Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security – Homeland Security
July 30, 2026 2026-07-31 20:10
Description
The Digital Shield: Mastering Information Systems Security at The American University
In an era where our banks, power grids, and personal identities reside within the digital ether, the frontline of national defense has shifted from the physical border to the server room. Cyber threats are no longer just glitches; they are tactical maneuvers that risk the stability of our infrastructure. To defend against these sophisticated adversaries, one needs more than just a passing interest in technology—they need a master’s grasp of the entire digital ecosystem.
The American University’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security is designed to forge exactly these types of professionals.
A Foundation Built to Withstand Pressure
This degree program is far more than a collection of coding classes. It is an intensive immersion into the architecture of the modern world. Students don't just learn how to build systems; they learn how to build them with the "security-first" mindset necessary to prevent them from being dismantled. From the logic of programming and the complexity of database architecture to the intricate web of global networking, the curriculum ensures that every graduate understands how each moving part of an IT infrastructure functions—and more importantly, how it might break.
The Homeland Security Edge
What sets this degree apart is its specialized concentration in Homeland Security. While others are learning how to secure a retail website, students at The American University are learning how to defend the technological backbone of a nation.
Through this concentration, the classroom experience expands into the high-stakes world of:
- Tactical Response Operations: Learning how to act when the digital perimeter is breached.
- Threat Mitigation: Studying the anatomy of terrorism and the evolving landscape of weapons of mass destruction.
- National Policy: Understanding how the American homeland security framework informs technical requirements.
This isn't just theory; it is the application of technical prowess to the most critical security challenges of the 21st century.
From Competency to Career
Graduates of this program emerge not just as observers of the digital landscape, but as architects of its defense. Whether you aim to design resilient structures as a Computer Network Architect, manage the integrity of sensitive data as a Database Administrator, or serve as the first line of defense as an Information Security Analyst, this degree provides the tactical toolkit to excel.
By the time you complete your studies, you will be equipped to:
- See the Invisible: Recognize security practices that transcend mere software, identifying risks before they manifest into crises.
- Categorize the Chaos: Classify complex threats and vulnerabilities within an IT infrastructure with precision.
- Bridge the Gap: Interpret business and management theories to ensure that security measures align with organizational goals.
- Navigate the Law: Analyze the shifting legal requirements of information security, ensuring compliance in an increasingly regulated world.
Your Call to Action
The digital landscape is inherently vulnerable, but it is not indefensible. If you are ready to move beyond the keyboard and become a guardian of the systems that power our society, The American University is your starting point.
Secure the future. Protect the homeland. Earn your B.S. in Information Systems Security.
Ready to Get Started ?
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security provides a comprehensive educational foundation for students aiming to master the complexities of modern IT infrastructures, including systems analysis, programming, database management, and network architecture. By emphasizing a security-first approach, the curriculum ensures that graduates are well-equipped to develop robust applications and maintain secure networks, with specialized training in critical areas such as intrusion detection, systems auditing, and disaster recovery. Beyond core technical proficiencies, the program uniquely integrates a homeland security focus, allowing students to apply their technical expertise to national protection efforts. Through insights from expert practitioners, students explore vital topics such as tactical response operations, the mitigation of weapons of mass destruction, and strategies to counter terrorism, ultimately preparing them for high-stakes roles that bridge the gap between advanced information systems and the security of the American homeland.
Major Requirements | Total Required Semester Hours: 36
Major Requirements
Total Required Semester Hours: 36
- CYB 4302 Cyber Warfare and Application>
- HLS 4303 Critical Infrastructure Protection>
- HLS 4302 Cyber Security Management>
- ITC 4313 IT Ethics and Professionalism>
- SEC 4320 IS Security Capstone>
- SEC 4302 Planning and Audits>
- SEC 3302 Advanced IS Security>
- SEC 3301 Security Application Development>
- FRN 4301 Principles of Digital Forensics>
CONCENTRATION COURSES : TOTAL REQUIRED SEMESTER HOURS: 12 HOURS
GENERAL EDUCATION | Total Required Semester Hours: 36
Mathematics
- MAT 1302 ALGEBRA I>
Social and Behavioral Science
Electives | Total Required Semester Hours: 36
- BSL 4160 Negotiation/Conflict Resolution>
- CYB 4304 Cyber Security Law and Policy>
- CS 1010 Computer Essentials>
- ITC 4010: System Analysis and Design>
- ITC 3001: Personal Computer Fundamentals>
- ITC 3450: Introduction to Data Communication>
- FRN 4302 Digital Forensics Applications>
- BCJ 2501 Criminology>
- BBA 2026 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION>
- BBA 3361 PROFESSIONALISM IN THE WORKPLACE>
- BBA 3391 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COST ANALYSIS>
- BBA 3651 Leadership>
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Our goal is to provide the strongest online academic programs at an affordable rate. On average, our tuition is less than half the cost of our competitors.
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- Transfer Credits Accepted
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Complete assignments at your own pace while working within set course start and end dates. A term lasts approximately nine weeks.
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- Choose From 11 Term Start Dates Per Year
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THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION is an online university that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY provides student-centered support services that are personal, responsive and geared toward assisting students in achieving their educational goals. Caring, highly-trained faculty and staff create innovative educational programs that incorporate the latest instructional technology with challenging curriculums. THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY focuses on affordable, quality online instruction with a general education core that promotes lifelong learning and success.


