College Catalog

This major prepares students to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. The curriculum includes instruction in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; telecommunications; cryptography; security system design; applicable laws and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting. The Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) Program has reviewed this curriculum and has validated that Penn College courses meet all of the elements of the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) National Training Standard for Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals, NSTISSI No. 4011. Additionally, this program was developed to meet the requirements of CNSSI 4013 for System Administrators, NSTISSI 4015 for System Certifiers, and CNSSI 4016 for Risk Analysis.

Career Opportunities

This major prepares students for current and emerging positions, supporting a wide range of information assurance and security concerns within public, private, and government organizations.

Recommended High School Subjects

Students would benefit from high school course work in algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, English, writing, speech, and computer literacy.

Special Equipment Needs

LAPTOP REQUIREMENT: laptop/notebook computer required for enrollment in IAS major courses. Specifications are available on the Information Assurance and Security web page.

Remediation Strategies

All developmental course work must be completed prior to entry into the degree.

Transfer Procedures

Students seeking entrance through transfer should strive to take courses at their respective institutions that provide competency in the following areas: programming, two semesters minimum (same language preferred); database; Web technologies; networking, two semesters minimum; Unix and/or Linux; and calculus for engineering or math majors. Students transferring from institutions that have articulation agreements with Penn College should seek advisement from their respective institutions.

Program Goals

Graduates of this major should be able to:

• apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to information assurance and security (IAS).
• analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing and IAS requirements appropriate to its solution.
• design, implement, secure, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
• function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
• demonstrate an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities.
• communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
• recognize the need for and engage in continuing professional development.
• use current concepts, techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing and IAS practice.
• participate in activities required to address organizational risk management, incident response, or a system audit, as well as those required to integrate the recommended solutions into the organization.
• apply IAS best practices and standards in their work.
• participate in the creation of an effective project plan.

Performance Standards

Students must maintain a 'C' or greater in all Information Technology courses. All Information Technology and Information Technology Science majors use an A, B, C, and F grading scale in all BWM/CIT/CSC/IAS courses. Failure to achieve a grade of 'C' or above after the maximum attempts allowed by College policy results in withdrawal from the major. Students should work closely with their advisers and with the program faculty to ensure that they are meeting all criteria for satisfactory progress in the program.

Curriculum