2024-2025 Catalog 
  
    Oct 15, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog

Information Security and Intelligence (ISIN-BS), B.S.

Location(s): Online, Ferris Main Campus


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Bachelor of Science

The Information Security & Intelligence (ISI) program is the only ABET accredited cybersecurity program in Michigan. The ISI program is also a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and a Department of Defense Center of Digital Forensic Academic Excellence. The ISI degree prepares you for a variety of career possibilities in fields that allow you to see your contribution in action. Computer Forensics, Information Security, Intelligence/Big Data, Incident Response, and Mobile Security are a few of the possibilities. Opportunities exist in the government, security, intelligence, health care, insurance, finance, and education fields.

Please consult the program homepage to see the current minimum computer specs for ISIN students.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Security & Intelligence is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org

Program Outcomes


  1. Become ethical members of the information security or intelligence profession.
  2. Become experts at applying computing principles to produce effective computing solutions.
  3. Be successful in computing or related careers, or in pursuing advanced degrees.
  4. Continue to show personal and professional growth.

Admission Requirements


New Student Admission Requirements


  • Minimum 3.00 High School GPA (on a 4.00 scale)
  • Minimum Composite ACT score of 22 and ACT Math score of 22 or SAT Math score of 550.
  • All students applying for admission to the Information Security and Intelligence program will have to submit a 750 to 1,000 word essay that addresses the following:
    • Who they are and why they desire admission to the Information Security and Intelligence program.
    • A description of a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution, or experience.
    • A description of someone that influenced them and why.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements


  • Combined college or university GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) from all institutions attended.
  • GPA is based on completion of 24 credit hours or more.
  • Completion of the transfer equivalency for Ferris State University’s MATH 115  with a grade of C or higher or have either a minimum ACT Math score of 22 or SAT Math score of 550.
  • All students applying for admission to the Information Security and Intelligence program will have to submit a 750 to 1,000 word essay that addresses the following:
    • Who they are and why they desire admission to the Information Security and Intelligence program.
    • A description of a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution, or experience.
    • A description of someone that influenced them and why.

University Requirements - 39 to 41 Credits Required


First Year Seminar Requirement (FSUS 100 or Equivalent) - 0 to 1 Credit Required


All First-Time-In-Any-College Freshmen (FTIACs) must complete a one-credit FSUS 100  course, or its equivalent. Additional information and the definition of FTIAC for FSUS purposes can be found in the: Ferris State University Academic Affairs FSUS Policy

University General Education Requirements - 39 to 40 Credits Required


Courses in this section are required to satisfy the University General Education Requirements for a bachelor’s degree. The University General Education requirements can be found on the: Ferris State University General Education Requirements Webpage

Communication Competency - 12 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)


Quantitative Literacy Competency - 3 to 4 Credits Required (or Their Equivalent)


Natural Sciences Competency - 6 Credits Required


Two courses are required with a minimum of 6 credits: must have at least one lab course.

Culture Competency - 9 Credits Required


Three courses are required with a minimum of 9 credits: must be from two different disciplines, have at least one 200 level or higher course, and have no more than 5 credits from Cultural Competency Activities. A foreign language course is recommended.

Self and Society Competency - 9 Credits Required


Three courses are required with a minimum of 9 credits: must be from two different disciplines and have at least one 200 level or higher course.

United States (U.S.) Diversity Competency - 1 Course Required


If not met by courses taken for Culture Competency, Self and Society Competency, or Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), a student must have one course with the United States (U.S.) Diversity attribute. Some courses include both Global and United States (U.S.) Diversity attributes.

Global Diversity Competency - 1 Course Required


If not met by courses taken for Culture Competency, Self and Society Competency, or Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), a student must have one course with the Global Diversity attribute. Some courses include both Global and United States (U.S.) Diversity attributes.

Collaboration Competency - Courses Required Met in College Requirements


If not met by courses taken in the College Requirements section, a student must have two courses with the Collaboration attribute. Some courses include both Collaboration and Problem Solving attributes.

Problem Solving Competency - Courses Required Met in College Requirements


If not met by courses taken in the College Requirements section, a student must have two courses with the Problem Solving attribute. Some courses include both Collaboration and Problem Solving attributes.

College Requirements - 81 to 87 Credits Required


Business Course Requirements - 12 Credits Required


These courses are used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.

Concentration or Minor - 12 to 18 Credits Required


A minimum of 12 credits is required, choose one of the following:

  1. A prescribed concentration from within this section; these courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.
  2. A custom concentration that can be developed with an advisor; these courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.
  3. An advisor approved minor; these courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.

It is important to note that all courses and concentrations may not be available at all campuses.

Digital Forensics and Penetration Testing Concentration (DFPN) - 12 Credits Required


These courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.

Data Mining Concentration (DTMN) - 12 Credits Required


Available at the Big Rapids Main Campus Only

These courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.

Foreign Language Concentration (FRL) - 12 Credits Required


These courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.

Custom Concentration (CUST) - 12 Credits Required (Advisor Approval)


These courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.

Minor - 18 Credits Required (Advisor Approval)


These courses are not used to calculate the major 2.00 GPA requirement.

Notes


  • Students who return to the university after an interrupted enrollment, not including summer semester, must normally meet the requirements of the curriculum which are in effect at the time of their return, not the requirements which were in effect when they were originally admitted.
  • A Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) stamp with MATH 114  or MATH 115  and ENGL 311 , ENGL 321 , or ENGL 325  satisfies some of the requirements in the University General Education Requirements section.
  • Although taking courses during summer semester of your first year in the program is optional, doing so will expedite the completion of your degree.
  • Credit Variance - Credits required may vary based on course placement, prerequisites, etc. If you have questions, contact your advisor.

Five-Year Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Information Security and Intelligence Program


Students may apply to the Master of Information Security and Intelligence (MISI) program at the end of their junior year. If admitted, the student may substitute the following courses within their bachelor’s degree:

Graduation Requirements


In order to graduate from Ferris State University, students must meet both University and Programmatic Graduation Requirements.

University Graduation Requirements


These are the minimum graduation requirements for a bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University:

  • All requirements as specified in the University Requirements section must be met.
  • A minimum of 120 credits must be earned.
  • A 2.00 or higher cumulative Ferris State University GPA is required.
  • A minimum of 30 credits must be earned from Ferris State University to meet the Residency requirement.
  • A minimum of 40 credits of 300 level or higher courses must be earned.

Programmatic Graduation Requirements


These are the additional graduation requirements mandated by the program:

  • All requirements as specified in the College Requirements section must be met.
  • A 2.00 or higher cumulative GPA is required in the Major Courses and Business Course Requirements sections.

Suggested Semester Layout - Excluding Summer Semesters


Consult Advisor to Approve Your Customized Plan in MyDegree

First Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 15-17

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 15

Second Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 15

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 15

Third Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 15-16

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 15

Fourth Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 18

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 12

Suggested Semester Layout - Including Summer Semesters


Consult Advisor to Approve Your Customized Plan in MyDegree

First Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 15-17

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 15

Summer Courses


Total Credits: 6

Second Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 15

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 15

Total Credits: 6

Third Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 15-16

Spring Courses


Total Credits: 15

Summer Courses


Total Credits: 6

Fourth Year


Fall Courses


Total Credits: 12

Contact Information


Accountancy, Finance, & Info Systems Department
(231) 591-2434
[email protected]

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