Online Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science - Data Science

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Data Science

Data continues to be an important focus of discussion and scrutiny. Take a deeper dive into data analytics with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with a Data Science concentration from CTU. You’ll study how to build computer software solutions through programming with algorithmic techniques while exploring a broad range of theoretical and practical knowledge, methods, processes, and skills. Explore the fundamentals of data, including data mining, visualization, machine learning and data warehousing in this concentration.

183

Program Credits

5 Weeks

Course Length

Online

Location

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) with a concentration in Data Science is a 183-credit hour program that is offered online. The program consists of 51 general education credits, 88 credit hours in the computer science core, and 44 credit hours in the data science concentration.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career centered on building computer software solutions through programming with algorithmic techniques. Students will explore a broad range of theoretical and practical knowledge, methods, processes, techniques and skills to effectively design and develop the computer software according to domain-specific requirements.

The curriculum of BSCS offers broad and detailed knowledge on how a computer’s software works, and how to design and develop different levels and types of computer software. This is different from the curriculum of the Computer Engineering program which is focused on how to design and develop computer hardware. It is also different from the curriculum of the Information Technology program, which is focused on how to apply both computer hardware and software to design, develop and support high level end-user-oriented business systems, services or applications.

This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

Through innovative industry-current curricula and technology-enabled student-centered teaching, the College of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology empowers students to become motivated, creative, ethical, and skillful professionals who can resolve challenges in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, and Information Technology in order to meet the needs of the digital economy.

* CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Online Programs.

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Courses

Courses: General Education		Credits
COMS105 This course explores the importance of effective interpersonal communication. This course covers: how interpersonal communication impacts an individual, how to recognize the different methods of communication and establishing and maintaining personal and professional relationships through effective communication.	Interpersonal Communications	4.5
	or
COMS203 This course is designed to assist in sharpening students’ skills in oral communication with a focus on presenting in professional settings. Understanding basic communication concepts: brevity, precision and adherence to common delivery methods are hallmarks of clear, consistent and concise communication.	Speech Communications	4.5

