Program:

The Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance and Security develops professionals who can test, implement and configure any new security software and/or technologies, apply sound security policy to their daily jobs, and provide protection and disaster recovery to their business systems.

"New growth areas will continue to arise from rapidly evolving technologies. The increasing uses of the Internet, the proliferation of Web sites, and mobile technology such as the wireless Internet have created a demand for a wide variety of new products. As individuals and businesses rely more on hand-held computers and wireless networks, it will be necessary to integrate current computer systems with this new, more mobile technology. Also, information security concerns have given rise to new software needs. Concerns over "cyber security" should result in businesses and government continuing to invest heavily in software that protects their networks and vital electronic infrastructure from attack. The expansion of this technology in the next 10 years will lead to an increased need for computer engineers to design and develop the software and systems to run these new applications and integrate them into older systems." (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 edition)

"Employers often scramble to find workers capable of implementing new technologies. Workers with formal education or experience in information security, for example, are in demand because of the growing need for their skills and services." (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 edition)

The Information Assurance and Security program offers the students a combination of strong foundation in information security theory and practical skills in the management and maintenance of effective infrastructure in information assurance and security. Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry-level positions in the field and also for acquiring professional certificates including Security+.

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Program Contacts:

	Nagaraj Rao, PhD Chair, Division of Mathematics and Computer Information Science nrao@mercy.edu Telephone: 914-674-7593
	Zhixiong Chen, PhD Professor zchen@mercy.edu Telephone: 914-674-7756

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Career Opportunities:

Initial career opportunities for graduates of this baccalaureate degree include assistant supervisory positions in information infrastructure assurance and security. Some job titles are: information system security officer, network security administrator, Jr. Level information security analyst.

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Curriculum:

The undergraduate curriculum includes 51 credits of the general education which is required for all the undergraduate programs. Thirty six (36) credits of this major do overlap with the registered Computer Science, Mathematics, and/or Computer Information Systems undergraduate programs. After the program, students are able to:

• Monitor use of security systems, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
  
• Implement security policies.
  
• Understand and implement disaster recovery for operating systems, databases, networks, servers, and software applications.
  
• Test new security software and/or technologies.
  
• Prepare to take the Security+ exam
  
• Conduct regular compliance audits utilizing cross divisional information security team.
  

For the complete course curriculum click here.

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Campuses where program is offered:

Dobbs Ferry, Bronx and entirely online.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the academic requirements for admission into this program?
New matriculating students must meet one of the following criteria:

• High School graduate with an 85 or above average and 4 years of English, 2 years of a Foreign Language, 3 years of Math, 2 years of Science, 2 years of Global Studies and 1 year of American History
  

  OR
  

• High School graduate who has a Regents Diploma with an 85 or better average
  

  OR
  

• Student who has a GED with a score of 280 or better (paper-based test) or 300 or better (computer-based test)
  

  OR
  

• High School graduate who scored 500 or better on both the written and math portions of the SAT's
  

  OR
  

• High School graduates and GED holders who do not meet the above criteria may gain admission by an acceptable score on the Mercy College placement test and a successful interview with an admission counselor. Students without a High School Diploma or GED must also pass the 'ability to benefit' test, as defined by U.S. Department of Education.
  

Matriculating transfer students must submit the following to the Office of Admissions:

• A completed Application for Admission (available from the Office of Admissions), accompanied by a non-refundable application fee
  
• An official transcript from each college or university previously attended and official translation if necessary.
  
• For applicants who have completed fewer than 12 college credits, or if there are no English courses in transfer, a high school transcript in addition to their college transcript(s). Although the College requires neither SAT scores nor ACT scores from transfer applicants, applicants may be required to take and receive satisfactory scores on the Mercy College placement test.
  

Are there English language requirements?
Yes. International Students who score 550 or better on the TOEFL within the last five years. Students will be eligible for admission and placement into ENGL111. They may be eligible for honors courses and/or to challenge some core requirements.

Is Mercy College a nonsectarian institution?
Yes. Qualified applicants are admitted without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or physical disability.

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