In University of Maryland Global Campus's award-winning Bachelor of Science in computer networks and cybersecurity program, you'll learn the operational procedures and technologies to design, implement, administer, secure, and troubleshoot corporate networks.
Designed to combine the benefits of a traditional college education with hands-on training in state-of-the-art computer technology, the curriculum integrates technical skill with communication skills and superior general education knowledge. Our cybersecurity students frequently take first place in cyber competitions.
UMGC was named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. UMGC is also a designated National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) institution.
These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2020–2021 academic year. Read this year's program catalog to see our recommended course sequence for this program. For prior year academic requirements, visit our catalog archive.
Through your coursework, you will learn how to
In past projects, students have had the opportunity to
Courses in this program are designed to provide you with the knowledge you need to take the valuable industry certification exams, which can help you increase your marketability.
| Industry Certification | Course(s) |
|---|---|
| CMIT 202 | |
| CMIT 265 | |
| CMIT 320 | |
| CMIT 321 | |
| CMIT 350 | |
| CompTIA Linux+ and LPIC-1 | CMIT 391 |
| CMIT 424 | |
| CMIT 425 | |
| CMIT 440 | |
| CMIT 460 | |
| CompTIA CySA+ | CMIT 421 |
| Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Server 2016 Please note: Server 2016 requires MCSA certification as a prerequisite. | Take the following courses:
|
| Take the following courses:
|
Please note: Completion of a UMGC course does not guarantee that you will earn an industry certification. You will need to successfully complete an industry exam and any other applicable requirements to earn each certification.
Our curriculum is designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars. You'll learn theories combined with real-world applications and practical skills you can apply on the job right away.
Through a vertical pathway, students who complete this program may be eligible to reduce their total coursework for our graduate programs in Cybersecurity Management and Policy, Cyber Operations, Cybersecurity Technology, or Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation.
Choose from one of these recommended groups of classes or mix and match to align with your career goals and interests.
UMGC outlines the options available to fulfill the 41 credits of general education coursework for bachelor's degrees on the General Education Requirements webpage.
In addition to the major, elective, and general education courses and requirements outlined on this page, please review the overall bachelor's degree requirements.
This program is designed to help you prepare for a career in network management, network security, systems administration, or cybersecurity threat analysis and management, whether you're new to the IT field or looking to move up to middle management.
Type: Student organization
Available To: Undergraduate and Graduate
The Computing Club aims to create a dynamic environment where members can work collaboratively, share innovative ideas, enhance their career-readiness, and gain marketable experience in their respective fields.
Type: Student organization
Available To: Undergraduate and Graduate
The Cyber Competition Team represents UMGC at various cybersecurity events and highly competitive tournaments nationwide. Students hone their cybersecurity skills, learn to work effectively as a team, and network with other students, cyber professionals, and prospective employers.
Our world-class faculty members combine academic credentials with a wealth of experience in the field.
Faculty members in this program hold or have recently held positions including
If you pass one of the above listed certification exams while completing the corresponding course, you may be eligible to use your certification exam score in place of a final exam. Contact your instructor before taking the certification exam to learn more about this option.
Save on the cost of registration for select cyber and IT certification exams through certification exam vouchers for UMGC students. Additional opportunities, if available, will be made known to students.
UMGC is a designated National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) institution and can help you earn the CDFAE Certificates of Completion listed below. These CDFAE Certificates of Completion can be exchanged for corresponding U.S. Department of Defense forensics certifications, which are required when performing forensics work for the Federal Government or Federal contractors.
Earn the following CDFAE Certificates of Completion by completing the listed requirements:
In addition, you will need to complete the requirements for graduating with a Bachelor of Science in computer networks and cybersecurity and obtain employment with an applicable Federal employer or Federal contractor. Once you have met these requirements, please e-mail the Computer Information Systems and Technology (CITE) Department at cite@umgc.edu and include "CDFAE Certificate of Completion Request" in the subject line and your full name, student ID, and mailing address in the e-mail. Once the CITE Department verifies that these requirements have been met, it will issue the CDFAE Certificate of Completion.
Please read the CDFAE Certificates of Completion webpage thoroughly for additional details, including required timeframes for exchanging your Certificate of Completion.
(For students not majoring in criminal justice; not open to students who have completed CCJS 421; does not satisfy prerequisites for other criminal justice courses.) An overview of the criminal justice system and the application of digital forensic evidence in criminal justice cases. The objective is to apply constitutional and case law to the search and seizure of digital evidence, determine the most effective and appropriate forensic response strategies to digital evidence, and provide effective courtroom testimony in a case involving digital evidence. Topics include crime scene procedures and the collection of digital evidence, procedures performed in a digital forensics lab, and the preparation of courtroom testimony by the digital forensic investigator.