ENGL104 ENGL104 is the first course in a sequence of two composition classes designed to empower students to develop their voice, build confidence in writing, and develop both their writing and critical thinking skills. Students will have the opportunity to practice adapting their writing for different audiences, purposes, and platforms, and will be able to explore how the choices they make influence the meaning and success of their written communications. This course explores the use of the writing process to compose clear, organized writings that are appropriate for various audiences and purposes. This course introduces the importance of clear and persuasive writing in personal, professional, and academic contexts.	Introductory Written Communication	4.5
ENGL105 ENGL105 is the final course in the composition sequence and builds on the writing skills developed in ENGL104. In this course, students continue to practice writing for a variety of contexts, purposes, and audiences. Throughout the course, students incorporate research into their writing by using digital tools and resources to identify and cite credible sources following CTU APA guidelines.	Professional Written Communications	4.5
HIST120 This course introduces students to the events, conflicts, key figures, and turning points in United States History from 1950 to the present. Emphasizing the relationship between history and peoples’ lived experiences, this course examines key events, social movements, and the changing roles of the United States in the world. Exploring how historians use evidence to better understand the past, this course will also examine how history is shaped by different contexts and perspectives. Throughout the course, connections will be made between issues and events of the past and those that we face today.	Intro to American History: 1950 to the Present	4.5
MATH111 This course is designed to review concepts of elementary algebra and introduce students to additional algebraic concepts used in computing disciplines. Students will have the opportunity to develop problem solving skills for success in technical fields. Specifically, this course covers the relationship between functions and their graphs, techniques for solving a variety of equations, and matrices for solving systems of linear equations.	College Algebra for Technical Programs	4.5
PHIL101 This course is designed to provide students a basic understanding of moral and ethical theories and concepts. The activities and discussions encourage students to explore and solve ethical dilemmas by identifying and applying moral and ethical theories. Students will also be encouraged to explain their reasoning from cultural, professional, and personal standpoints. A variety of ethical issues and methodologies will be explored, as students evaluate moral dilemmas in an assortment of work and life scenarios.	Introduction to Ethics	4.5
PSYC102 Psychology is fundamental to every field in academic study. This course is designed to teach students a basic understanding of human behavior as well as emotional and cognitive development. Coursework incorporates terminology, principles, and foundational theories that comprise modern concepts of introductory psychology. This course is designed to teach students using practical, real-world application of course concepts within their professional, personal, and relational lives.	Introductory Psychology	4.5
SCI101 This course introduces students to the physical, life, and Earth sciences. Students have the opportunity to explore the principles of scientific critical thinking. Utilizing the Scientific Method, as well as other quantitative and qualitative approaches, students can draw meaningful conclusions about the real world.	Introduction to the Sciences	4.5
SCI103 This is a learning experience that complements the Introduction to the Sciences course. Since the course addresses how scientific thinking and the resultant technology has changed modern life, this lab will provide students with experiences in the scientific approaches of different sciences covered, such as: biology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy. This lab will be constructed specifically to extend the learning from each unit of the Introduction to the Sciences course, designed to provide experiences which deepen students’ familiarity with the scientific method and way of asking questions and solving problems.	Science and Technology- Laboratory Course	1.5
SCI201 This course analyzes the interrelationships between the natural environment and human activities. In this course, students are taught about the preservation and conservation of natural resources and the resilience of the natural environment with respect to the carrying capacity of the earth. Furthermore, students will explore topics related to environmental ethics and apply principles of sustainability to issues impacting natural resources and biodiversity. Finally, this course will teach a holistic approach in learning about environmental problems and rehabilitation through individual and group behavioral changes and environmental regulations.	Environmental Science and Sustainability	4.5
SOCL102 This course introduces students to the study of sociology and how it applies to careers, community, and family. Sociology examines the nature of society including the theories and principles of multi-cultural and social interactions. This course addresses how the concepts of social organization, social institutions, and social changes influence everyday life.	Introductory Sociology	4.5
UNIV104 UNIV104 is designed to provide students with a foundation for success in CTU’s undergraduate academic environment. This course introduces effective academic strategies and resources integrating them with career planning methods that can be leveraged to pursue future academic and professional goals.	Academic and Career Success	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	51

