Nov 08, 2024  
2024-25 Catalog 
    
2024-25 Catalog

Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics


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The Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics expands on Highline’s already strong Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Department. It gives you a chance to build on your technical degree with upper-division coursework in a high-tech, high-demand area. Earning an applied bachelor’s degree may help you make higher wages and prepare you for higher-level specialized technical positions. The skill set may also prepare you to later move into a managerial position.

Learning Outcomes


A student earning a Bachelors of Applied Sciences in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics will be able to:

  • Secure the commonly used operating systems.
  • Securely configure and maintain network infrastructure.
  • Evaluate, plan, and implement cloud security for varying cloud environments.
  • Evaluate, implement, and maintain mobile security.
  • Securely install and maintain popular database products, perform security audits, and apply knowledge to new technology such as big data installations and analytics.
  • Effectively perform the tasks related to penetration testing on various platforms, applications, and network designs including pre-evaluation, setting of parameters, evaluating and reporting results, and give recommendations on remediation of findings.
  • Plan, conduct, and report on the incident response processes while maintaining compliance and data protection requirements. 
  • Design and conduct a forensic investigation that meets professional standards.
  • Apply knowledge of professional ethics when dealing with sensitive and confidential information or when making a decision on what path or methodology to use.

Program Eligibility


To qualify for admission to Highline’s BAS Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Program, eligible applicants must have:

  • Completed a regionally accredited AAS or AAS-T degree in Informational Technology degree or related field
  • Other associate degrees will be considered on a case by case basis
  • Official transcripts from an accredited college or university, and
  • A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.

Application Process


To be considered for the bachelor of applied science program prospective students must submit the following: 

  • Completed Highline bachelor application form,
  • Completed a regionally accredited AAS or AAS-T degree in an informational technology-related field from a regionally accredited institution,
  • Other associate degrees will be considered on a case by case basis,
  • Official transcripts from a regionally accredited college showing a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Requirements


Please contact a faculty advisor or program manager for the most updated information.

Students must have a total of 50 credits of general education courses and 60 credits of 300/400 level courses to be awarded a BAS degree.

Students must achieve a minimum grade of 2.0 in each CIS and CSCI class

Prerequisite Requirements


  • Associates degree in IT-related field or equivalent  (90cr)
  • Pre-requisite courses for BAS in Cybersecurity. Note: students can take the following pre-requisite courses after admission to this program:​​​​​​​
    • CIS 150, A+ certification or equivalent
    • CIS 160, CISCO I, Network+ or equivalent
    • CIS 161 Cisco II or equivalent
    • CIS 166 or equivalent - Security+, GSEC, and a variety of others
    • CIS 215 or equivalent - Linux+ or similar

General Education Requirements (50 credits)


Quantitative Skill Requirement (5 credits)


Select 1 course from the list below:

Distribution Requirements


Humanities Requirement (5 credits)

Social Science Requirement (5 credits)

Natural Science Requirement (5 credits)

Electives: 20 credits


At least 5 credits of science courses, and extra 15 credits of science or social science or humanities courses. Please see below for the elective courses:

300 and 400 Level Emphasis Courses: 75 credits


Associate Degree/Related Credits: 55 credits


Applicable credits from an associate degree issued by a regionally accredited institution.

Total Program Credits: 180 Credits


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