Our online Computer Information Technology (IT) bachelor’s degree focuses on the business use of information and how to help an organization apply technology to enhance overall operations. As a student, you’ll build a foundation in programming, network systems, systems analysis, and software tools.
Credit Hours: 120 | Transfer: Up to 90 Credits | Tuition Cost
What is the Cybersecurity Option in Computer Information Technology?
The major in Computer Information Technology (CIT) with an option in Cybersecurity at the University of New Hampshire, College of Professional Studies focuses on protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unintended or unauthorized access, change, or destruction. It involves practices, technologies, and processes designed to safeguard systems, networks, and data from cyber-attacks, data breaches, and other threats.
Why study the Cybersecurity Option in Computer Information Technology at UNH CPS?
Studying Cybersecurity at the University of New Hampshire's College of Professional Studies offers several unique advantages:
Comprehensive Curriculum: UNH CPS provides a thorough and up-to-date curriculum that covers the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity. This ensures that students gain a strong foundation in essential cybersecurity principles as well as practical skills in protecting against cyber threats.
Experienced Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. Many instructors are practicing cybersecurity professionals who bring real-world insights and experiences into the classroom, offering students a practical perspective on what they are learning.
Industry-Relevant Skills: The Cybersecurity option is designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills that are highly valued by employers. This includes hands-on experience with cutting-edge security tools and technologies, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the cybersecurity workforce.
Career Opportunities: With the demand for cybersecurity professionals outpacing the supply, graduates of the Cybersecurity program have a wide range of career opportunities available to them.
Supportive Community: UNH CPS fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Students have access to academic advising, tutoring services, and a community of peers and faculty who are dedicated to their success.
Potential Careers
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Security Systems Administrator
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Security Software Developer
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Compliance Analyst
- IT Project Manager
Course Highlights
- Advanced Software Tools
- Computer and Network Systems
- Statistics
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Foundations of Cybersecurity
- Programming with Python
- Mobile Application Development
- …and more!
Why UNH CPS?
- Regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE).
- Available fully online with select on-campus courses.
- Affordable tuition.
- Nationally ranked online programs.
- About 89% of our students are transfer students. Making the most of your transfer credits is our specialty.
- Career advising is available to all students and alumni. We also extend this service to those considering their college options.
- Faculty who are subject matter experts and share their real-world expertise, helping you apply what you learn to your personal goals and career.
- We’re experts at assessing credit toward your undergraduate degree – not only from previous college coursework, but also for other college-level knowledge demonstrated outside the traditional classroom.
Whether you completed your associate degree or took a few courses, we have experience working with community college students nationwide and we are experts at maximizing your transfer credits. We are proud of our formal partnerships to support community college graduates through our Transfer Pathways.
Students pursuing an associate degree at a New Hampshire community college are encouraged to explore our Transfer Pathway below.
- Completion of our free, online application for admission
- High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC
Curriculum & Requirements
The major in Computer Information Technology focuses on information, its management and processing within an organization, and the application of technology to create, exchange, store, and use information in that context. The focus is on the business use of information and the application of computing technology. Graduates will typically follow career paths as applications development programmers, planners and designers of information systems, and information systems managers within organizations. The degree provides versatility through a best practices approach to the core areas of Information Technology.
This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.
Sample Course Sequence
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CMPL 415 | Programming Fundamentals | 4 |
| CMPL 525 | Foundations of Cybersecurity | 4 |
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CMPL 512 | Advanced Software Tools | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510 | Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CMPL 614 | Computer and Network Systems | 4 |
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CMPL 622 | Human Computer Interaction | 4 |
| MTH 504 | Statistics | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CMPL 564 | Introduction to Cryptography | 4 |
| CMPL 566 | Security Risk Assessment | 4 |
| CMPL 637 | Python Programming II | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CMPL 641 | Database Management Systems | 4 |
| CMPL 640 | Digital Forensics | 4 |
| CMPL 645 | Ethical Hacking | 4 |
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CMPL 642 | Systems Analysis and Design | 4 |
| CMPL 744 | Cybersecurity Law | 4 |
| IDIS 601 | Interdisciplinary Seminar | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CMPL 795 or CMPL 797 | Integrative Capstone: Internship in Computer Information Tech and Tech Management or Integrative Capstone: Best Practices in Information Technology | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Degree Requirements
General Education Program Requirements
A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.
All General Education requirements, including CRIT 602 Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking and IDIS 601 Interdisciplinary Seminar, must be taken prior to the capstone.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
MTH 402 | Math for Our World | |
MTH 504 | Statistics | |
MTH 510 | Pre-Calculus | |
| Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems | 4 | |
| Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World | 4 | |
| Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression | 4 | |
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| IDIS 601 | Interdisciplinary Seminar | 4 |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Writing Program Requirements
All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
ENG 420 | The Writing Process | |
One Writing Intensive course in the Major | ||
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above | ||
One Additional Writing Intensive Course | ||
Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major in Computer Information Technology | ||
| Foundation Courses | ||
| CMPL 415 | Programming Fundamentals | 4 |
| CMPL 512 | Advanced Software Tools | 4 |
| CMPL 525 | Foundations of Cybersecurity | 4 |
| Intermediate Courses | ||
| CMPL 614 | Computer and Network Systems | 4 |
| CMPL 622 | Human Computer Interaction | 4 |
| MTH 504 | Statistics | 4 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| CMPL 620 | Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 4 |
| CMPL 641 | Database Management Systems | 4 |
| CMPL 642 | Systems Analysis and Design | 4 |
| Option in Cybersecurity | ||
| CMPL 564 | Introduction to Cryptography | 4 |
| CMPL 566 | Security Risk Assessment | 4 |
| CMPL 640 | Digital Forensics | 4 |
| CMPL 645 | Ethical Hacking | 4 |
| CMPL 744 | Cybersecurity Law | 4 |
| Integrative Capstone | ||
| CMPL 795 | Integrative Capstone: Internship in Computer Information Tech and Tech Management | 4 |
| or CMPL 797 | Integrative Capstone: Best Practices in Information Technology | |
Electives
Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.
- Analyze and resolve security issues in networks and computer systems to secure an IT infrastructure.
- Develop policies and procedures to manage enterprise security risks.
- Evaluate and communicate the human role in security systems with an emphasis on ethics, social engineering vulnerabilities, and training.
- Interpret and forensically investigate security incidents.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal principles.
Your Prior and Current Learning Counts
Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.
Career Outcomes
Talk with your advisor to discuss how your program, experience, and goals align.