Security Systems

Bachelor of Science Degree
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Security Systems is designed to provide students with an understanding of the applications of security technology.  The majority of classes are offered in a lab environment where students receive hands-on experience with both the hardware and software tools to protect digital information, digital systems, and related physical resources from malicious attacks.  Specifically, the curriculum focuses on the following areas: 

  • Computer Security: information security, cryptography, biometrics, and malware protection.
  • Computer Forensics: digital evidence, data investigation, file extraction.
  • Physical Security: surveillance systems, infrastructure protection.
  • Security Policies: incident response, security management, and Intrusion detection.

Emphasis is placed on providing students with the skills required to implement effective and comprehensive information security controls.  Two concentrations are offered within the program for students to choose from:

  • Network: network analysis courses offer the students educational skills to succeed for the CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) examination.
  • Transportation: aviation courses prepare the students for airport security operations.

Highly skilled security personnel are sought after in many industries to ensure protection across systems.  Graduates of the program will enter employment fields such as database services/security, operating systems administration, information policy, and security administration.

Typical Employment Opportunities

Corporate Security
Federal, State, and Local Security Agencies
Security Administrator
Security Analyst
Digital Investigator
Information Security Officer

Security Systems (BS) Program Outcomes:

  • Graduates will know advanced computer-based evidentiary and discover data methods and will be technically competent to administer procedures for evidence identification, documentation, and chain of custody maintenance.

  • Graduates will acquire knowledge to develop comprehensive computer security programs for organizations.

  • Graduates will achieve first-hand experience in developing protection programs for organizations using an integrated security systems approach.

  • Graduates will appreciate and understand the necessity for personal integrity, professional ethics, and cultural awareness.

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 2024

Subject to revision

College Requirement (1 credit)
FYE 101 First Year Experience* 1

Liberal Arts and Sciences (61 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing (GE) 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
PSY 101 Intro to Psychology (GE) 3
SOC 122 Intro to Sociology (GE) 3
World Languages (GE) 3
The Arts (GE) 3
MTH 110 Statistics (GE) 3
Natural Sciences and Scientific Reasoning with a Lab (GE) 4
US History and Civic Engagement/World History and Global Awareness(GE) 3
Humanities (GE) 3
Liberal Arts and Sciences (GE) 3
Liberal Arts and Sciences Electives** 27

Required Courses in the Major (49 credits)
SST 115 Computer Forensics 3
SST 217 Computer Forensics II 3
SST 218 Computer Forensics III 3
SST 230 Biometrics and Identity Theft 3
SST 310 Computer Security I 3
SST 311 Computer Security II 3
SST 312 Computer Security III 3
SST 314 Cybersecurity Law and Policy 3
SST 323 Network Defense 3
SST 410W Senior Project 3
SST 420 Physical Security I 4
SST 421 Physical Security II 3
Free Electives (at least 3 credits must be at 300-level or higher) 12

Network Concentration (12 Credits)

BCS 208 Introduction to Networks 3
BCS 209 Routing and Switching Essentials 3
BCS 320 Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation 3
BCS 321 Connecting Networks 3

Transportation Security (12 Credits)

AVN 280 Intro to Air Cargo Operations-Basic 3
AVN 300W Government in Aviation 3
AVN 400 Aviation Law 3
AVN 417 Homeland Security in Aviation 3

Total Credits 122-123

Curriculum Summary

*FYE 101 First Year Experience is required for all first time full time students

**Note: The Liberal Arts and Science electives must include:

1. At least one D-designated course
2. At least 9 credits in the Social Sciences
3. At least 12 credits of 300 or higher level courses

Degree Type: BS
Total Required Credits: 122-123

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 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.

FYE 101 First Year Experience

This course is designed to assist new students in acclimating, connecting, and adjusting to the college campus and experience. Through presentations, discussions and group work, students will become familiar with college resources and learn strategies for academic success. Students will also be introduced to the values and ethical principles of the College and encouraged to reflect on their role/responsibilities as college students. Topics include time management, study skills, stress management, goal setting, course and career planning, self-assessment and awareness, and the development of wellness strategies. Note: Students completing FYE 101 may not receive credit for FRX101, FYS 101, or RAM 101. Credits 1 (1.0)

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

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

This course is designed to present basic psychological concepts and to introduce students to the scientific study of behavior. Core topics include methods of psychological research, the biological bases of behavior, principles of learning, memory and cognition, personality, and psychopathology. Other selected topics to be covered would include the following: motivation and emotion, life-span development, social psychology, health psychology, sensation and perception, intelligence, human sexuality, statistics, and altered states of consciousness.

