461 Penetration Testing 3
CPS 462 Smart Grid Security 3
CPS 463 Distributed Systems and Security 3
CPS 491 Computer Security Internship 3
SST 440 Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency 3

EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing

This is the first part of a required sequence in college essay writing. Students learn to view writing as a process that involves generating ideas, formulating and developing a thesis, structuring paragraphs and essays, as well as revising and editing drafts. The focus is on the development of critical and analytical thinking. Students also learn the correct and ethical use of print and electronic sources. At least one research paper is required. A grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Note: Students passing a departmental diagnostic exam given on the first day of class will remain in EGL 101; all others will be placed in EGL 097. Prerequisite is any of the following: successful completion of EGL 097; an SAT essay score (taken prior to March 1, 2016) of 7 or higher; an SAT essay score (taken after March 1, 2016) of 5 or higher; on-campus placement testing.

EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature

This is the second part of the required introductory English composition sequence. This course builds on writing skills developed in EGL 101, specifically the ability to write analytical and persuasive essays and to use research materials correctly and effectively. Students read selections from different literary genres (poetry, drama, and narrative fiction). Selections from the literature provide the basis for analytical and critical essays that explore the ways writers use works of the imagination to explore human experience. Grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

MTH 110 Statistics

Basic concepts of probability and statistical inference. Included are the binominal, normal, and chi-square distributions. Practical applications are examined. Computer assignments using Minitab form an integral part of the course. Prerequisite(s): MP2 or MTH 015

MTH 129 Precalculus

In this course, the topics introduced in College Algebra course will be extended. The course will provide a comprehensive study of functions, which are the basis of calculus and other higher-level mathematics courses. The students will study the properties, graphs, and some applications of polynomial, rational, inverse, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for MTH 117. Prerequisite(s): MP3 or MTH 116

MTH 130 Calculus I with Applications

This is a calculus course for those not majoring in Mathematics. Topics include the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, applications of the derivative and the definite integral. Applications are taken from technology, science, and business. Problem solving is stressed. A graphing calculator is required. Note: Students completing this course will not receive credit for MTH 150. This course may be non-transferable to science programs, such as Engineering Science or Computer Science, at other institutions. Prerequisite(s): MP4 or MTH 117 or 129

PHY 135 College Physics I

An integrated theory/laboratory general college physics course without calculus. Topics will include fundamental concepts of units, vectors, equilibrium, velocity and acceleration in linear and rotational motion, force, energy, momentum, fluids at rest and in motion, and oscillatory motion. Laboratory problems, experiments and report writing associated with the topics studied in the theory are performed. Prerequisite(s): MTH 129 Corequisite(s): PHY 135L

PHY 136 College Physics II

A continuation of PHY 135. Topics will include heat, electricity, magnetism, light and optics. Prerequisite(s): PHY 135 Corequisite(s): PHY 136L

BIO 120 General Biology

With a focus on building bridges between students’ lives and foundational topics in the field, General Biology is an introductory survey course of cellular and evolutionary biology. Students learn the biological underpinnings of topics like diets, cloning, stem cell research, genetic engineering, extinction, and climate change. Biodiversity is also emphasized through the study of evolution and the impacts our species has had on the world. Laboratory exercises provide hands-on examination of lecture topics, while emphasizing common research techniques. Note: BIO 120 is approved in the Natural Sciences General Education Competency Area and can serve as a lower-level laboratory science elective within the Liberal Arts. However it does not satisfy Bioscience Core requirements and cannot be used as a substitute for either BIO 130 or BIO 131. Note: The laboratory course, BIO 120L is a part of your grade for this course. Corequisite(s): BIO 120L

ECO 321 Engineering Economics

This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the economic aspects of engineering in terms of the evaluation of engineering proposals with respect to their worth and cost. Topics include: introduction to Engineering Economics; interest and interest formulas; equivalence and equivalence calculations; evaluation of replacement alternatives and operational activities; basic fundamentals of cost accounting. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a Tech Program or approval of this Department chair.

EGL 310 Technical Writing

A detailed study of the fundamentals of writing technical reports and other technical communications. Topics emphasized include the elements of a technical report, the interpretation of statistics and data, and the composition of letters, memos, and informal reports containing technical information. Assignments and student exercises are drawn from the student's technical area. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a grade of C or higher

BCS 120 Foundations of Computer Programming I

This course introduces the C++ Programming Language as a means of developing structured programs. Students will be taught to develop algorithms using top-down stepwise refinement. Students will be introduced to the concept of Object Oriented programming. In addition, students will get a thorough exposure to C++ syntax and debugging techniques. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for CSC 111

EET 105 Introduction to Digital Electronics

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of Digital Electronics. Topics covered: Number systems, Boolean Algebra, Logic Gates, Combinational Circuits, Karnaugh Map Minimization Techniques, Adders, Signed Numbers, Multiplexers, Code-Converters, Decoders, Encoders, Comparators and 7-segment displays. The laboratory component of the course reinforces the topics covered in the theory through relevant experiments performed by students using logic trainers. Corequisite(s): EET 111 or EET 104

CPS 100 Introduction to Cybersecurity

This course introduces the bird's-eye view of cybersecurity landscape and the computer security related curricula and programs at the college level. Students will gain knowledge and skills that improve their levels of readiness to start the journey of learning cybersecurity and ultimately becoming cybersecurity professionals. It will introduce topics relevant to the major, such as computer hacking, malware, software security, network security, cloud security, endpoint security, application security, identity security, mobile security, digital forensics, security certification, and related topics.

