Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary field that applies the lenses of computer science along with security management and criminal justice curricula to secure, defend and investigate enterprise computing and information resources against inside and outside threat actors. The core concepts of cybersecurity are obtained through coursework that includes mathematics, principles of cybersecurity, computer programming, computer architecture, and algorithms. The Cybersecurity Bridge Certificate provides in-depth learning opportunities to students pursuing non-STEM majors to develop their cybersecurity knowledge, skills and abilities. The certificate provides comprehensive coverage of topics needed to succeed in cybersecurity-based jobs and graduate programs such as the MS in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity at John Jay College.
Learning Outcomes. Upon completion of the Cybersecurity Bridge Certificate, students will:
- Use computer programming to critically evaluate, visualize and organize data pertaining to a variety of complex real world and societal problems.
- Use variety of practical/hands-on/research approaches to efficiently secure and manage computer operating systems, and investigate security problems.
- Communicate effectively by integrating theory, research, and policy in written reports, and presentations.
- Analyze the complex relationship between hardware and software using practical and hands-on laboratory experience. Additionally, upon completion of the Certificate, the students will have a deeper understanding about conflict and its resolution, and will be able to better apply the skills and knowledge practiced during their internship experience.
Matriculated students who complete this certificate program receive a Certificate in Cybersecurity Bridge from John Jay College, authorized by the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York and the New York State Department of Education upon successful completion of coursework and a practicum.
Rationale. The undergraduate cybersecurity bridge program prepares students with the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities needed to pursue advanced technical curriculum in cybersecurity and digital forensics. The certificate prepares students for graduate programs in computer science and cybersecurity related fields, specifically in the MS program in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity (D4CS) offered at John Jay. Currently the MS program in D4CS admits students with computer science and related bachelor’s degree majors. The program directors receive several admission inquiries from students with Criminal Justice, Security Management majors and other non-STEM programs. These students are directed to the two-semester long Graduate CSI bridge advanced certificate, delaying their intake into the MS program by a year. The certificate program will allow students to develop the skills they need while they are still completing their undergraduate majors, giving them the qualifications needed to directly apply to the MS immediate after graduating with their bachelor’s degree.
Credits required. 18-24
Tentative start date: Fall 2024
Requirements. A maximum of two courses can overlap with a student’s major, other minors or programs. Students can only use transfer courses for up to 50% of the certificate. Students may be able to substitute place out of the Foundational Courses if they have completed a higher-level calculus? course.
Foundational Courses (Subtotal: 0-6 credit)
Required, depending on mathematics placement or background
| Course No. | Course Name |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra |
| MAT 141 | Pre-Calculus |
Advisors note. If a student has completed a higher-level calculus course, that can apply here. See the certificate coordinator.
Required courses (Subtotal: 18 credits)
| Course No. | Course Name |
| SEC 107 | Introduction to Cybercrime: Theories and Applications |
| CSCI 171 | The Nature of Computers and Computing |
| CSCI 172 | Introduction to Data Analysis (prerequisite: CSCI 171) |
| CSCI 274 | Computer Architecture (prerequisite: CSCI 171 or CSCI 271) |
| CSCI 3XX | Cybersecurity Research Methods and Tools (in review by UCASC) |
| CSCI 275 | Linux Systems Administration (prerequisite: CSCI 171 or CSCI 271) |