SOC 122 Introduction to Sociology

This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the field of sociology. In addition to learning about the central concepts and major theoretical sociological perspectives, students study human behavior in groups, the organization of social life, the impact of social institutions on individuals, and the process of sociological research. Great emphasis is also placed upon development of students’ “sociological imagination” – specifically, the ability to understand the ways that our individual lives are shaped by larger social forces and institutions. NOTE: Students cannot earn credit for SOC 122 and 122W or SOC 122*D SOC 122W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. SOC 122*D can be used to fulfill the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice requirement.

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

SST 115 Computer Forensics

This course will introduce basic concepts of computer and digital hardware and software as they apply to challenges of computer and mobile forensics, including the process of analysis and examination of operating systems and file systems. Students will learn differences in evidence locations and examination techniques on Windows and Linux computers, as well as for common mobile devices. A concise survey of standard forensics tools commonly used in forensics investigations will be presented and reviewed for their latest features and applications. Legal issues governing the collection and handling of digital evidence will be explored.

SST 217 Computer Forensics II

Computer Forensics II is a continuation of CRJ 115 or SST 115. This course covers topics such as disk geometry and organization. Master boot sector record and volume record creation and organization, file signatures for data type identification, cyclic redundancy checksum for data integrity validation, and RSA's MD5 hash values for file authentication. Other subjects introduced include the UNIX "grep" search utility, search string techniques and file signature matching, and recovery of files that are intentionally deleted, hidden, or renamed. The course examines advanced computer-based evidentiary and "discovery" data methodologies, and includes a study of evidence identification, documentation, and chain of custody procedures. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 115 or SST 115

SST 218 Computer Forensics III

This course examines federal, state, and local computer fraud statutes to provide the student with a legal foundation to approach computer investigations. The course includes lecture elements that provide the student with the skills necessary to conduct successful computer-related investigations, and includes an examination of the processes involved in preparing an affidavit for a search warrant. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 217 or SST 217

SST 230 Biometrics and Identity Theft

This course will introduce the history of biometrics, physiological/anatomical biometrics (fingerprint, iris, face hand geometry, DNA, ear, vascular, etc), behavioral biometrics (speech/voice, signature, gait, keyboard typing, human biosignal, etc), biometric sensor technology and anti-spoofing, and soft biometrics. Students will learn how each biometric works, and how and why different biometrics should be chosen for different applications, such as online banking, surveillance and transportation security. It also covers the security and privacy issue of biometrics. The course will provide students with an understanding of the nature and scope of Identity Theft and Computer-Related Fraud. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 115 or SST 115

SST 310 Computer Security I

This course focuses on security threats to an organization's data network such as hackers, intruders, industrial espionage and sabotage, fraud and theft. The components of computer security architecture are studied as well as the principles of security networking protocols, encryption, fault tolerance techniques, and file system protection. Additional topics covered include the protection of computer hardware and software. Prerequisite(s): BCS 109 or BCS 120 or (CRJ 115 or SST 115) or EET 110

SST 311 Computer Security II

This course is a continuation of CRJ 310, and includes an analysis of the security features of computer operating systems. The course will review the OSI model and describe how systems communicate with one another. Also included in the course is a detailed study of authentication technologies and how they are used to secure an organization's assets and electronic transactions. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 310 or SST 310

SST 312 Computer Security III

The course examines computer software threats which include the birth, life and termination of computer viruses, their modes of operation, detection techniques, virus signatures and virus removal methods as well as other "virus like" threats which are delivered by e-mail and internet/intranet packets. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 311 or SST 311

SST 314 Cybersecurity Law and Policy

This course introduces students to the regulation and management aspects of cybersecurity. It will cover concepts and definitions regarding governance and policy at an organizational and national level within the cybersecurity landscape. In particular, this course will go through numerous laws, standards and policies created by organizations such as NIST, GDPR, COBIT, ISO and ISA that govern the cybersecurity industry. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 115 or SST 115

SST 323 Network Defense

This course will discuss the security issues in computer networks and different security mechanisms to protect the secure internal networks and systems. It will involve a study of firewall technologies, including packet filtering, proxying, network address translation, and virtual private networks. An analysis of firewall architectures, such as screening routers, screened hosts, hosts, screened subnets, perimeter networks, and internal firewalls, will be included. It will also discuss the architecture, monitoring strategies, and analysis engines of an intrusion detection system. An analysis of information transformation processes for intrusion detection, such as misuse and anomaly detection, will be covered. Additional topics will include a study of technical issues in intrusion detection such as scalability, interoperability, sensor control, reliability, integration, and user interfaces. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 115 or SST 115

SST 410W Senior Project (Writing Intensive)

Independent study of a Security Systems or related area of interest to both the student and a faculty member who shall act as project Advisor. The project selected will utilize competencies acquired in previous Security Systems and related courses. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite(s): EGL 102 with a C or better.