CPS 201 Digital Systems & Security

The course will examine the security threats to digital information, computer systems and networks. Students will learn about the principles of digital systems, including computer architecture and programming, digital information, and techniques to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. Topics will include risk assessment, security awareness, security policy, security auditing, and legal and ethical aspects. The course will prepare the students with background knowledge in cryptography, biometrics, software security and network security. Prerequisite(s): EET 105

CPS 203 Data Security & Privacy

This course will introduce the students to cybersecurity laws and policies regarding data breaches throughout different organizations. The course will cover topics that will include risk assessment, post-incident review, access control, information security governance, and data loss prevention. Students will undergo activities to analyze risk domains and follow regulatory compliances to protect the privacy and security of data within an organization. Prerequisite(s): CPS 201 with a grade of C or higher

CPS 205 Digital Signal & Image Processing

This course will examine the fundamental concepts of digital signals and image in relation to security applications. Topics will include signal and image characteristics, acquisition, quantization, filtering, enhancement, spectral analyses, feature extraction, segmentation, and morphological transformation. Students will be trained on algorithm and mathematical tools, and practical applications of Digital Signal and Image Processing techniques. The course will also examine the digital video and its applications to security field. Prerequisite(s): CPS 201

BCS 230 Foundations of Computer Programming II

This course expands the knowledge and skills of Foundations of Computer Programming I. Among the topics covered are: arrays, pointers, strings, classes, data abstraction, inheritance, composition and overloading. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for CSC 211 Prerequisite(s): (BCS 120 or CSC 111) with a grade of C or higher

CPS 301 Biometric Recognition

This course will examine the concepts of automated human recognition with anatomical biometrics and behavioral biometrics. It focuses on biometric system design, biometric image and signal processing, biometric sensor technology, and anti-spoofing technology. Students will learn how each biometric works, how to process non-ideal biometric signals and images, and how to choose the right biometrics for different applications. The course also covers the security and privacy issue of biometrics. Prerequisite(s): CPS 205 or CPS 203

CPS 303 Operating System & Security

This course presents the state of the art of OS security to students. It covers OS-level mechanisms, and how they relate to mitigating and defending against malware attacks on computer systems, such as buffer overflow, remote access Trojan, self-propagating worms, large-scale botnets, etc. Basic OS security techniques such as logging, system call auditing, address space randomization, memory protection, virtual machine introspection (VMI) will be discussed. Other techniques, such as host-based intrusion and detection, system randomization, vulnerability fingerprinting, and virtualization, will also be introduced. Prerequisite(s): CPS 201

CPS 305 Foundations of Cryptography

This course explores discrete mathematics and elementary number theory, with an emphasis on the mathematical principles underlying encryption and cryptanalysis. It covers the basic discrete structures, inductions and recursions, combinatorics, and discrete probability. It introduces algebraic structures such as group and field, and covers fundamental algorithms in modular arithmetic and integer arithmetic. Upon successful completion, students will have a solid foundation to learn a variety of cryptographic algorithms. Prerequisite(s): MTH 130 or MTH 150

CPS 325 Vulnerability Analysis

This course teaches students the principles of vulnerability analysis and software code auditing. It examines different types of threats and vulnerabilities that are inherent in software and that you might find in codebases. This course will also cover the origins of these attacks and how they have gained in popularity over the past years and how we can mitigate them in today's application lifecycle. Students will be trained to utilize the concepts of buffer overflows, integer security and format strings to evaluate software/data integrity failures. Prerequisite(s): CPS 201

EET 440 Data Communications and Networking

This course covers the basic concepts of networking and computer connectivity. Several network topologies and related media access techniques are explored. The rudiments of Data Communications and Open System Interconnection (OSI) are discussed in detail. Students will learn the components of a client server networks using the Novell's Net Ware/ Intra Net Ware. Certain protocols such as TCP/IP and SPX/IPX are also discussed. Laboratory experiments are designed to give students a hands on experience in Network administration, configuration and resource management. Completion of this course includes a final project related to the design of a local area network, complete with Layers I and II, as well as the Directory Tree Structure based on the netware. An oral presentation by each student of their project is required. Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of digital electronics; familiarity with a real time operating system; ability to program in a high level language. Chair approval.

BCS 208 Introduction to Networks

This course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the curriculum. By the end of the course, students will be able to build simple LAN’s, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. The laboratory component of this course will give the students hands-on experience configuring equipment needed to build a LAN. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore status

CPS 401 Applied Cryptography

This course examines the inner workings of modern symmetric and public-key cryptosystems and algorithms, including DES, AES, MD5, SHA-1/2/3, RSA, multi-party computation, and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), and the constructions of Message Authentication Code (MAC) and Digital Signature (DS). It examines the privacy applications of cryptography supporting anonymous credentials and private database lookup. Lattice-based cryptography will also be examined. Prerequisite(s): CPS 305

CPS 460 Network Security

This course will examine the security threats to computer networks and techniques to secure network. Topics will include network components and protocols, access control, firewall, honeypot, intrusion detection, virtual private network, vulnerability assessment, malware propagation, denial of service attacks, investigation of network data, and security protocols. At the conclusion of the course, students will have a full understanding of security design, network monitoring, and response to network attacks. Prerequisite(s): CPS 303

TEL 460 Mobile and Cellular Communication Systems

This course covers the fundamental concepts used in cellular and mobile communication systems such as propagation, link budget, handoffs, power control, and access protocols. The course also introduces the modern cellular network standards such as AMPS, TDMA, GSM, CDMA, 3G/4G with emphasis on different technologies and applications used by these standards. Prerequisite(s): TEL 305 Corequisite(s): TEL 460L

Last Modified 3/6/24