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Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
New cyber threats occur every day. Be prepared to meet them with a BS in IT, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity specialization from Capella. The curriculum offers opportunities for hands-on experiences that range from experiential work-based learning to a simulated training environment designed to mimic real-world threats. You’ll learn to help identify, assess and mitigate risks to protect information assets and discover approaches for designing and implementing secure network architectures. In case of a malware attack, data breach or similar security incident, you’ll be able to help respond effectively.
To help you stay up to date in this ever-changing industry, we created the Cybersecurity Center for IT Professionals, a hub for all things cybersecurity.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 8–13 General education courses
- 9 Core courses
- 8 Specialization courses
- 5–9 Elective courses
- 1 Capstone
- 180 Total quarter credits
- 135 Max transfer credits
FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a bachelor’s in IT in 19 months and under $19,000.
Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Explore information assurance and cybersecurity courses
- This degree requires a total of 90 program points in FlexPath or 180 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete 8–13 general education courses, nine core courses, eight specialization courses, 5–9 elective courses and one capstone
Show all descriptions
IT4070
Cyber Defense and Countermeasures
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine principles of cyber defense and apply in-depth cyber countermeasure techniques to analyze and secure cyber infrastructure components. Learners also analyze relevant legal, ethical, policy, and risk considerations. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355 or IT3350; IT4803.
6 quarter credits
IT4071
Cyber Attacks and Ethical Hacking
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course use techniques, tools, and common utilities to develop their understanding of strategies that hackers use to attack computers and networks. Learners investigate security threats and system vulnerabilities exploited by hackers, as well as consequences associated with being hacked. In addition, learners explore Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), ethical hacking techniques, sniffers, protocols, social engineering, vulnerability analysis, and the use of penetration testing to ensure infrastructure security. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355 or IT3350; IT4803.
6 quarter credits
IT4075
Computer Forensics
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine computer forensics as a discipline that supports law enforcement professionals in investigating white collar crime. Learners explore computer forensics tools and techniques, crime investigations, incident response and handling, and legal issues. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355 or IT3350; IT4803.
6 quarter credits
IT4076
Security Management and Policies
6 quarter credits
In this course, learners increase their knowledge of hands-on security management practices by analyzing security policies and procedures, risk management, and business continuity planning. Topics include security and business need trade-offs, risk assessments, designing security policies and procedures and a business continuity plan, and enforcement of security policies and procedures. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355 or IT3350; IT4803.
6 quarter credits
IT4080
Operating Systems and Application Security
6 quarter credits
Learners in this use appropriate technologies to identify, investigate, and mitigate vulnerabilities, threats, and risks in operating systems and applications, including mobile and web applications, email, and databases. Prerequisite(s): IT4803.
6 quarter credits
IT4575
Linux Operating Systems
6 quarter credits
Learners demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the Linux operating system. Learners use command line tools and software packages, and practice hardware configuration, file management, process management, and file editing. In this course, learners apply knowledge of advanced topics specific to the Linux operating system. Learners administer the Linux system, script, and implement network configuration and security. Learners who have received credit for IT4561 and IT4571 may not take IT4575. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IT3280 or IT2180 or IT3318
6 quarter credits
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our nongraded, noncredit-bearing FlexPath Trial Course, you’ll explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you’ll learn
This specialization develops your ability to acquire and apply key processes, tools, technologies and methods for securing an enterprise. You’ll learn how to evaluate and apply security policies, social engineering, access control, authentication, perimeter security, disaster recovery, business continuity, risk management, incident response, viruses, malware, spam, encryption, and other infrastructure security techniques. In addition to information assurance and cybersecurity expertise, this specialization helps you acquire the business, interpersonal and communication skills you need to influence internal decision-making and overall organizational effectiveness.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Design technical strategies for mitigating risks to information assets
- Conduct a business impact analysis and disaster recovery plan
- Design a secure network architecture for an organization
- Balance risk and benefit associated with information assets
- Promote IAS professional ethics, policies, laws and regulations
- Manage change through collaborative assessment and approval process
- Validate accuracy and integrity of information assets through audit, management and models
- Communicate effectively
Program eligible for Experiential Learning
Use your experience: bring your real-world projects into the courseroom to complete assignments and demonstrate what you're learning.
Faculty spotlight
Melissa Zgola, EdD
Program Director, Information Technology
How much does the BS in IT cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session
- $2,575 per 12-week billing session
- $125 resource kit
- 90 total program points
- 68 max transfer points
$18,025
ACCELERATED PACE 19 months
$25,750
TYPICAL PACE 27 months
$43,775
SLOWER PACE 47 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts and how quickly you complete courses. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format assume average number of credits and are based on:
- "Accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students)
- “Typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students)
- “Slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students)
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $375 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit
- $175 resource kit
- 180 total quarter credits
- 135 max transfer credits
$18,675
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS 18 months
$43,245
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS 45 months
$71,074
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 78 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
“The material that Capella used in their classes provided real-world examples of IT industries. I felt that these gave me greater insight into not only how things work but to think more strategically.”
Will Resendes* – BS Information Technology
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
**Students may only be awarded a maximum of five specialization courses through documented credit for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISA, CISM, CEH and SSCP). Students may petition for additional credit for prior learning, subject to a petition evaluation fee of $75 per credit. Exclusions and conditions apply.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University has been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).
*The FlexPath option for the BS in Information Technology program specializations is not accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
BS in IT Information Assurance and Cybersecurity admission requirements
Applicants to the BS in Business, Accounting program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A transcript of any reported GED
- 4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits.
- Applicants under age 24, as well as those over age 24 who have no transfer credits, may be required to submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- High school diploma or equivalent and 45 transferable college credits
- The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8 OR at least 100 applied transfer college credits. Those with a lower GPA and less than 100 applied transfer college credits may have the option to satisfy GPA and/or transfer credit requirements through successful completion of gen-ed courses through our affiliate Sophia prior to starting a Capella degree program.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or 8 credits, whichever is greater). Those learners will also need to meet the requirement of 45 transfer credits to be approved for the transition into FlexPath.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
What Is Information Assurance and Cybersecurity?
From telecommunications to health care, a wide range of industries rely on specialists who know how to keep information safe.
IT program guide
Get the details on every IT program offered at Capella University – including learning formats, financing options, and more, all in one place.
6 blogs for information technology professionals
Technology-focused blogs have become one of the easiest and most popular ways for IT professionals to find the latest in news, discussions, and analysis.
What can you do with a BS in IT Information Assurance and Cybersecurity degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity.
Related job titles to explore*
- Cyber defense analyst
- Cyber threat intelligence analyst
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Information systems security officer
- IT security analyst
- Penetration tester
- Security analyst
- Vulnerability analyst
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Computer systems design services
- Computer-related services
- Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting and related services
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Scientific and technical consulting services
- Telecommunications
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.