SST 420 Physical Security I

A study of the theory and practice of managing the movement of people in organizational settings. This lecture course examines the operating principles and applications of access control readers, card encoding technologies, locking assemblies, and system functions such as fail-safe, fail-secure, access levels, time zones, limited and unlimited access privileges, and the like. Also, the course focuses on the role of alarm systems in an organization's overall protection plan, from the control of violence in the workplace to preventing theft of company property. Sensor technologies as well as controls and signaling systems are analyzed and evaluated with applications in the following areas: perimeter, interior, occupant, and object protection. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 323 or SST 323

SST 421 Physical Security II

A continuation of CRJ 420. Advanced topics include a study of camera and lens types, monitors, video signaling systems, scanners, pan and tilt positioning devices, video motion detectors, camera housings and enclosures, switchers, multiplexers, time-lapse VCRs, digital video recorders, and their interactive role in the design of CCTV systems. Analysis of illumination technologies, including fluorescent, high and low pressure sodium, metal halide, ultraviolet and infrared light sources. Other topics include the application philosophy as well as the hardware and software components of video surveillance computers, and the analysis of video field and frame compositions with reference to identification issues in criminal cases. An inquiry into the legal and ethical dimensions of surveillance, including Fourth Amendment guidelines, Plain View Doctrine cases, the Expectation of Privacy court cases and directives, and the Exclusionary Rule. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 420 or SST 420

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

BCS 209 Routing and Switching Essentials

This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1, RIPv2, single-area and multi-area OSPF, virtual LANs, and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. The laboratory component of this course will give the students hands-on experience configuring routers, switches and basic WAN connectivity. Prerequisite(s): BCS 208 with a grade of C or higher

BCS 320 Enterprise, Networking, Security & Automation

Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation describes the necessary architecture, components, operations, and security considerations required to scale for large, complex networks, including wide area network technologies. The course emphasizes network security concepts and introduces network virtualization and automation. Students learn how to configure, troubleshoot, and secure enterprise network devices and understand how application programming interfaces and configuration management tools enable network automation. Note: The laboratory course, BCS 209 is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): BCS 209 with a C or higher.

BCS 321 Connecting Networks

This course discusses the Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies and network services required by converged applications in a complex network. The course enables students to understand the selection criteria of network devices and WAN technologies to meet network requirements. Students learn how to configure and troubleshoot network devices and resolve common issues with data link protocols. Students will also develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement IPSec and virtual private network (VPN) operations in a complex network. Prerequisite(s): BCS 209 with a grade of C or higher

AVN 280 Introduction to Air Cargo Operations

The course introduces the student to the growing, technical and multi-faceted air cargo industry. The student will understand the role that air cargo has played in the development of the air carrier industry, contractual and legally binding regulations, and national and international trade. A visit to off-campus air cargo facilities will compliment classroom discussions, lectures and videos. Prerequisite(s): AVN 101 with a grade of C or higher or CRJ 100

AVN 400 Aviation Law

Aviation Law develops the student's knowledge to the application level of learning by emphasis on real cases to demonstrate the legal, regulatory and government theory previously discussed in AVN 101and AVN 300. Emphasis will be on the FAA's roles in regulating aviation including the rule making process, certification of airmen, medical certification and enforcement. Prerequisite(s): AVN 300 or AVN 300W with a grade of C or higher.

AVN 417 Homeland Security in Aviation

This course will expose the student to the importance of Homeland Security in the aviation industry and the important role each employee in the industry is charged with. Students will gain experience in identifying false travel documents and identifying suspicious air travelers. This course will focus on current national security threats in the aviation industry. Upon the successful completion of this course the students will meet the requirements of the initial and recurrent security training requirements mandated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under Title 49 CFR 1552. Prerequisite(s): AVN 300 or 300W with a grade of C or higher.

Last Modified 7/23/24