Lewis University

What you'll study

This programme blends computing, engineering principles and social science to give a broad foundation in security. Core topics include network and systems security, digital forensics, secure software development, cryptography fundamentals, and information assurance. Students also study risk management, threat assessment, physical security design, ethics and legal aspects of security, and incident response.

• Foundations of Security Science – principles of confidentiality, integrity and availability; security lifecycle.
• Network and Systems Security – secure network design, firewalling, intrusion detection and prevention.
• Digital Forensics – evidence collection, analysis of storage/media and forensic toolsets.
• Programming and Secure Development – scripting for security tasks, secure coding practices.
• Cryptography and Data Protection – symmetric/asymmetric cryptography, key management and practical applications.
• Risk Analysis and Management – vulnerability assessment, business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Physical and Facility Security – access control, surveillance systems and site hardening.
• Policy, Law and Ethics – compliance, privacy law and ethical decision making in security contexts.
• Capstone Project or Internship – applied team project or workplace placement that integrates technical and managerial skills.

Courses are delivered through lectures, lab sessions and simulation exercises. Many modules emphasise hands‑on labs and industry tools so students graduate with practical experience and a professional portfolio.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical entry expectations include a solid academic record with coursework in mathematics; introductory computing or science subjects are advantageous. Admission commonly considers a personal statement and, where required, one or more academic references.

• Evidence of competence in mathematics; algebra and problem solving skills are important.
• Prior experience with computing or programming is beneficial but not always mandatory; bridging or preparatory courses may be available.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior education in English.
• Transfer applicants may be admitted with relevant college credits subject to institutional policies.

Applicants with relevant work experience, military service or certifications in security or IT can strengthen their application. Specific entry criteria and any placement testing are set by the university and should be checked with Admissions.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across private industry, government and non‑profit sectors. The programme prepares students for technical and managerial positions that protect people, data and infrastructure.

• Cybersecurity analyst / analyst in threat detection and monitoring
• Security engineer / systems security administrator
• Digital forensics examiner / incident responder
• Risk and compliance analyst, including roles in privacy and regulatory compliance
• Physical security specialist / corporate security manager
• Consultant roles for security assessments and mitigation planning
• Further study or professional certification pathways (for example in CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+ or forensic specialisations)

Graduates often find roles with technology firms, financial institutions, healthcare providers, critical infrastructure operators, law enforcement agencies and contractors supporting government security programmes.

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis University offers a career‑focused approach with small class sizes and frequent faculty engagement. The programme emphasises applied learning through laboratory work, simulation exercises and internship placements that link students with regional employers in the Chicago metropolitan area.

• Hands‑on labs and practical assignments that build job‑ready skills.
• Opportunities for internships and cooperative education to gain workplace experience.
• Faculty with professional experience in security, computing and engineering fields who mentor students on projects and careers.
• Support services for career planning, certication guidance and job placement.

Lewis positions students to move directly into security roles or to continue to graduate study while providing a balanced curriculum that covers technical, managerial and ethical dimensions of security science and technology.