Undergraduate Program

Addressing the cybersecurity skills shortage

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program is relevant to the constantly evolving field of cybersecurity. The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) provides student-centered learning and professional development for a maximum experience in cybersecurity education, while aligning with industry needs.

UMA’s B.S. in Cybersecurity degree program promotes the study and advancement of Cybersecurity, with focus areas in Cyber Forensics, Information Assurance, and Network Security Analyst. Hands-on learning is an integral part of this degree program.

UMA’s B.S. in Cybersecurity degree program has been designated as a National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) since 2014. UMA’s curriculum has been designed to meet the stringent academic standards of the CAE-CD program.

UMA’s state-of-the-art Cyber Range simulation environment provides realistic training that prepares our graduates to have an immediate impact on the workforce. This degree is designed to expand the student’s professional knowledge, skills, and abilities so they are competitive in high-demand roles within cybersecurity and information technology. Topics of study include network monitoring, intrusion detection, threat reduction, vulnerability reduction, deterrence, international engagement, incident response, resiliency, and recovery policies and activities, including computer network operations, information assurance, law enforcement, diplomacy, military, and intelligence missions as they relate to the security and stability of the global information and communications infrastructure.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of UMA’s B.S. in Cybersecurity program, graduates will be able to:

Goal 1: Identify, analyze, synthesize, and apply the core tenets of cybersecurity to evaluate network protection needs and establish a security posture.
Goal 2: Demonstrate critical thinking, research, and communication skills within the cybersecurity and information technology fields utilizing industry terminology.
Goal 3: Demonstrate an understanding of cybersecurity and information security regulations, and legal and ethical aspects related to compliance and privacy.
Goal 4: Demonstrate an understanding of cyber threats and apply appropriate defensive designs and tools to mitigate the risk of attack.
Goal 5: Demonstrate an understanding of cybersecurity incident handling and response procedures.
Goal 6: Develop the technical proficiencies required to protect and defend computer network architectures, information systems, and applications.  

• CAE Designation
• Focus Areas
• Internship Requirement

National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) Designation

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) Program.

The goal of Cyber Defense Education is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise. This program contributes significantly to the advancement of state-of-the-art cyber defense knowledge and practice.

In April 2019, the UMA’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program was redesignated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education for academic years 2019-2024. This NSA/DHS recognition program serves as the de facto accreditation standard for Cybersecurity.

B.S. in Cybersecurity Focus Areas

Cyber Analyst

The focus is learning the techniques, processes, and tools to design secure information systems and networks. It is learning how to identify malicious attacks through monitoring and log analysis, and the application of security mitigations. Courses include:

• Cyber Operations
• Security Monitoring
• Incident Response
• Cyberwarfare & Cyberterrorism
• Malware Analysis
• Cybersecurity II
• Cyber Investigations

Cyber Forensics

The focus is learning the techniques, processes, and tools for gathering digital evidence in cyber investigations. It is learning how to derive useful information to support the environment’s security policies in computing. Courses include:

• System Forensics I
• Cyber Law
• Incident Response
• System Forensics II
• Mobile Forensics
• Digital Evidence Analysis
• Cyber Investigations

Information Assurance

The focus is learning the practices of assuring information through the application of security compliance, policies, and its governance. It is learning about managing the risks of the information and the environment the information resides in. Courses include:

• System Analysis
• Security Risk Management
• Auditing IT Infrastructures
• Identity Security & Management
• Information Security Architecture
• Security Monitoring
• Incident Response

General Focus

The focus is an overview of the different areas of cybersecurity for the management of security risks. It is learning the identification and investigation of malicious attacks, and the application of mitigations. Courses include:

• Wireless & Mobile Security
• Cloud Security
• Security Monitoring
• System Forensics I
• Incident Response
• Any two (300 level or higher) ISS electives

B.S. in Cybersecurity Internship Requirement

The program recognizes the value of relevant work experience and partners with technology-based organizations to provide students with an opportunity to broaden their skills base in information technology, cultivate mature life and workplace skills that prepare the student for personal and professional challenges, and establish a network of professional contacts in the information technology field.

Required at the Bachelor level, an Internship provides the student with an opportunity to build a professional portfolio of relevant work experience. With guidance from a Faculty Coordinator, students are required to locate and arrange an internship within the field of cybersecurity. To help prepare for an internship, students are encouraged to do a little research about a company, just as you would prepare for a job interview or job fair. This can help them stand out from the crowd of other applicants, and give insight into the organizational culture and industry operating conditions.

The work completed by the student intern is expected to parallel or exceed job performance expectations. These expectations include responsibility, productivity, professionalism, and well-defined IT skill sets.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) may also be an option to receive credit for the Cybersecurity Internship. If you think you might qualify, request a CPL Review.