Courses: Core		Credits
CS101 This course introduces students to the foundational aspects of Computer Science as a discipline. Students will be provided with an overview of core Computer Science knowledge areas. The course will discuss the spectrum of computation technologies and their typical applications. Finally, the course will discuss problem-solving techniques and critical thinking methods that are commonly used in Computer Science.	Problem Solving in Computer Science	4
CS118 This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction of programming languages including assembly, scripting, procedural, and Object-Oriented languages. For each type of programming language, construction components and techniques will be presented and the main application suitability will also be discussed with real world examples. Students will also explore and apply common programming language constructs (e.g., data type, function, procedure, linear, branching, iteration, subroutines, etc.) through assignments in which students will be required to use proper language constructs to design programming logic. Students will also explore the process of problem-solving by programming.	Principles of Programming Languages	4
CS119 This course introduces students to an introductory programming language which can demonstrate several common types of programming models such as scripting, procedural, and object-oriented programming in one language. The course covers algorithmic logic, basic declarations and statements, control structures, data and program design, basic concepts of object-orientation, and also covers how to organize multiple program components into a single programming project. Students will be required to complete several programming/scripting exercises throughout the course. The course will assist students in building up a practical foundation to study other programming languages.	Introduction of Programming	4
CS141 This course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer organization and architecture. Topics include basic assembly-level machine organization, memory system organization and architecture, computer interfacing and communication, multiprocessing and alternative architectures, as well as the concepts of performance and the architectural support for performance enhancements.	Fundamentals of Computer Organization and Architecture	4
CS219 This course will give students the opportunity to extend their programming skills through use of Python programming language. The foundation of object-oriented and event-driven programming will be discussed and applied in this course. Topics studied will include the use of data structures, the creation of classes and objects, and the application of inheritance and polymorphism, etc. Students need to demonstrate an intermediate level competency of using Python to conduct programming tasks.	Python Programming	4
CS221 This course will give students the opportunity to extend their database knowledge and skills through applying the theory from CS252 into practical applications implemented by programming in Structured Query Language (SQL). In a lab setting, students will explore how to analyze a business problem, model data flow, create a conceptual and logical database designs, and implement these designs through programming in SQL. Students will also develop applications to access these databases. Students need to demonstrate an intermediate level competency of using SQL to develop database based applications.	SQL Programming	4
CS226 This course provides students an opportunity to learn Java, another object-oriented programming (OOP) language, through the development of a software application. Students will use various Java language features to create classes and objects, and apply inheritance to construct solutions. In a lab setting, students will use an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to incrementally implement and test the software application. Students need to demonstrate an intermediate level competency of using Java to conduct programming tasks.	Java Programming	4
CS228 This course provides students an opportunity to learn C++, another object-oriented programming (OOP) language, through the development of a software application. Students will apply C++ language features to create classes and objects; and also apply object-oriented features such as inheritance, operator overloading, polymorphism, and templates to construct solutions. In a lab-oriented setting, students will incrementally implement and test the software application. Students need to demonstrate an intermediate level competency of using C++ to conduct programming tasks.	C++ Programming	4
CS233 This course introduces students to the principles and idiosyncrasies behind representatives of some of the different types of data structures. The course includes an examination of arrays, stacks, queues, lists, and trees. Students will study these principles through the completion of several programs.	Fundamentals of Data Structures	4
CS253 This course introduces the basic database management system (DBMS) concepts including relational data models, database management system architecture and components, as well as structured query language (SQL), etc. Topics such as conceptual, logical and physical database designs will be covered and applied for several small real-world database application projects.	Introduction to Database Systems	4
CS267 Students are introduced to classical algorithms, including searching and sorting, hashing and information retrieval, with an emphasis on their applicability to solve real-world problems. Basic techniques to analyze and design algorithms are covered. Average and asymptotic behaviors are discussed. Complexity algorithms issues, performance characteristics, and estimating their potential effectiveness in applications are explored.	Computer Algorithms	4
CS311 As a foundation course for students looking to acquire programming skills in mobile platforms, this course introduces students to application development process for mobile devices. The course illustrates the commonalities and differences between the development process and workflow, application design methodology and principles, as well as the implementation tools for mobile computing as contrasted with those for desktop computing. The design and implementation constraints will be covered and addressed through a hand-on project to build a solution to a problem involving mobile computing.	Mobile Programming	4
CS337 Parallel programming is a fundamental programming skill to construct high performance solutions for complicated computation tasks. This course introduces the basic concepts of parallel programming including parallel computer architectures, analytical modeling of parallel programs, and principles of parallel algorithm design, as well as effective techniques commonly used in coding, debugging, and testing parallel software.	Introduction to Parallel Computing	4
CS341 In this course, students are introduced to the design and the implementation concepts of modern operating systems. The topics covered include basic capabilities of operating systems, virtual memory, resource allocation and management, concurrent processes and threads, deadlock detection and prevention, protection and security, I/O and file systems, batch and interactive subsystems. Completion of the course requires the student to perform several lab exercises that investigate and exercise key operating system features.	Principles of Operating Systems	4
CS349 This course introduces students to the software development processes and methods. The course explains the traditional Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) encompassing requirements collection and analysis, design, implementation, testing and the maintenance phases. The course also introduces principles and techniques supporting topics such as software development project management, people management, software requirements, system models, software design, verification and validation, software maintenance and enhancements, and ethical responsibilities.	Software Engineering	4
CS356 Big data analytics is a critical tool to enable corporations to gain and keep their competitive advantages. To be able to apply various computer technologies to either establish or execute business related data analysis applications is a key skill for any professional with a computer science degree. This course explores the fundamental computer technologies that are required for utilizing a big data analytics applications, including how to store, pre-process, query and visualize big data, as well as how to extract the useful business information through various highly efficient data analysis techniques running on various types of computer platforms connected by various types of communication networks.	Foundations of Big Data Analytics	4
CS491 This is the first course in a two course sequence that entails the end-to-end development of a software application in a project team setting. Students in this class will work in project teams. Every student will join only one project team and will assume at least one type of job function typical in a software development project, such as requirement collection and analysis, system function specification, architecture design, component design, prototyping, implementation, testing, project management, etc. Each project team typically consists of students from the same concentration. However, students from the different concentrations may be allowed to work in the same project team. The course reinforces the principles of requirements collection/analysis and software design using engineering processes, methods and tools. As members of a project team, students will work to define the problem or opportunity, identify constraints, collect the requirements, complete a high level design, and prepare a product prototype. Students also deliver a professional report and presentation.	Computer Science Team Project I	4
CS492 This is the second course in a two course sequence that entails the end-to-end development of a software application in a project team setting. The course reinforces students' abilities to choose and apply the right principles, engineering processes, methods, and tools to conduct productive software implementation and testing. As members of a project team, students will use the requirements, design specifications, and the prototype created in CS491 to implement and test the produced software application. Every project team will provide a live demo of the running application they have produced to other project teams, and students will be required to provide their feedback regarding the demos made by other project teams.	Computer Science Team Project II	4
CSS150 This course provides the foundation for the study of computer system security. The course centers around the ten domains comprising the Information Security Common Body of Knowledge. Topics include access control systems, telecommunications and network security, cryptography, operations security and business continuity and disaster recovery planning. Students will be exposed to security management practices as well as security architecture and models security laws, investigations and ethics.	Introduction to Computer Security	4
IT204 This course serves as an introduction for students to acquire a foundation in current data communication and networking technologies. The course provides an introduction to the hardware, media, Ethernet, addressing, IP Configuration, components, and connections of a network. Network concepts such as network topologies, and major protocols, as well as the basic functions of network administration and operation are covered.	Fundamentals of Networking	4

