Computer Science and Information Security, BS Dual Admission / Accelerated Program Leading to Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, MS
The Accelerated, Dual Admission Program (ADAP) for the BS in Computer Science and Information Security leading to the MS in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity will require the completion of 140-142 credits. This includes: 49-50 credits in the Computer Science major, 36 credits of Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity MS degree requirements, and 42 general education credits. Exact credit counts may vary due to electives and overlap between General Education and Major requirements, e.g. at least nine Gen Ed credits can be met with MAT and STEM courses from the major. The required courses and associated credit details are listed below. Students earn their bachelor's degree at least one semester before earning the maters.
Undergraduate BS in Computer Science and Information Security description. The major in Computer Science and Information Security offers the computing, quantitative and analytical expertise public and private organizations need to advance the practice of digital forensics and cybersecurity. The program provides the broad background in computing that is needed to thwart the abuse and misuse of computers, data networks, information systems and information infrastructures, in the environment of ever advancing digital technology. The courses in the Computer Science and Information Security major prepare students for direct entry into the profession as well as entry into graduate and professional programs that rely on computing and quantitative methods, especially in areas related to digital forensics and cybersecurity.
Learning Outcomes. Students will:
- Use and critically evaluate the variety of theoretical approaches that are relevant to Computer Science and Information Security.
- Use and critically evaluate the variety of practical/hands-on/research approaches that are relevant to Computer Science and Information Security.
- Analyze the quality of the programs in Computer Science and Information Security.
- Communicate effectively through integrating theory, research and policy in written reports and presentations.
- Understand the ethical considerations and statutory requirements computer professionals encounter as care takers of sensitive data and designers and developers of systems that can impact the well-being of individuals and organizations.
Graduate Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity MS description. The Master of Science program in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity offers a balance of practice and theory through study in computer science, law, and criminal justice. The program produces professionals qualified as digital forensic scientists who can apply and sustain their expertise as new technological and societal challenges emerge, who understand the scientific, legal and criminal justice context of high technology crime, and who can effectively communicate their knowledge to others.
Learning Outcomes. Students will:
- Develop a working knowledge of the constitutional, statutory and ethical issues pertaining to evidence in high technology crime;
- Understand the risks and vulnerabilities in computer and networked systems, and have the ability to apply cryptography and security mechanisms to protect information infrastructure;
- Detect, remediate and analyze security infractions and performing detailed forensic analysis in computer and networked systems;
- Synthesize case reports and expert testimony in forensic examination of digital evidence;
- Have state-of-the art competencies in evidence retrieval, preservation and analysis methodologies required to build legal cases.
Credits Required.
| Computer Science and Information Security BS Major Courses |
49-50
|
| Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity MS Courses |
36 |
| General Education |
42 |
| General Undergraduate Electives |
13-14 |
| Total Credits Required for BA/MA Degree |
140-142 |
Accelerated, Dual Admissions Program Coordinator. Professor Jennifer Holst (212-887-6246, jholst@jjay.cuny.edu), Department of Math and Computer Science
Graduate Program Director. Professor Shweta Jain (sjain@jjay.cuny.edu), Department of Math and Computer Science
Tuition and Financial Aid Information. This program is accelerated and intended for students to attend full-time (at least 12 cr. for undergraduate students, at least 9 cr. for graduate students). Full-time students pay undergraduate tuition rates until they complete 120 credits and earn their bachelor’s degree. Students are then graduate students and tuition is charged at the graduate rate. Students who have not yet earned the Bachelor’s degree continue to be eligible for consideration of federal and state financial aid programs including PELL and TAP. Once students move onto the Master’s portion of the program, undergraduate financial aid is NOT applicable. Students may apply for federal loans to finance their Master’s degree.
If circumstances occur that require students to attend part-time, tuition rates will be determined by the level of the courses (undergraduate or graduate) they are registered for.
All students in the accelerated, dual admission programs are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aid Office about their eligibility for aid under federal and state guidelines and the Bursar’s Office about tuition charges when they are considering admission to these programs. Students who have residency outside of NY State or International Students should be especially diligent about consulting with the Bursar's Office on expected tuition rate. Tuition and Fee Rates.
Admissions. To be admitted to the program, students should have approximately 60 undergraduate credits with a minimum overall GPA of 3.3 and a major GPA of 3.3. Contact the Program Coordinator for the admissions process.
Requirements. Students will be awarded the bachelor's degree when they reach 120 credits. Students should apply for graduation for the Bachelor's when they complete their undergraduate requirements in the semester they reach 120 credits. Students must complete a minimum of six credits at the graduate level. for residency in the program to be granted the Master's Degree. Student should work closely with their program advisor to remain on track.
Academic standards. Students must have a 3.3 overall GPA each semester to remain in this dual admission / accelerated program. Students who fall below this standard will be subject to a probation process. To be awarded the bachelor's degree and continue onto the master's portion of the program, students must have a 3.0 GPA.
Students no longer eligible for this program or who wish to leave it, must complete the entire undergraduate major in order to earn the Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Information Security. Any graduate classes completed will still apply to their undergraduate degree. See the program coordinator for course planning to complete the degree. Any graduate courses taken while students are undergraduates can be applied to the relevant graduate degree if students leave this accelerated program. Such students will have to apply for admission to the graduate program.
BS in Computer Science and Information Security
Freshman Year
Required
Sophomore Year
Required
| CSCI 272 | Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
| CSCI 275 | Linux System Administration and Security | 3 |
| CSCI 373 | Advanced Data Structures | 3 |
| CSCI 377 | Computer Algorithms | 3 |
| MAT 204 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MAT 301 | Probability & Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| PHI 216 | Ethics and Information Technology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Junior Year
Required
CSCI 325
| Research Methods in Cybersecurity (Forthcoming) | 3 |
| CSCI 374 | Programming Languages | 3 |
| CSCI 375 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| | |
| MAT 152 | Calculus II | 4 |
| OR | |
| MAT 310 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12-13 |
Senior Year
Required
| CSCI 400 | Capstone Experience in Digital Forensics/Cybersecurity I | 3 |
| CSCI 401 | Capstone Experience in Digital Forensics/Cybersecurity II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Undergraduate Electives
Students must complete 13-14 credits of electives to fulfill the undergraduate portion of the degree program. Students have free choice of electives for the additional credits. Students may opt to complete a minor with their elective credits.
MS in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity
Please note: For the purpose of this program. students will earn residency in the MS with 12 credits.
Required Core Courses
| FCM 710 | Architecture and Vulnerabilities of Operating Systems | 3 |
| FCM 742 | Network Security | 3 |
| FCM 752/CRJ 752 | The Law and High Technology Crime | 3 |
| FCM 753 | Digital Forensic Applications | 3 |
| FCM 760 | Forensic Management of Digital Evidence | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Forensic and Security Electives
Select three courses
| FCM 700 | Theoretical Foundations of Computing | 3 |
| FCM 705/FOS 705 | Mathematical Statistics for Forensic Scientists | 3 |
| FCM 740 | Data Communication | 3 |
| FCM 741 | Applied Cryptography | 3 |
| FCM 745 | Network Forensics | 3 |
| FCM 761 | Cyber Risk Assessment and Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Capstone Options
Select two of the following.
| FCM 780 | Capstone Seminar and Fieldwork | 3 |
| FCM 791 | Forensic Computing Research Practicum | 3 |
| FCM 798 | Faculty-Mentored Research in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Graduate Elective
Select any course in the John Jay College graduate catalog (except FCM 708 or FCM 709), including the above electives.
Criminal Justice Electives
Select one course
Total Credit Hours: 140-142