Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape: A Deep Dive into Carthage College's Curriculum

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and increasing cybersecurity threats, a robust cybersecurity education is more critical than ever. Carthage College's cybersecurity major curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to thrive in this dynamic field. This article delves into the curriculum's core components, experiential learning opportunities, and the broader ecosystem that supports cybersecurity education at Carthage College.

Foundational Principles and Modern Topics

Carthage College's computer science program, which houses the cybersecurity major, emphasizes the creation of 21st-century problem solvers. While the curriculum includes courses in modern topics such as mobile computing, web development, and computer graphics, its primary focus is on instilling fundamental principles that enable students to adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape. Students spend a significant amount of time designing and building software in teams, guided by experienced professors, fostering collaboration and practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Experiential Learning: Beyond the Classroom

Carthage College recognizes that classroom learning alone is insufficient to prepare students for the complexities of the real world. Therefore, the cybersecurity curriculum incorporates several experiential learning opportunities:

Internships: Real-World Immersion

Students are placed in internships that provide them with invaluable real-world experiences. These internships expose students to challenges and scenarios they might not encounter in the classroom, allowing them to apply their skills in a professional setting and gain practical insights into the cybersecurity industry.

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)

On-campus research opportunities are available through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). This program pairs students with faculty for full-time research during the summer months, allowing them to delve deeper into specific areas of interest and contribute to cutting-edge research in cybersecurity.

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Capstone Projects: Culmination of Knowledge

All computer science majors, including those specializing in cybersecurity, are required to create a capstone software development project for their senior theses. This project serves as a culmination of their classroom learning, research, and internship experiences, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and creativity in a comprehensive and meaningful way.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Carthage College provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities that enhance their learning experience:

Science Center

The Science Center features 12 interdisciplinary laboratories for research, collaborative learning areas outside classrooms and faculty offices, a glass-enclosed atrium, an outdoor classroom overlooking Lake Michigan, and a planetarium. These facilities provide students with a stimulating and collaborative environment for learning and research.

A. W. Clausen Center for World Business

Courses are also held in the A. W. Clausen Center for World Business, a first-class learning center. This center houses a server room, hardware lab, and a networking/advanced computing facility with Linux and Sun/Solaris platforms, providing students with hands-on experience with industry-standard technologies.

Dual-Degree Programs

For students seeking a more specialized education, Carthage College offers dual-degree programs in collaboration with other institutions. In one such program, students spend three years at Carthage and the final four to five semesters at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland or Washington University in St. Louis, earning degrees from both institutions.

Game Development Concentration

With a concentration in game development, computer science majors can earn associate-level certification through Unity, the platform used to make most mobile, console, and PC games. This concentration provides students with specialized skills in game development, a rapidly growing area within the technology industry.

Addressing Network Interference

Carthage College takes steps to ensure a stable and reliable wireless network for its students and faculty. Personal electronic devices that broadcast wireless signals can cause major interference to the college's wireless network, leading to performance and connection issues. To mitigate this, the college prohibits the use of personal wireless access points or routers in residence halls. Students are encouraged to turn off wireless broadcasting on devices such as gaming systems, streaming devices, and personal printers. The college also provides guidance on configuring devices like PS5, Chromecast, and Roku to minimize interference.

Navigating AI in Academia: A Balanced Approach

Carthage College recognizes both the opportunities and risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. While encouraging the use of AI to improve operations and service to students, the college has implemented temporary guidance to ensure responsible and ethical use. This guidance emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive data, coordinating AI contracts through Library & Information Services, and addressing ethical and legal considerations. The college prohibits the integration of non-public institutional data into public AI engines and stresses the need for fairness, transparency, and privacy in AI systems.