MATH211 This course introduces students to Discrete Math concepts and provides tools for logical thinking critical for success in computer science and information technology applications. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with number systems, logic, Set Theory, sorting and searching algorithms, data structures, and counting theories. In addition, they will focus on problem solving strategies important for success in technical careers.	Applications of Discrete Mathematics for Computer Systems and IT	4
	or
MATH212 This course studies problems that involve finite or discrete data sets. Logic and set notation form a foundation for creating structure in data storage and information retrieval. Tools used include truth tables, methods of proof, Venn diagrams, graphs, trees, paths, and matrices. Additional topics include defining formal languages and recognizing syntactically correct sentences. Additional techniques include automata, digraphs, state transition tables and context free grammars.	Fundamentals of Discrete Mathematics	4

MATH311 An elementary coverage of statistical techniques is augmented at each step with the aid of technology for data processing and analysis in making inferences. Graphical presentation and statistical measures are studied, followed by basic probability concepts leading to binomial and normal distributions. Hypothesis testing is applied to drawing inferences for one and two population parameters. A graphing calculator or equivalent technology is required.	Data Driven Statistics for Computer Systems and IT	4
	or
MATH312 An elementary coverage of statistical techniques is augmented at each step with the aid of technology for data processing and analysis in making inferences. Graphical presentation and statistical measures are studied, followed by basic probability concepts leading to binomial and normal distributions. Hypothesis testing is applied to drawing inferences for one and two population parameters. A graphing calculator or equivalent technology is required.	Principles of Probability and Statistics	4
	Total Credit Hours:	88

