Cybersecurity Five-Year Accelerated Degree Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science Program
A five-year degree program is offered in Cybersecurity at Fairfield University's School of Engineering and Computing, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. This program embraces the educational objectives of the BA in Computer Science program, as well as those of the graduate program in Cybersecurity.
A degree in cybersecurity is more important than ever in today’s digital world. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, organizations across all industries require skilled professionals to protect sensitive information, secure their networks, and defend against cyberattacks. Graduates of the program master, the technical expertise, tools, and theoretical understanding needed to address modern cyber threats. As these risks become increasingly sophisticated, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a critical role in identifying patterns, detecting anomalies, and automating responses to potential security incidents. Integrating AI into cybersecurity practices enhances an organization’s ability to proactively defend against evolving threats. To prepare students for these advancements, the program offers elective courses focused on AI applications in cybersecurity, equipping graduates with essential skills to leverage cutting-edge technologies in protecting digital assets.
Students from the BA in Computer Science
Students having achieved a 3.0 GPA, may apply to the Master’s degree program at the end of their third year. Students follow the standard undergraduate curriculum for the first three years, and then complete the BA baccalaureate degree requirements (122 credits) during their fourth year. During this final year, students may enroll in up to two graduate courses that are above and beyond their undergraduate degree requirement. These graduate courses may not be applied towards the undergraduate degree. After receiving the baccalaureate degree, students will take an additional eight courses (for a total of ten courses) to complete the MS degree requirements in the fifth year.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| All Requirements for BA in Computer Science 1 | 122 | |
| Required Courses | ||
| SWEG 5530 | Introduction to Information Security | 3 |
| SWEG 6404 | Network Security | 3 |
| SWEG 6530 | Applications and Data Security | 3 |
| SWEG 6599 | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Complete two courses in one of the following concentration areas: | 6 | |
| Management Concentration | ||
| Security Management | ||
| Vulnerability Management | ||
| Server Management | ||
| Technical Concentration | ||
| Cloud Computing | ||
| Systems Security | ||
| Digital Forensics | ||
| Electives Courses | ||
| Select two additional graduate-level electives from the following: 2 | 6 | |
| Software Engineering Methods | ||
| Software Design Methods | ||
| Visual Analytics | ||
| Introduction to Data Science | ||
| Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| Deep Learning | ||
| Quantum Algorithms and Applications | ||
| Information Visualization | ||
| Generative AI and Applications | ||
| Pattern Recognition | ||
| Data Mining and Business Intelligence | ||
| Network Routing and Switching | ||
| Capstone Sequence | ||
| SWEG 6961 | Capstone Professional Project I | 3 |
| SWEG 6962 | Capstone Professional Project II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 152 | |
- 1
Requirements are the same as those for the BA in Computer Science. The two graduate courses, to be taken during the final year of undergraduate study, are in addition to the required 122 credits for the BA, and will be applied to the graduate degree.
- 2
Electives may be chosen from courses listed, SWEG 5990 Independent Study, or any other graduate-level course from a concentration or another area, under advisement of the academic advisor and department chair.
Note: A minimum of 30 credits must be completed at the graduate level.