Bachelor of Science

Online Network Engineering and Security Degree

An Online Networking Degree with Hands-on Experience and Certifications

Systems security and network engineering professionals are in high demand. With XTU’s online bachelor’s degree in network engineering and security, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and certifications you need to take advantage of that demand and begin a successful career in the field. You can also keep working full-time while earning your degree. Earning your B.S. in Network Engineering and Security will help you increase your earning potential, job security, and opportunities for advancement. You’ll develop the latest skills in:

  • Network engineering
  • Network operations
  • Security management skills

 

Choose Your Focus Area

XTU’s bachelor’s in network engineering and security is the industry’s only truly competency-based undergraduate degree program in network engineering. The program offers two tracks to allow you pursue your career goals, either by specializing in Cisco technologies and earning Cisco certifications or by generalizing and earning additional CompTIA certifications that are vendor agnostic.

Unsure Which Focus Area is Right for You?

The right program for you depends on your career goals. Each program focus area is streamlined with certifications built- in to allow you to graduate quickly.

The general program is ideal for those who do not want to specialize in a specific vendor’s technologies.

The Cisco program covers the same content as the general program but has an additional focus on Cisco technologies and offers the CCNA, CyberOps, and DevNet Associates certifications to affirm your competencies in those technologies.

Network Engineering and Security Courses

Our Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering and Security degree program was designed with input from our Information Technology Program and other networking expert practitioners. We have also studied the job market and the program content aligns with the network engineering and security job market and skills requirements. The program covers crucial subjects, including SDN, automation, IT fundamentals, networks and security, spreadsheets, scripting and programming, data management, operating systems, interconnecting network devices, leadership and management, web development, the business of IT, and security. This networking program is built to give you the technical skills to succeed in your career.

The B.S. Network Engineering and Security program is an all-online program offering hands-on experience in a virtual environment. You’ll complete program requirements independently, with instruction and support from XTU faculty and be expected to complete at least 12 competency units for each six-month term. Each course is typically three or four units. There’s no limit on the number of units you can complete each term, so the more courses you complete in a term, the fewer terms it takes you to graduate.

General Education

Discrete Math: Functions and Relations is designed to help students develop competence in the use of abstract discrete structures fundamental to systems networking. In particular, this course will introduce students to set theory, finite sequences, series, and relations. Discrete Math: Logic, Applied Probability and Statistics, and Applied Algebra are prerequisites for this course.

Applied Probability and Statistics is designed to help students develop competence in the fundamental concepts of basic statistics including: introductory algebra and graphing; descriptive statistics; regression and correlation; and probability. Statistical data and probability are often used in everyday life, science, business, information technology, and educational settings to make informed decisions about the validity of studies and the effect of data on decisions. This course discusses what constitutes sound research design and how to appropriately model phenomena using statistical data. Additionally, the content covers simple probability calculations, based on events that occur in the business and IT industries. No prerequisites are required for this course.

Applied Algebra is designed to help you develop competence in working with functions, the algebra of functions, and using some applied properties of functions. You will start learning about how we can apply different kinds of functions to relevant, real-life examples. From there, the algebra of several families of functions will be explored, including linear, polynomial, exponential, and logistic functions. You will also learn about relevant, applicable mathematical properties of each family of functions, including rate of change, concavity, maximizing/minimizing, and asymptotes. These properties will be used to solve problems related to your major and make sense of everyday living problems. Students should complete Applied Probability and Statistics or its equivalent prior to engaging in Applied Algebra.

This course provides students with an overview of the basic principles and unifying ideas of the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. Course materials focus on scientific reasoning and practical, everyday applications of physical science concepts to help students integrate conceptual knowledge with practical skills.

Discrete Math-Logic is designed to help students develop competence in the use of logic and proofs and Boolean Algebra and Boolean functions. Applied Probability and Statistics and Applied Algebra are prerequisites for this course.

Technical Communication introduces skills in editing professional communications, evaluating the impact of professional etiquette in digital environments, and in creating artifacts that are persuasive, informational, and research-based. The course also introduces skills in delivering multimedia presentations using professional verbal communication skills.

This is Introduction to Physical and Human Geography, a three-module course that addresses the question of what geography really is in today’s complex world; how migration affects and has been affected by geography; and one of the biggest present problems related to geography: climate change. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the five competencies covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 30–40 hours on the course content.

Ethics in Technology examines the ethical considerations of technology use in the 21st century and introduces students to a decision-making process informed by ethical frameworks. Students will study specific cases related to important topics such as surveillance, social media, hacking, data manipulation, plagiarism and piracy, artificial intelligence, responsible innovation, and the digital divide. This course has no prerequisites.

Discrete Math: Algorithms and Cryptography addresses discrete computational methods, including searching and sorting algorithms, big-O estimates, and number theory and cryptography. Discrete Math Functions and Relations is a prerequisite for this course.

Welcome to Composition: Writing with a Strategy! In this course, you will focus on three main topics: understanding purpose, context, and audience, writing strategies and techniques, and editing and revising. In addition, the first section, will offer review on core elements of the writing process, cross-cultural communication, as well as working with words and common standards and practices. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.

In this course you will learn key critical thinking concepts and how to apply them in the analysis and evaluation of reasons and evidence. The course examines the basic components of an argument, the credibility of evidence sources, the impact of bias, and how to construct an argument that provides good support for a claim. The course consists of an introduction and four major sections. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the four competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.

Introduction to Systems Thinking provides learners with the skills required to engage in a holistic systems-based approach to analyzing complex problems and solutions. This course introduces the foundational concepts and principles of systems thinking and provides opportunities to use a systems thinking approach to analyze and evaluate real-world case studies. The course will culminate with using systems thinking to develop a solution to an authentic complex problem. This course has no prerequisites, but general education math (C955 or C957) is preferred. Because the course is self-paced, learners may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as needed, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the five competencies covered in the final assessment. If learners have no prior knowledge of this material, they can expect to spend 30 to 40 hours on the course content.

Scripting and Programming

Introduction to Programming in Python introduces skills in creating Python scripts with basic programming concepts. Learners will be able to create control flow with functions and loops, and to implement code with packages, modules, and libraries.

Scripting and Programming – Foundations introduces programming basics such as variables, data types, flow control, and design concepts. The course is language-agnostic in nature, ending in a survey of languages, and introduces the distinction between interpreted and compiled languages. Learners will gain skills in identifying scripts for computer program requirements and in using fundamental programming elements as part of common computer programming tasks. Learners will also gain an understanding of the logic and outcome of simple algorithms.

Business of IT

IT Leadership Foundations is an introductory course that provides students with an overview of organizational structures, communication, and leadership styles specific to information technology in organizations. It also introduces students to some of the power skills that help make successful IT professionals, including time management, problem solving, and emotional intelligence. Students in this course explore their own strengths and passions in relation to the field. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Business of IT – Applications examines Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL®) terminology, structure, policies, and concepts. Focusing on the management of information technology (IT) infrastructure, development, and operations, learners will explore the core principles of ITIL practices for service management to prepare them for careers as IT professionals, business managers, and business process owners. This course has no prerequisites.

In this course, students will build on industry standard concepts, techniques, and processes to develop a comprehensive foundation for project management activities. During a project’s life cycle, students will develop the critical skills necessary to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close a project. Students will apply best practices in areas such as scope management, resource allocation, project planning, project scheduling, quality control, risk management, performance measurement, and project reporting. This course prepares students for the following certification exam: CompTIA Project+.

Networks