Courses- Concentration		Credits
CS367 This course introduces students to the basic concepts of streaming data, which includes resources of streaming data, the characteristics and properties of various types of streaming data and the principles, models, methods and technologies that can be effectively applied for streaming data analytics. The course will examine the most common challenges of streaming data analytics—data collection, measurement, tracking, analysis, security, query processing and reporting. Students will conduct some case studies of the applications of streaming data analytics.	Streaming Data Analytics	4
CS397 The course introduces students to the techniques and processes for designing and building a data warehouse. The course covers the topics of data warehouse design, Extract- Transform-Load (ETL), data cubes, and data marts. Students will evaluate a commercial or an open source data warehousing tool.	Data Warehousing	4
CS378 This course introduces students to the foundation, application background, design and implementation principles of NoSQL databases. The course illustrates the commonalities and differences between NoSQL databases and relational databases. The course covers how to best use different NoSQL databases in their working environments. The design of NoSQL-based applications in a variety of platforms such as Windows, Linux, and the Cloud is discussed. Students will develop procedures and processes to ensure scalability and availability of a NoSQL database based on the application requirements.	NoSQL Databases	4
CS379 This course introduces students to the foundations, commonly used algorithms and techniques, as well as various types of applications of Machine Learning which is a branch of Artificial Intelligence. The course discusses the strengths and weaknesses of different machine learning methodologies such as decision trees, neural networks, clustering, Naive Bayes, and regression based on the application requirements. Students will complete several small software assignments to implement Machine Learning functionality in a given application.	Machine Learning	4
CS473 This course introduces students to the foundations, commonly used algorithms, techniques and tools, as well as applications of data mining. The course will cover data collection and preparation, data classification, mining association rules, clustering, and the real-world applications where these techniques are used. Students will develop software to conduct data mining functionality based on the application requirements.	Data Mining	4
CS479 Data visualization techniques allow people to transform data into charts and tables that analyze complex data sets to generate insights, and to present analytical output as meaningful information. This course introduces students to data visualization principles, techniques, tools and best practices. The course covers how to organize data into manageable and logical components for analysis and visualization. Students will design and implement some data visualization functionality with a given interactive data visualization tool and the given application requirements of analyzing a complex data set.	Data Visualization	4
	Select 20 Credits from the list of courses shown below	20
	Total Credit Hours:	44

