Apr 20, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Information Technology and Administrative Management BAS, Cybersecurity Specialization


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The cybersecurity specialization provides an opportunity for IT professionals to gain knowledge specific to the detection, protection, and recovery from attacks to an organization’s information assets. When combined with the leadership/management skills classes in the BAS core, this specialization will provide a thorough knowledge base for managers and technology leaders concerned with the operation and management of cybersecurity systems. This baccalaureate degree requires significant study in general education at the upper-division level. A professional/technical degree in a computer-related discipline is required for admission. Students not meeting the requirement of the degree in a computer-related discipline would need department permission.

ITAM-BAS Program and Core Requirements


Providing students with management, leadership, critical thinking skills is the primary purpose of the ITAM-BAS degree. Students learn the soft-skills to excel in managing people, projects or departments. A curriculum rich in communication and problem-solving skills, the program complements any professional/technical degree with timely and relevant skills to qualify students for leadership roles in their technical area.

ITAM-BAS Program Admission Requirements

Applicants for the ITAM-BAS must meet the following admission requirements before admittance to the program:

  • Completion of an applied or technical degree with at least 40 credits in an applied/technical area from a community college or technical college.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.3.
  •  A world language is not required.

ITAM-BAS Graduation Requirements

  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.3.
  • Completion of CWU General Education requirements.
  • Completion of the ITAM-BAS core requirement courses and one of the ITAM-BAS specialization lists of courses with a minimum grade of C- in each course.

List of Specializations for ITAM-BAS program

Students seeking the ITAM-BAS program take a common set of core courses. Additionally, students entering the ITAM-BAS program must choose a specialization and complete the CWU General Education program. Students choose from five unique specializations:

  1. Administrative Management
  2. Cybersecurity
  3. Data Driven Innovation for IT Managers
  4. Information Technology Management
  5. Project Management

Administrative Management Specialization: Qualify to work in any business environment where leadership and information processing is required. With classes such as project management, customer relationship management, financial analysis, and advanced spreadsheet applications, you will have the skills to manage in any administrative capacity. Industries like healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail, and even non-profit organizations are asking for employees with this educational background. Any completed professional/technical associate degree will satisfy the admission requirement.

Cybersecurity Specialization: Learn to detect, protect, and recover from attacks to an organization’s information assets. Public utility companies, national security agencies, food and water suppliers, financial services, and companies with intellectual property to protect are now hiring experts in this area. The skills to detect and recover from cyber-attacks, coupled with the team leadership, effective communication, and project management skills of the BAS core, will provide a thorough knowledge base for managers and technology leaders concerned with the operation and management of cybersecurity systems. Because of the technical IT skills classes involved in this specialization, a computer-related associate degree is suggested for admission.

Data Driven Innovation for IT Managers: This specialization develops valuable skills in data retrieval, mining, analysis, and reporting that are becoming increasingly useful across all sectors. Data majors become skilled problem-solvers and innovators, adapting to the changing needs of modern enterprise.

Data analytics is the process of extracting meaning from raw data using anything from a laptop to specialized computer systems. These systems transform, organize, and model the data to draw conclusions and identify patterns, leading to increases in knowledge and market share that have significant implications for an organization’s profitability.

Information Technology Specialization: Managing in an IT department or organization requires team leadership, project management, effective communication, and critical thinking skills. Those soft-skills when combined with the hard skills from an associate degree in network security, computer support technology, wireless technology, server support, CAD technology, etc. give students the best opportunity for advancement in their field. With specialization classes directed specifically to management in the IT environment, students have the best opportunity for furthering their careers. Requires a professional/technical associate degree with at least 40 credits in computer-related classes for admission.

Project Management Specialization: Meeting growing industry need for skilled employees capable of leading projects, the this specialization from ITAM provides graduates with an in-depth understanding of the skills and techniques of effective project management. These skills have universal application, spanning every organization from construction firms to non-profits to tech start-ups. For students wishing to earn a double specialization, project management will complement any ITAM program. The advanced project management courses frame a core foundation of both relevant human-centered soft skills and technical know-how.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the ITAM BS/BAS program core, students will be able to:

  • interpret, evaluate, and apply digital tools effectively;
  • apply a broad base of technical concepts and practices, using current and emerging technologies, to develop a deep understanding of key topics to solve technical challenges;
  • demonstrate best practices for leading a successful IT organization through proper management of time, resources, projects, and stakeholders;
  • demonstrate effective project planning, execution, and control techniques that result in successful and high-quality projects;
  • contribute as a team member and leader integrating professional, ethical, legal, security and social responsibilities in a global environment;
  • communicate effectively with a range of audiences, both in written and oral forms;
  • demonstrate effective organizational leadership and change management skills for managing IT projects, IT project teams, and stakeholders; and
  • identify problems and be able to analyze relevant information to draft and implement workable solutions.

Cybersecurity Specialization


Total Specialization Credits: 32


Total Credits: 79-81


College and Department Information


Information Technology and Administrative Management Department  
College of Education and Professional Studies  

Online Availability
The program will have a designated online only option as well as an in-person or hybrid option.

Program Codes
Major plan codes: ITAMBAS, ITAMBASP
Online option codes: ITAMBASO, ITAMBASOP
Specialization plan codes: BASCYBE, BASCYBEP
Online option codes: BASCYBEO, BASCYBEOP

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