(Designed to help prepare for the Linux Professional Institute Certification 1 [LPIC-1] and Linux+ exams.) prerequisite: CMIT 265. A study of the Linux operating system. The goal is to configure and manage processes, user interfaces, device files, print facilities, file systems, task automation, the boot-up/shutdown sequence, disk storage, network connectivity, system security, users, and groups. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 390, CMIT 391, or CMIS 398U.
(Designed to help prepare for the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification.) Prerequisite: CMIT 320. A study of the analysis of data in threat and vulnerability management. The goal is to properly utilize various cybersecurity tools and technologies. Discussion covers the analysis of threats and the impact on incident response, as well as the tools and equipment used in a forensic investigation. Various industry and government frameworks and regulatory compliance are highlighted.
(Designed to help prepare for the Certified Computer Examiner [CCE] certification exam.) Prerequisites: Either CMIT 202 (or ComptTIA A+ certification) and CCJS 421 or CMIT 202, CMIT 320 (or CompTIA Security+ certification), and CCJS 321. A project-driven study of the digital forensic evaluation process. The objective is to build forensic workstations, collect evidence, extract artifacts, identify unknown files, and reassemble evidence from network packet captures.
(Formerly CMIT 499S. Designed to help prepare for the (ISC)2 Certified Information System Security Professional [CISSP] certification exam.) Prerequisite: CMIT 320 or CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certifications. Recommended: BMGT 110, IFSM 300, or two years of business and management experience. A comprehensive study of information systems security to enhance organizational security. The goal is to manage risks by identifying and mitigating them. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIT 425 or CMIT 499S.
(Designed to help prepare for the IACIS Certified Mobile Device Examiner (ICMDE) certification exam.) Prerequisite: CMIT 424. A project-driven study of mobile devices from a forensic perspective. The aim is to implement various techniques to collect and analyze information from mobile devices used in forensic investigations.
(Designed to help prepare for the CompTIA A+ exams.) Prerequisite: IFSM 201. A thorough review of computer hardware and software, with emphasis on the application of current and appropriate computing safety and environmental practices. The goal is to evaluate, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware components and operating systems.
(Designed to help prepare for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.) Prerequisite: IFSM 201. An introduction to networking technologies for local area networks, wide area networks, and wireless networks. The aim is to recognize the type of network design appropriate for a given scenario. Topics include the OSI (open system interconnection) model, security, and networking protocols. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIT 265 or CMIT 265M.
(Designed to help prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam.) Prerequisite: CMIT 265, CSIA 302, or CompTIA Network+ certification. A study of the fundamental concepts of computer security and its implementation. The aim is to assess and mitigate risk, evaluate and select appropriate technologies, and apply proper security safeguards.
(Formerly CMIT 398E. Designed to help prepare for the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker certifications.) Prerequisite: CMIT 320. Development of the structured knowledge base needed to discover vulnerabilities and recommend solutions for tightening network security and protecting data from potential attackers. Focus is on penetration-testing tools and techniques to protect computer networks. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIT 321 or CMIT 398E.
(Designed to help prepare for the CompTIA Cloud+ and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exams.) Prerequisite: IFSM 201. A hands-on study of basic cloud technologies. The aim is to apply the techniques and tools used in cloud environments, especially the AWS (Amazon Web Services) cloud. Topics include the global infrastructure of the cloud, deployment and operation in various cloud environments, high availability, scalability, elasticity, security, and troubleshooting. AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are compared.
(Designed to help prepare for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) examination.) Prerequisite: CMIT 265. A hands-on introduction to Cisco internetworking devices. The goal is to configure and manage Cisco switches within multiprotocol internetworks. Topics include VoIP (voice over Internet protocol), wireless network protocols, and routing protocols. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 498E, CMIT 350, or CMIT 499D.
(Designed to help prepare for the Computer Security Incident Handler [CSIH] certification.) Prerequisites: CMIT 320, CMIT 350, CMIT 369, and CMIT 424. A project-driven study of networks from a forensics perspective. The goal is to implement various techniques that are used in forensic investigations in response to network intrusions to collect and analyze information from computer networks.
(Intended as a final capstone course to be taken in a student's last 9 credits.) Prerequisites: CMIT 320, CMIT 350, CMIT 326, and an additional 15 credits in CMIT coursework. A comprehensive project-driven study of network design and security, with an emphasis on the integration of knowledge, practical applications, and critical thinking. The objective is to implement a secure and scalable network to meet organizational needs. Topics include advanced concepts in network and security design.
(Required within the first 6 credits of graduate study for all new graduate students, except those in programs requiring CBR, DCL, or PRO 600.) An overview of the skills needed for academic and professional success. Focus is on enhancing communication and critical thinking skills. Assignments provide familiarity with tools such as library and information resources. APA style and resources are also addressed.