Courses - Elective Choices		Credits
CS227 This course introduces students to the basic features of the Linux operating system and the fundamentals of Linux programming. Through several hands-on exercises and projects, students will be exposed to the Linux utility commands, file system and directories, the Linux shells, and the shell script programming. Students need to demonstrate an intermediate level competency in Linux shell programming.	Linux Programming	4
CS361 This course introduces students to the theories, principles, and practices of user interface design for computer-based systems. Topics such as the human computer interaction, user interface design framework, platform consideration, user profiling, prototyping and usability testing will be covered.	Principles of User Interface Design	4
CS368 This course introduces students to various practical techniques for conducting requirements elicitation, specification, analysis, and validation. The additional topics covered during this course include requirements traceability, software quality matrix, and use case scenario development.	Fundamentals of Software Requirements	4
CS374 This course introduces students to the fundamentals of software design. Software Design consists of a set of commonly used design principles, design paradigms, design models, and design patterns. Through several working projects, students will learn how to choose proper design principles, design paradigms, design models and design patterns based upon the requirements specification. Also students will explore how to make correct adjustments to a design when some requirements have been changed.	Fundamentals of Software Design	4
CS468 This course introduces students to how to apply the agile software development approach (process and techniques) to develop Software as a Service by using a proper type of cloud (private, public, or hybrid) enabled web application framework. Students will explore the principles and highly effective methods to design, implement and testing as well as deploying a software on a public cloud as a service.	Software Service Construction	4
CS469 Software Quality Assurance (SQA) is a set of systematic activities that software testers must perform in order to ensure the quality of a software project. This course provides an overview of the techniques, approaches, and processes used for SQA. The course covers various types of tests, such as unit testing, usability testing, stress testing, integration testing, and system testing. Students will have the opportunity to apply SQA theory as they perform software tests.	Software Quality Assurance	4
CSS200 This course identifies and explains technical issues involved in network security. It also covers the fundamentals of wireless networking protocols, their security issues and threats. Covered topics include cryptography applications; access control; firewalls; key management network security issues; application, e-mail and middleware security; wireless local area network technologies.	Principles of Network Security	4
CSS250 This course addresses the concepts of risk management. The course explores general methodologies used to assess and manage risks to information security. The course also identifies the activities involved in the process of information security risk management for a business organization. Activities such as detection, recovery and damage control methods will be explored.	Security Risk Management	4
CSS280 This course covers ways that computers and networks are attacked by hackers using techniques and common utilities. Learners explore security threats and ways that system vulnerabilities are exploited to attack systems. Topics include Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), ethical hacking techniques, sniffers, protocols, social engineering, vulnerability analysis, and penetration testing to ensure infrastructure security.	Ethical Hacking	4
CSS321 Software is essential to the operation of the commercial, government and military sectors of our nation. It is estimated that 90 percent of reported security incidents result from exploits against defects in the design or code of software. Therefore, ensuring the integrity of software is imperative to protecting the infrastructure of these sectors from threats and vulnerabilities. This course uses the Security Development Model, to identify and implement security activities that must be applied during each phase of a software development lifecycle model. Static analysis tools, testing strategies and auditing processes used for verification of secure code are applied in a test environment. Management’s role in the development of techniques for the enforcement of software assurance processes is explored.	Software Assurance	4
EM200 Web development is a broad field and this class provides a basic foundation for follow-on web related classes. The focus for this class is to produce and manipulate actual code creation with HTML5 and CSS3 (or updated industry web standards) for structuring/presenting content on the web. W3C provides industry guidelines related to current web design practices and standards. Students employ, interpret, manipulate and generate HTML5 and CSS3 code using Notepad++ or TextWrangler (Mac platform) or other industry standard text editor. Students will learn the history of the Internet, the various iterations of HTML web mark-up language to the current version, HTML5. The use of Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) Language for formatting web content will be emphasized. The creation of complete one or more web sites to utilizing the variety of web element will be required .	Introduction to Website Development	4
IT304 The Computer Networks and Communications course reinforces the network objectives identified in IT204 course. It presents concepts of data communications and network design within the wide area networking including the operation of telecommunication systems, transmission media and communications hardware, network topologies, switching methods and protocols, security and existing network analysis.	Computer Networks and Communications	4

