Computer Security and Forensics Minor

As new technology continues to play an ever-increasing role in our society, so do the opportunities for its exploitation. Computer hackers now routinely threaten private citizens, businesses and governments. Effectively combating these threats will require a new type of professional who has expertise in both disciplines, criminal justice and technology. In law enforcement, there is a need for professionals that can join the fight against cyber-crime, cyber terrorism, identity theft, and the exploitation of minors. In business, there is a need for professionals with the necessary technology skills for recognizing and mitigating the threats and vulnerabilities of computers and networks. The Computer Security and Forensics minor brings together the disciplines of technology and criminal justice to uniquely prepare students for careers at the intersection of these two fields.

To successfully complete the Computer Security and Forensics minor, a minimum of 24 credits are required.
 

Summary of Requirements

Computer Technology/ Programming Component: 9-12 credits (Select CSCI1010/L OR ISTC3034 AND ISTC2030 OR CSCI4045)

• CSCI1002

  INTRO TO COMPUTER SCIENCE

  CSCI1002
  INTRO TO COMPUTER SCIENCE

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course is an introduction to the field of Computer Science (CS). A scientific foundation of many aspects of CS will be developed upon which more advanced CS courses will build. Technical topics may include: computer design, information processing, algorithm concepts, operating systems, cyber security and networking and the internet. The evaluation of issues such as Artifical Intelligence & Ethics, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and Impact of Technology on Social Development Skills may also be included.

  PREREQUISITES:

• CSCI1010

  PROGRAMMING I

  CSCI1010
  PROGRAMMING I

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course introduces the art of algorithm design and problem solving in the context of computer programming. The basic structure and logic of the Java language is presented. Topics covered include data types and operators, control flow, repetition and loop statements, arrays and pointers. Good programming practices will be taught and encouraged.

  PREREQUISITES:

  CSCI1002 or SLSC1005 or SLSC1012 & Concur: CSCI1010L

• CSCI1010L

  PROGRAMMING I - LAB

  CSCI1010L
  PROGRAMMING I - LAB

  Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

  Lab work for CSCI1010 Programming I.

  PREREQUISITES:

• CSCI4045

  COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DISTRIBUTED APPLICATIONS

  CSCI4045
  COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DISTRIBUTED APPLICATIONS

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course introduces the fundamentals of computer networking for distributed applications. Topics covered include network architecture, protocols, standards, security and socket programming. The course provides students with the ability to create programs making appropriate use of networked architectures with a specific focus on the Internet.

  PREREQUISITES:

  CSCI2025

• ISTC1025

  COMPUTER HARDWARE

  ISTC1025
  COMPUTER HARDWARE

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course provides both a theoretical and a hands-on, detailed, progressive examination of personal (PC) computer system hardware, both stand alone personal computers and distributed-data/networking hardware. Throughout the course, the concepts discussed, and the hardware-related problems presented for discussion and solution, are typical of the knowledge required to work with personal and business-world computer hardware applications, providing excellent experience for the students.

  PREREQUISITES:

• ISTC2030

  NETWORKING

  ISTC2030
  NETWORKING

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course provides students with an introductory examination of computer-based networked environments. Of particular interest in this course is providing students with both a conceptual as well as an applied understanding of networks and networking. Students will be introduced to the organizational framework in which networking exists. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to explore networking on practical and applied levels so that issues such as hardware and software solutions and applications, as they relate to networked environments, will be examined.

  PREREQUISITES:

  ISTC1005

• ISTC3034

  PROGRAMMING IN JAVA

  ISTC3034
  PROGRAMMING IN JAVA

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course introduces the student to computer programming using the cross-platform Java programming language. The conventions of the language, its applications and applications-related advantages and disadvantages are presented. Students will be introduced to the concepts and techniques of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).

  PREREQUISITES:

  ISTC1021

Criminology Component: 6 credits

• CRIM1001

  INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE

  CRIM1001
  INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This introductory course will introduce criminal justice as a system that is an institutional agent of American society. The components of police, courts, and corrections are discussed with the goal of defining their function and purpose and interdependence on one another. The patterns of crime and the processes of the American Criminal Justice System, law enforcement, judicial process, and corrections will be examined. Students will learn the terminology of the field, examine the methods of inquiry used in the field, and learn the objectives, policies and procedures of probation, parole, and prisons as well as some of the issues and problems.

  PREREQUISITES:

• CRIM3010

  CRIMINAL LAW

  CRIM3010
  CRIMINAL LAW

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  The basic principles of substantive criminal law will be illustrated. Concepts and patterns of criminal law and procedure will be discussed. The elements of specific crimes will be analyzed through case study. Public policy and the legal principles for determining criminal and civil liability will be considered.

  PREREQUISITES:

  Seniors Only

Security Component: 9 credits

• CRIM3043

  COMPUTER CRIME

  CRIM3043
  COMPUTER CRIME

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  A comprehensive examination of computer crime, information systems security and cyber law. The investigative process as applied to the cyber criminal will be emphasized. Statutes specific to cyber crime will be studied. Crime prevention strategies and techniques will be presented and applied using the case study method.

  PREREQUISITES:

• CRIM4030

  COMPUTER FORENSICS INVESTIGATIONS

  CRIM4030
  COMPUTER FORENSICS INVESTIGATIONS

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course provides a comprehensive examination of the application of computer security techniques to the physical evidence of a crime. Crime scene processing procedures will be utilized in the analysis of physical digital evidence. The course will also include training in report writing and courtroom testimony, to include a moot court exercise.

  PREREQUISITES:

  CRIM3043 & CSCI3042

• CSCI3042

  COMPUTER SECURITY

  CSCI3042
  COMPUTER SECURITY

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course covers fundamental issues and first principles of security and information assurance. The course will look at the security policies, models and mechanisms related to confidentiality, integrity, authentication, identification, and availability issues related to information and information systems. Other topics covered include basics of cryptography (e.g., digital signatures) and network security (e.g., intrusion detection and prevention), risk management, security assurance and secure design principles, as well as e-commerce security. Issues such as organizational security policy, legal and ethical issues in security, standards and methodologies for security evaluation and certification will also be covered.

  PREREQUISITES:

  CSCI4045 & CSCI1010 or CSCI1010 & ISTC2030