This major is built off of an articulation agreement, a specialized agreement between a four-year university, in this case, Eastern Michigan University, and a community college. Faculty from both schools collaborated to design an agreement that facilitates the smooth transfer of course credit from a two-year associate’s degree program to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
This agreement is effective Fall 2020 - Summer 2023. Students have until Summer 2028 to graduate from Eastern Michigan University using this agreement.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance & Cyber Defense program prepares prospective students with the knowledge and skill set necessary for future computing and cybersecurity professionals to build, maintain and protect networks and computer systems in both government and industry.
The program has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) as the Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance (IA) and Cyber Defense (CD) education (DHS/NSA CAE-IA/CD).
This major is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET-CAC):
This is a designated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program.
Learn
The Information Assurance and Cyber Defense program emphasizes design, integration, administration, hardening, and protection of all types of computer information systems and network infrastructures in modern cyber environments. Students are immersed in solid theories as well as intensive hands-on practical experiences to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities applied to all elements in modern computing disciplines. The curriculum covers:
- Computing and networking theories/practices
- System architecture and administration, integration and troubleshooting
- Cybersecurity threat/risk evaluation
- Incident response analysis and practice
- Network/digital forensics and investigation
- Penetration testing and system auditing
- Cyber laws, legislation, policy/compliance, and project management
Opportunities
Per the U.S. Department of Labor 2018 handbook, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $84,580 in May 2017, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $37,690. Graduates are in demand to work in private, public, and government agencies. Recent graduates have held positions at Amazon, Dell SecureWorks, Duo Security, Google, Snapchat, General Electric, and Dominos Corporate.
Additional Information
International Applicants (Online Programs)
For additional information, please see online.emich.edu.
Articulation Agreements - Information Assurance & Cyber Defense [BS]