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Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Your passion for IT can help make organizations more efficient and secure. The online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity at Capella can help prepare you to address IT needs in the fields of banking, commerce, telecommunications, health care and national security. You can build practical experience through Project Ares, a simulated training environment designed to mimic real-world threats. You can also develop the interpersonal skills you need to thrive in wide range of business environments.
Find out what a day in the life of a cybersecurity pro is like: Test your skills with our Ethical Hacking Challenge.
Classes start January 8
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
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 22 months for $20,000.
*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
| IT4070 * |
Cyber Defense and Countermeasures
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, IT4803. |
6 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| IT4071 * |
Cyber Attacks and Ethical Hacking
Learners in this course use techniques, tools, and cybersecurity 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, IT4803. |
6 quarter credits |
| IT4075 * |
Computer Forensics
Learners in this course scrutinize computer forensics as a discipline that supports law enforcement professionals in investigating white collar crime. Learners use computer forensics tools and techniques, and evaluate crime investigations, incident response and handling, and legal issues. Prerequisite(s): IT2280, IT4803. |
6 quarter credits |
| IT4076 * |
Security Management and Policies
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, IT4803. |
6 quarter credits |
| IT4080 * |
Operating Systems and Application Security
Learners in this course 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
Learners in this course 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. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IT3280. |
6 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
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
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
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*
$17,500
ACCELERATED PACE
$25,000
TYPICAL PACE
$37,500
SLOWER PACE
$2,500 per 12-week billing session, $125 resource kit fee, 90 total program points, 45 max transfer points
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
$18,675
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$39,785
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit, $175 resource kit fee, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and completed courses at the speed of a median FlexPath student, as quickly as the fastest 25% of FlexPath students, or as quickly as the fastest 75% of students. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for FlexPath.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
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. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
83% of information technology alumni are satisfied with their Capella education.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“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.
*Exclusions and conditions apply. Additional fee of $50 assessed each quarter you request documented credit.
**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.
*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:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcript of any reported GED
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
- You must be at least 24 years old. This requirement may be waived for:
- Military applicants and veterans
- Applicants with 24 or more quarter credits of prior college or university coursework (transferable college coursework and/or credentials that map to preapproved Credit for Prior Learning opportunities may be considered toward the 24-credit minimum equivalency total)
- Applicants who do not have any credits eligible for transfer must successfully complete a university-approved reading and writing assessment; by evaluating your skills prior to your first course, Capella can more effectively provide resources to prepare you for a successful learning experience
- 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 be considered by providing additional documentation for review.
Step Into FlexPath is an option for those who don’t qualify for FlexPath. Start a program in our GuidedPath learning format and then transition into FlexPath upon successful completion of one course, at a 2.8 GPA or higher.
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.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of bachelor’s students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
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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.
Job titles to explore
- Security manager
- Information security analyst
- Security analyst
- Security engineer
- Information assurance analyst
- Systems engineer
- Information assurance engineer
- Network engineer
- Network security engineer
- Software engineer
Employment settings to explore
- Information technology consulting firm
- Insurance firm
- Land-based or online college or university
- Corporation
- Nonprofit organization
- Health care organization
- Global technology company
- Bank or financial firm
- Government – local, state, federal