Courses- Elective Choices		Credits
CS227 This course introduces students to the basic features of Linux operating system and the fundamentals of Linux programming. Through several hands-on exercises and projects, students will be exposed to the Linux utility commands, file system and directories, the Linux shells, and the shell script programming. Students need to demonstrate an intermediate level competency in Linux shell programming.	Linux Programming	4
CS361 This course introduces students to the theories, principles, and practices of user interface design for computer-based systems. Topics such as the human computer interaction, user interface design framework, platform consideration, user profiling, prototyping and usability testing will be covered.	Principles of User Interface Design	4
CS368 This course introduces students to various practical techniques for conducting requirements elicitation, specification, analysis, and validation. The additional topics covered during this course include requirements traceability, software quality matrix, and use case scenario development.	Fundamentals of Software Requirements	4
CS374 This course introduces students to the fundamentals of software design. Software Design consists of a set of commonly used design principles, design paradigms, design models, and design patterns. Through several working projects, students will learn how to choose proper design principles, design paradigms, design models and design patterns based upon the requirements specification. Also students will explore how to make correct adjustments to a design when some requirements have been changed.	Fundamentals of Software Design	4
CS468 This course introduces students to how to apply the agile software development approach (process and techniques) to develop Software as a Service by using a proper type of cloud (private, public, or hybrid) enabled web application framework. Students will explore the principles and highly effective methods to design, implement and testing as well as deploying a software on a public cloud as a service.	Software Service Construction	4
CS469 Software Quality Assurance (SQA) is a set of systematic activities that software testers must perform in order to ensure the quality of a software project. This course provides an overview of the techniques, approaches, and processes used for SQA. The course covers various types of tests, such as unit testing, usability testing, stress testing, integration testing, and system testing. Students will have the opportunity to apply SQA theory as they perform software tests.	Software Quality Assurance	4
CSS200 This course identifies and explains technical issues involved in network security. It also covers the fundamentals of wireless networking protocols, their security issues and threats. Covered topics include cryptography applications; access control; firewalls; key management network security issues; application, e-mail and middleware security; wireless local area network technologies.	Principles of Network Security	4
CSS250 This course addresses the concepts of risk management. The course explores general methodologies used to assess and manage risks to information security. The course also identifies the activities involved in the process of information security risk management for a business organization. Activities such as detection, recovery and damage control methods will be explored.	Security Risk Management	4
CSS280 This course covers ways that computers and networks are attacked by hackers using techniques and common utilities. Learners explore security threats and ways that system vulnerabilities are exploited to attack systems. Topics include Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), ethical hacking techniques, sniffers, protocols, social engineering, vulnerability analysis, and penetration testing to ensure infrastructure security.	Ethical Hacking	4
CSS321 Software is essential to the operation of the commercial, government and military sectors of our nation. It is estimated that 90 percent of reported security incidents result from exploits against defects in the design or code of software. Therefore, ensuring the integrity of software is imperative to protecting the infrastructure of these sectors from threats and vulnerabilities. This course uses the Security Development Model, to identify and implement security activities that must be applied during each phase of a software development lifecycle model. Static analysis tools, testing strategies and auditing processes used for verification of secure code are applied in a test environment. Management’s role in the development of techniques for the enforcement of software assurance processes is explored.	Software Assurance	4
EM200 Web development is a broad field and this class provides a basic foundation for follow-on web related classes. The focus for this class is to produce and manipulate actual code creation with HTML5 and CSS3 (or updated industry web standards) for structuring/presenting content on the web. W3C provides industry guidelines related to current web design practices and standards. Students employ, interpret, manipulate and generate HTML5 and CSS3 code using Notepad++ or TextWrangler (Mac platform) or other industry standard text editor. Students will learn the history of the Internet, the various iterations of HTML web mark-up language to the current version, HTML5. The use of Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) Language for formatting web content will be emphasized. The creation of complete one or more web sites to utilizing the variety of web element will be required .	Introduction to Website Development	4
EM218 EM218 expands the principles and techniques introduced in EM208 by using professional software Web Site Development Tool. The course also examines many design principles specifically aimed at enhancing the presentation and usability of an industrial strength web site. Information architecture is touched upon. Further, the course addresses the usage and placement of various Multimedia elements on a Web site. Software such as Dreamweaver or other industry standard software is used in this course.	Web Development II	4
EM228 Scripting for the Web provides an introduction to client-side scripts used to create dynamic web pages. Form validation techniques, script control structure syntax, image rollovers, auxiliary windows and web page objects. The Ajax protocol between client and server will also be explored. Other industry standard scripting languages may be explored based on local industry.	Scripting for the Web	4
EM270 Information can be shared and utilized in a variety of ways. New technologies and new uses for information/data have a direct impact on the personal, social and business aspects of our lives This class explores the various new technologies and the effects on consumers and businesses. Case studies are utilized along with research to explore new topics. Students gain a basic understanding of emerging media as it relates to web standards, social networking, mobile computing, collaboration environment, and a variety of other current topics. This class features current trends in social media.	Emerging Media and Technology	4
IT304 The Computer Networks and Communications course reinforces the network objectives identified in IT204 course. It presents concepts of data communications and network design within the wide area networking including the operation of telecommunication systems, transmission media and communications hardware, network topologies, switching methods and protocols, security and existing network analysis.	Computer Networks and Communications	4

note that all courses are not offered at all campuses. Consult with your academic advisor.

