Online Cybersecurity
and Information Assurance Degree

Health, Fitness, and Wellness focuses on the importance and foundations of good health and physical fitness, particularly for children and adolescents. This course addresses health, nutrition, and fitness, and substance use and abuse.

Welcome to Composition: Successful Self-Expression! In this course, you will focus on four main topics: professional writing for a cross-cultural audience, narrowing research topics and questions, researching for content to support a topic, and referencing research sources. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content. You will demonstrate competency through a performance assessment. There is no prerequisite for this course and there is no specific technical knowledge needed.

Ethics in Technology examines the ethical considerations of technology use in the 21st century and introduces students to a decision-making process informed by ethical frameworks. Students will study specific cases related to important topics such as surveillance, social media, hacking, data manipulation, plagiarism and piracy, artificial intelligence, responsible innovation, and the digital divide. This course has no prerequisites.

Applied Probability and Statistics is designed to help students develop competence in the fundamental concepts of basic statistics including: introductory algebra and graphing; descriptive statistics; regression and correlation; and probability. Statistical data and probability are often used in everyday life, science, business, information technology, and educational settings to make informed decisions about the validity of studies and the effect of data on decisions. This course discusses what constitutes sound research design and how to appropriately model phenomena using statistical data. Additionally, the content covers simple probability calculations, based on events that occur in the business and IT industries. No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course provides students an introduction to using the scientific method and engaging in scientific research to reach conclusions about the natural world. Students will design and carry out an experiment in the natural sciences to investigate a hypothesis by gathering quantitative data. They will also research a specific topic in the natural sciences using academic sources and draw conclusions from their findings.

Applied Algebra is designed to help you develop competence in working with functions, the algebra of functions, and using some applied properties of functions. You will start learning about how we can apply different kinds of functions to relevant, real-life examples. From there, the algebra of several families of functions will be explored, including linear, polynomial, exponential, and logistic functions. You will also learn about relevant, applicable mathematical properties of each family of functions, including rate of change, concavity, maximizing/minimizing, and asymptotes. These properties will be used to solve problems related to your major and make sense of everyday living problems. Students should complete Applied Probability and Statistics or its equivalent prior to engaging in Applied Algebra.

In this course you will learn key critical thinking concepts and how to apply them in the analysis and evaluation of reasons and evidence. The course examines the basic components of an argument, the credibility of evidence sources, the impact of bias, and how to construct an argument that provides good support for a claim. The course consists of an introduction and four major sections. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the four competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.

Welcome to Introduction to Communication: Connecting with Others! It may seem like common knowledge that communication skills are important, and that communicating with others is inescapable in our everyday lives. While this may appear simplistic, the study of communication is actually complex, dynamic, and multifaceted. Strong communication skills are invaluable to strengthening a multitude of aspects of life. Specifically, this course will focus on communication in the professional setting, and present material from multiple vantage points, including communicating with others in a variety of contexts, across situations, and with diverse populations. Upon completion, you will have a deeper understanding of both your own and others’ communication behaviors, and a toolbox of effective behaviors to enhance your experience in the workplace.

American Politics and the U.S. Constitution examines the evolution of representative government in the United States and the changing interpretations of the civil rights and civil liberties protected by the Constitution. This course will give candidates an understanding of the powers of the branches of the federal government, the continual tensions inherent in a federal system, the shifting relationship between state and federal governments, and the interactions between elected officials and the ever-changing electorate. This course will focus on such topics as the role of a free press in a democracy, the impact of changing demographics on American politics, and the debates over and expansion of civil rights. Upon completion of the course, candidates should be able to explain the basic functions of the federal government, describe the forces that shape American policy and politics, and be better prepared to participate in America’s civic institutions. This course has no prerequisite.

Network and Security - Foundations introduces learners to the basic network systems and concepts related to networking technologies. Learners will gain skills in applying network security concepts for business continuity, data access, and confidentiality, and in identifying solutions for compliance with security guidance.

Network and Security - Applications prepares learners for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. The course introduces learners to skills in identifying threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities to organizational security. The learner will also gain skills in designing security solutions for enterprise infrastructures and architectures, as well as in implementing security solutions across hardware, applications, and network services. Learners will be able to execute operations and incident response with tools, policies, forensics, and mitigation techniques, and to analyze information security controls, governance, risk, and compliance.

Introduction to IT introduces the fundamental concepts, structures, and roles of information technology (IT) within an organization. The course is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of IT, including networking, database management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and software development. This course also explores the essential components of the typical technology infrastructure for various types of organizations, the role and interaction of each component, and the evolving nature of technology and its implications for business practices. There are no prerequisites for this course.