Interdisciplinary Synergies: Double Majors for Enhanced Career Prospects

Carthage College encourages students to consider double majors to broaden their knowledge base and enhance their career prospects. Some popular double major combinations include:

Biology and Chemistry: Provides students with more opportunities in the sciences.
Communication and English: Ideal for those drawn to the power of language, storytelling, and human connection.
Computer Science and Data Science: A great place to start for those looking to study the rapidly advancing world of technology.
Criminal Justice and Sociology: Offers a powerful combination for understanding both the systems of law enforcement and the broader social forces that influence crime, justice, and inequality.
Education and Exercise and Sport Science: Equips future educators with the knowledge and skills to teach physical education, promote lifelong health, and support athletic development in school settings.
Geoscience and Environmental Science: Helps students tackle problems like environmental change, water shortages, and population shifts.
Studio Art and Graphic Design: Key to tackling the evolving world around us for students looking to traverse the arts.
History and Religion: Deeply interconnected fields of study that offer insight into societies, belief systems, and contemporary issues.
Management and Marketing: Work together to prepare students for successful careers in business.
Neuroscience and Psychology: Offers students a comprehensive understanding of both the physical structure and mental processes of the human brain.
Political Science and Economics: Can prepare students for a diverse range of careers in politics or finance.

Preparing for the Future: AI, Cybersecurity, and Beyond

Carthage College is committed to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. With Microsoft's significant investment in Wisconsin's data infrastructure paving the way for increased AI applications, the college recognizes the importance of cybersecurity in protecting data and ensuring the responsible use of AI. Carthage College hosted an event featuring experts in cybersecurity and technology to explore the implications of AI for business and manufacturing processes. The panel included Victoria Nguyen â05, co-founder of Servitium Cyber; Andrew Munson â98, IT risk manager at McDonaldâs corporate; Kris Keckler â97, chief information officer of Kenosha Unified School District; and Rick Bingen â15, assistant professor and chair of the Computer Science Department at Carthage.

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Faculty Spotlight: Shaping the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals

Carthage College's computer science and cybersecurity programs are led by experienced and dedicated faculty members who are passionate about teaching and research. Rick Bingen â15, assistant professor of computer science and game development, brings his expertise in software engineering and AR/VR development to the classroom. Victoria Nguyen, co-founder of Servitium Cyber, provides students with real-world insights into cybersecurity consulting and risk management. Andrew Munson â98, a senior manager of information risk management at McDonaldâs Corporation, shares his expertise in security training, risk assessment, and IT architecture. Kristopher Keckler â97, chief information officer of Kenosha Unified School District, brings his experience in technology integration and educational leadership to the college. Mark Mahoney presented a paper and gave a live demonstration of his âStorytellerâ tool at the recent Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE) conference in Toronto, Canada. Perry Kivolowitz has won a2019 Engineering Emmy Award for his software SilhouetteFX. Kevin Crosby has been awarded $300,000 in seed funding from NASA to build a new research and internship program for Carthage students.

Staying Updated: Software and System Maintenance

Carthage College emphasizes the importance of keeping software and operating systems up to date to ensure security and functionality. Many software providers have started to do the updates automatically. Keeping your phoneâs operating system up to date helps ensure you have a seamless app experience. To update now, tap Install. If a message asks to temporarily remove apps because iOS needs more space for the update, tap Continue or Cancel. Later, iOS will reinstall apps that it removed. If you tap Install Tonight, just plug your iOS device into power before you go to sleep. If asked, enter your passcode. How you update your Android phoneâs operating system will vary slightly, depending on what type of Android phone you have. Tap either Software updates or About Device, then Software updates. Tap Software update then Auto update or Download updates manually.

Enhancing Mobile Security: Apps and Best Practices

To step up the security on your mobile device, there are many reputable mobile security apps available, both free and paid. Antivirus Apps scan your phone for malware, viruses, and other malicious software. Security Suites offer a wider range of features beyond just antivirus protection. They may include anti-theft tools, app locking, Wi-Fi security scanning, and data breach notifications. VPN might be included in a security app, or acquired separately. No security app is foolproof.

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