Total Credit Hours: 183

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Learning Outcomes

BSCS Program Learning Outcomes:

Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Concentration Learning Outcomes:

Data Science:

Acquire knowledge of new models, methods, technologies, tools, and the context-specific best practices relevant to big data analytics as they emerge.
Choose and apply appropriate data analytics theories, models, techniques and tools to construct software solutions to cost-effectively extract, store, pre-process, query, analyze and visualize big data based on business requirements.

Faculty

Dr. Yanzhen Qu

University Dean

Dr. Yanzhen Qu is the University Dean and Professor at the College of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology at Colorado Technical University (CTU). During his tenure at CTU, Dr. Qu has taken a leadership role in modernizing the curricula of CTU’s CS, IT and Cybersecurity degree programs, ranging from Associate to Doctoral levels.

Dr. Richard Cai

Executive Program Director

Dr. Richard Cai is CTU’s Executive Program Director for the College of Computer Science, Engineering & Technology. In this role, Dr. Cai supervises curriculum design, development and revision for the degree programs offered in the college. He also plays a key role in the program assessment and accreditation.

For more faculty profiles please visit our Leadership and Faculty page.
For more information visit the College of Engineering & Computer Science.

Accreditations and Alignments

Outcomes for this program align with the educational standards of ABET.

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FAQs

What is a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) with a concentration in Cybersecurity Engineering degree?

CTU’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) with a concentration in Cybersecurity Engineering Degree Program is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing potential opportunities in the workforce. This concentration of BSCS degree program emphasizes a broad range of theoretical and practical knowledge, methods, processes, techniques, and skills to effectively design and develop the computer software according to cybersecurity domain-specific requirements. Students may study new models, methods, technologies, and tools in computer science and software engineering, and may explore how to analyze processes and techniques to construct software solutions to cost-effectively implement cyber-defense strategies.

What will I study in this BSCS degree program?

As you work to complete your BSCS with a concentration in cybersecurity engineering, in addition to the core courses of BSCS program such as computer algorithm, programming, and operating system, you will be immersed in courses where you will study these topics and much more: ethical hacking; software assurance; principles of network security; and cloud computing, privacy and security.

When and where can I begin my cybersecurity engineering classes?

Courses for the BSCS with a concentration in cybersecurity engineering start online and at our Colorado Springs campus approximately every five weeks. Completion of the CTU admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the CTU online application process. You may complete the application process over the phone with an advisor or you may go online. Once you’ve completed the online application, you may hear from an advisor within the following 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.

How many credits are required to graduate from the bachelor's degree program?

The BSCS with a concentration in cybersecurity engineering degree program consists of 183 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. CTU Fast Track^™ exams offer the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know—allowing you to complete your degree up to 30% faster.*

* The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition towards the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of CTU Fast TrackTM exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for possible 30% reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential Fast Track savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.

Why should I pursue a BSCS degree at CTU?

Through innovative industry-current curricula and technology-enabled student-centered teaching, you will study through classroom learning and hands-on experience that aligns to industry standards and helps develop skills that are applicable to the needs of the digital economy.

Is this Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity Engineering degree program accredited?

The BSCS is not programmatically accredited; however, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA) have recognized Colorado Technical University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program with a concentration in Cybersecurity Engineering was certified having met the criteria set forth by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity in the field of Cyber Defense. Outcomes for this bachelor’s program align with the educational standards of ABET.