IT Foundations provides learners with an understanding of personal computer components and their functions in a desktop system; a knowledge of computer data storage and retrieval; and skills in classifying, installing, configuring, optimizing, upgrading, and troubleshooting printers, laptops, portable devices, operating systems, networks, and system security. This course also gives learners the ability to recommend appropriate tools, diagnostic procedures, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components in a desktop system; strategies for identifying, preventing, and reporting safety hazards and environmental or human accidents in technological environments; and effective communication skills for interacting with colleagues and clients, including job-related professional behavior. The course prepares learners for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 certification exam.

IT Applications introduces skills in identifying operating systems and their configurations and in implementing security principles across devices and networks. Learners will also gain skills in troubleshooting software, security, and malware issues, and in implementing basic operational procedures in documentation, change management, compliance, and communication. The course will introduce basic disaster recovery and business continuity procedures, scripting basics, and remote access technology solutions. The course prepares learners for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 certification exam.

Foundations of Programming (Python) introduces students to the fundamental principles of programming using Python. This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to write, troubleshoot, and debug simple Python programs. Students will explore the syntax and structure of Python, develop an understanding of variables, loops, and conditional statements, and learn to work within different development environments, including integrated development environments (IDEs) and text editors. By the end of the course, students will be able to create functional Python programs, manipulate data structures, and apply debugging techniques across various platforms. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Data Management Foundations offers an introduction in creating conceptual, logical and physical data models.  Students gain skills in creating databases and tables in SQL-enabled database management systems, as well as skills in normalizing databases. No prerequisites are required for this course.

Managing Information Security expands on Fundamentals of Information Security by providing an in-depth analysis of the relationship between an information security program and broader business goals and objectives. Learners develop knowledge and experience in the development and management of an information security program essential to ongoing education, career progression, and value delivery to enterprises. Learners apply best practices to develop an information security governance framework, analyze mitigation in the context of compliance requirements, align security programs with security strategies and best practices, and recommend procedures for managing security strategies that minimize risk to an organization.

Managing Cloud Security prepares learners to safeguard cloud data with identity and access management and to implement secure solutions in cloud service models. Learners will be introduced to skills in identifying security policies and procedures for cloud applications and in implementing operational capabilities, procedures, and training in relation to organizational needs. Learners will also gain skills in conducting risk analysis and risk management in alignment with disaster recovery and business continuity plans and in identifying legal, compliance, and ethical concerns.

Legal Issues in Information Security provides learners with exposure to the laws and ethical issues of cybersecurity and the importance of compliance. Learners explore the fundamental standards, frameworks, and best practices of data privacy and data privacy protection. Next, learners are exposed to the legal requirements and frameworks necessary to ensure organizational policies and procedures are compliant. Finally, learners will analyze legal requirements and best practices for protecting organizations from security incidents and understand the training and education necessary for creating employee awareness.

This course prepares you to recognize security vulnerabilities in software, to plan interventions to address security vulnerabilities where they exist, and to develop and test these interventions. The course covers topics in Web security, permissions, and identity security; debugging; log file analysis; API security; and encryption and cryptography concepts. 

Python for IT Automation covers the fundamentals of the Python language and its features to control program flow, inform decisions, and automate IT tasks and processes. The course emphasizes a systematic approach to solving problems and the application of programming logic to administer secure, scalable, and resilient IT networks and systems.

The Practical Applications of Prompt course introduces learners to generative artificial intelligence (AI). This course aims to allow learners to gain skills for writing effective prompts and develop more effective conversations with artificial intelligence. Practical Applications of Prompt will lead learners to explore why prompt engineering is necessary. The course also aims to help learners, regardless of background, increase prompt fluency, which is fluency in using prompt effectively. The course teaches learners how to create effective prompts to elicit information with consideration of scope, specificity, and context; additionally, it teaches learners to evaluate the medium of the prompt and adjust prompts to output relevant results. The last section of the course focuses on ways to evaluate the efficacy of prompts and improve the depth and quality of analytical investigations. This approach prepares students to navigate the complexities of working with generative AI and use these skills effectively throughout their careers.

Linux Foundations prepares learners for the LPI Linux Essentials certification, and is an introduction to Linux as an operating system as well as an introduction to open-source concepts and the basics of the Linux command line. Learners will gain skills in identifying the fundamentals of open-source software and to develop resources for data access and security.

Introduction to Cryptography introduces students to foundational cryptography concepts and explore implementing encryption methods with symmetric and asymmetric algorithms. Students analyze principles and operations of cryptographic algorithms and protocols in secure systems. Students use cryptography frameworks and standards in alignment with organizational and information security guidelines.

