What is information systems security?
In the information age, everything is stored in a computer database: medical histories, bank account balances, credit card numbers, school enrollment records, and so on. Keeping the data in electronic form offers great benefits, but it can also increase vulnerability to theft, with potentially devastating results.
Information systems security is the design and study of methods that protect computer systems from unauthorized access. Security specialists are the police force for digital information, designing databases, applications, and networks to limit access to legitimate users, and to each user's legitimate needs.
Is a bachelor's degree in information systems security right for you?
Information systems security specialists are detail-oriented, knowing that a system with a single missed vulnerability can compromise an entire system. They have good communication skills and user practices can be as important to system security as hardware and software. They take pride in keeping hackers out of their systems.
The American Sentinel University Bachelor of Science, Information Systems Security program (BSISS) teaches students how to secure networks, databases, and applications through study and hands-on work. Graduates of the program are ready to assume the security role in an organization's information technology department.
Students come to us from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some of our students have already worked in the security field and wish to formally extend their knowledge and credentials. Others have more general experience in information systems and desire to enter an exciting new specialty.
Objectives of the Bachelor of Science, Information Systems Security Degree Program
In addition to achieving general education learning objectives, graduates from the Bachelor of Science, Information Systems Security program will be prepared to sit for examination to attain a number of leading professional certifications, including Network+ and Security+ from CompTIA and SSCP from (ISC)2. Students will also be able to:- Identify, formulate, and solve technical and policy challenges in Information Systems Security using current techniques, skills, and tools.
- Manage the analysis, design, implementation, vulnerability testing, auditing, and implementation of security policies and procedures.
- Develop security strategies, tactics, and implementation plans to support upper-level decision making.
- Communicate advanced technical information effectively in written form.
- Evaluate the broad organizational, ethical, and social impact of information systems security and identify connections between security and business, legal, and ethical responsibility.
Advisory Committee
The mission of the Advisory Committee is to advise the BSISS program on objectives and curriculum, thus providing quality, career-specific education, and other related services to students. Committee members represent different areas of the community (professional associations, industry, and education) interested in the promotion and implementation of information security. The board consists of the following members:- George Proeller, President, ISSA, Colorado Springs chapter, Colorado Springs, CO
- Baron Crawford, President, ISACA, Birmingham chapter, Birmingham, AL
- Ed Capazzi, Manager, Coalfire Systems, Broomfield, CO
- John Strand, Security Architect, Northrop Grumann, Denver, CO
Requirements: High school diploma
Course Enrollments: Courses are open for enrollment once a month