Business of IT - Applications examines Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL®) terminology, structure, policies, and concepts. Focusing on the management of information technology (IT) infrastructure, development, and operations, learners will explore the core principles of ITIL practices for service management to prepare them for careers as IT professionals, business managers, and business process owners. This course has no prerequisites.

In this course, students will build on industry standard concepts, techniques, and processes to develop a comprehensive foundation for project management activities. During a project's life cycle, students will develop the critical skills necessary to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close a project. Students will apply best practices in areas such as scope management, resource allocation, project planning, project scheduling, quality control, risk management, performance measurement, and project reporting. This course prepares students for the following certification exam: CompTIA Project+.

Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Analysis introduces learners to the skills necessary to perform penetration testing and vulnerability management within an organization. The course covers widely used penetration testing techniques and tools that focus on planning and scoping, information gathering, vulnerability identification, and attacks and exploits. In addition, it offers hands-on experience and a focus on penetration testing engagement plans.

Traditional defenses—such as firewalls, security protocols, and encryption—sometimes fail to stop attackers determined to access and compromise data. This course provides the fundamental skills to handle and respond to computer security incidents in an information system. The course addresses various underlying principles and techniques for detecting and responding to current and emerging computer security threats. Students learn how to leverage intelligence and threat detection techniques; analyze and interpret data; identify and address vulnerabilities; suggest preventative measures; effectively respond to and recover from incidents; and handle various types of incidents, risk assessment methodologies, and various laws and policies related to incident handling. This course prepares students for the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification exam. The following courses are prerequisites: Networks and Network and Security – Applications.

Fundamentals of Information Security lays the foundation for understanding terminology, principles, processes, and best practices of information security at local and global levels. It further provides an overview of basic security vulnerabilities and countermeasures for protecting information assets through planning and administrative controls within an organization.

IT security professionals must be prepared for the operational demands and responsibilities of security practitioners including authentication, security testing, intrusion detection and prevention, incident response and recovery, attacks and countermeasures, cryptography, and malicious code countermeasures. This course provides a comprehensive, up-to-date global body of knowledge that ensures students have the right information, security knowledge, and skills to be successful in IT operational roles to mitigate security concerns and guard against the impact of malicious activity. Students demonstrate how to manage and restrict access control systems; administer policies, procedures, and guidelines that are ethical and compliant with laws and regulations; implement risk management and incident handling processes; execute cryptographic systems to protect data; manage network security; and analyze common attack vectors and countermeasures to assure information integrity and confidentiality in various systems.

Digital Forensics in Cybersecurity examines the specialized field of digital forensics within the context of computer security. This course focuses on the techniques, tools, and processes used to investigate cybercrimes and security breaches, analyzing digital evidence to report findings in preparation for a possible legal action. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students to tackle real-world security challenges through the lens of digital forensics.

Networks introduces skills in configuring networking components and a network infrastructure. Learners will gain skills in optimizing network operations for availability, performance, and security, and in troubleshooting network issues. The course prepares learners for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. Network and Security - Foundations is a prerequisite for this course.

Data Analytics - Applications covers advanced concepts across the various phases of the data product lifecycle. You will learn to choose and apply appropriate techniques for data management and data manipulation, statistical analysis, visualization, and data governance concepts to satisfy business needs.

Applied Discrete Mathematics introduces the foundational mathematical structures that underpin modern technology. Topics include logic, Boolean algebra, sets, functions, relations, graphs, combinatorics, and modular arithmetic, with emphasis on their applications to technology concepts such as Boolean algebra and structures, password complexity, access control models, network topologies, and cryptography. Students will not focus on abstract proofs but will instead learn how discrete mathematics informs real-world technology structures and practices. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply mathematical reasoning to technology scenarios, analyze system vulnerabilities through discrete models, and explain the mathematical principles behind technological architectures and protocols.

Introduction to AI and Security provides an overview of critical terminology and key concepts for artificial intelligence (AI). Students explore the history, development, and evolution of AI along with its limitations and ethical issues. Students further explore best practices for securing AI within professional environments. Contextualized examples offer students an opportunity explore how AI is used in security operations. 

Version control is critical to maintaining software and enabling scalability solutions. A best practice for any programming project that requires multiple files uses version control. Version control enables teams to have collaborative workflows and enhances the software development lifecycle. This course introduces students to the basics of publishing, retrieving, branching, and cloning. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Capstone is the capstone experience for security and information assurance practitioners. Throughout the program, learners have learned best practices, compliance guidelines, and frameworks necessary in information security. This capstone puts learner knowledge to the test by having them respond to an information security scenario, research and create a proposal, provide an executive summary, and ultimately create a technical report that utilizes feedback from their peers.