College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity

Dean
Robert Griffin, Ph.D., Virginia Tech

Vice Dean
Jennifer Goodall, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY

Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration
Christopher Smith, M.B.A., University at Albany, SUNY

Assistant Dean for Public Engagement and Enrollment
Michael Baumgardner, M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University

Assistant Dean for Strategic Planning and Accreditation
Matt Roche, M.A., University at Albany, SUNY

Assistant Director for Applied Learning
Erin Couture, M.S., Kansas State University

Senior Staff Assistant
Lisa Giovannangelo, B.A., University at Albany, SUNY

Department of Cybersecurity

Professor
C. Ariel Pinto, Ph.D., University of Virginia

Associate Professor
George Berg, Ph.D., Northwestern University

Assistant Professors
Omer Keskin, Ph.D., Old Dominion University
Phung Lai, Ph.D., New Jersey Institute of Technology
Unal Tatar, Ph.D., Old Dominion University
Benjamin Yankson, Ph.D., University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Professor of Practice
David Turetsky, J.D., University of Chicago School of Law

Visiting Assistant Professor
Fred Hintermister, M.B.A., Cornell University

Administrative Manager
Ted Lehmann, Ph.D., Ohio State University

Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Nicole Shepherd, M.Ed., Merrimack College

Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Professors
Gary Ackerman, Ph.D., King’s College
Eric Stern, Ph.D., Stockholm University

Associate Professors
Brandon Behlendorf, Ph.D., University of Maryland
DeeDee Bennett Gayle, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University
Stephen Coulthart, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Alex Greer, Ph.D., University of Delaware
Brian Nussbaum, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Samantha Penta, Ph.D., University of Delaware
David L. Rousseau, Ph.D., University of Michigan
Jeannette Sutton, Ph.D., University of Colorado Boulder

Assistant Professors
Eric Best, Ph.D., University of Delaware
Sam Jackson, Ph.D., Syracuse University
Amber Silver, Ph.D., University of Waterloo
Michael Young, Ph.D., Ohio State University

Professor of Practice
J. Frank Wiley, B.A., Sojourner Douglas College

Visiting Assistant Professor
Adam Bouloukos, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY

Administrative Manager
Bridget Collins, M.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Megan Sanzo, M.S. University of Rochester

Department of Information Sciences and Technology

O’Leary Professor
Philip B. Eppard, Ph.D., Brown University

Professor
Joette Stefl-Mabry, Ph.D., Long Island University

Associate Professors
Hemalata Iyer, Ph.D., University of Mysore, India
Donghee Sinn, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Abdulhamit Subasi, Ph.D., Sakarya University
Xiaojun (Jenny) Yuan Ph.D., Rutgers University

Assistant Professors
Kimberly Cornell, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
M. Abdullah Canbaz, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno
Angela Y. (Angel) Ford, Ed.D., Liberty University
M. Nour Houssain, Ph.D., McMaster University

Visiting Assistant Professors
Jill Cofield, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Catherine Dumas, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY

Professors of Practice
Norman Gervais, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Michael Leczinsky, M.S., University at Albany, SUNY

Administrative Manager
Stephanie Xie, M.S., University at Albany, SUNY

Director, Information Science School Library, M.S. Program
Erica Shudt, M.S., University at Albany, SUNY

Adjuncts (estimated): 50
Affiliated Faculty (estimated): 45
Teaching Assistants (estimated): 4

We are becoming an increasingly connected society. From smart homes and wearables, to virtual reality headsets, thermostats, pet trackers, heart rate monitors, air quality sensors, and self-driving cars, it’s hard to find a single area of our lives that is not impacted by the "Internet of Everything." The College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) prepares the next generation of leaders to confront these grand challenges of the 21^st century through interdisciplinary understandings of information and information technologies in society and in organizations. Data is at the heart of today’s society. CEHC offers programs that specifically explore the creation, dissemination, presentation, and trusted use of data. At UAlbany’s first-in-the-nation College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, better understanding how to manage, and protect, our digital information has become a core priority. CEHC is a designated "iSchool," joining industry thought-leaders worldwide, sharing a fundamental interest in the relationships between information, people, and technology. The College offers degrees in several fields including emergency preparedness & homeland security; and cybersecurity; information science; and informatics in order to meet the ever-growing demand for individuals knowledgeable in these areas. For this reason, the mission of CEHC is to make a difference by providing high quality academic programs, blending an interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial spirit, fostering enthusiasm for learning and teaching, promoting operational application of knowledge, and leading cutting-edge research initiatives that bring together people, technology, and knowledge to address the challenges of the 21^st century.

Experiential Education

A cornerstone of CEHC’s programming is the emphasis on experiential education. Through work with real-world clients during capstones, external internships, peer education, community service, field experiences, and applied research in contemporary and highly relevant topics, students take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in complex and dynamic environments. Through this experience, students internalize and contextualize the theoretical knowledge they have gained, hone their skills and capacities, and gain experience relevant to their future careers. Partnerships with government agencies, private companies, not-for-profit organizations and research centers help to provide internships, applied research and training opportunities for students, academics, and professionals.

Over the course of the Experiential Learning credits, the experiences must meet the following criteria:

Knowledge Synthesis: Students must perform tasks that allow for the synthesis of prior knowledge gained throughout the CEHC majors.
Application: Students must be provided with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a "real-world" context (i.e., they must help solve a real-world problem).
Professionalism: Students must be exposed to the requirements of operating in a professional environment (suitable to their field of study) and must demonstrate a minimal level of professionalism in order to earn their credits.

Vetting of experiential learning opportunities will be conducted by CEHC.

Academic Programs

Graduate

CEHC offers a Master of Science in Information Science (M.S.I.S.) and a Master of Science in Information Science, School Library (M.S.I.S.S.L.), accredited by the American Library Association (ALA); in addition to two degree programs combining the M.S. in Information Science and the M.A. in either English or History. As part of the University’s M.S. program in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, CEHC offers degree concentrations in Risk, Policy, and Compliance; and Health, Security and Privacy. The College also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Information Science, a Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security (M.S.E.M.H.S.), and a Certificate of Graduate Study in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, and is associated with a Certificate in Public Health Surveillance and Preparedness; and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Information Science. A combined B.S./M.S. permits highly qualified students to begin work on the master’s degree while still an undergraduate. The combined B.S./M.S. M.S.E.M.H.S. degree program is available for students in the Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity undergraduate program. The combined B.S./M.S. degree program is available for students in the Cyber B.S. degree leading to either the Risk Policy and Compliance or Health Security and Privacy concentrations in the M.S. Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity program.

Undergraduate

The College offers undergraduate degrees in emergency management & homeland security, informatics, and cybersecurity. In each major, students do core coursework, experiential learning and the EHC and INF degrees require a concentration.

Minors in: Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity; Machine Learning Informatics; Game Design & Development; Cybersecurity; and Informatics are available. The Informatics minor has an option that combines with any major or a set of cognates coupled with a specific major to enhance the informatics perspective within that discipline. Currently, the cognates linked to a major are: Art; Communication; Computer Science; Criminal Justice; Economics; Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity; Geography; Journalism; Physics; and Sociology. See the “Minors” section of this bulletin for details.

Degree Requirements for the Major in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity

The B.S. in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity is designed to provide students with a broad overview of these three critical fields. The major program provides both four-year and transfer students with a solid liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, oral and written communication, creativity and innovation, problem solving skills, cultural literacy, and interpersonal and teamwork skills. In addition to these general skills, the major emphasizes leadership, public administration, management, risk analysis, ethics, policy making, planning, strategic communication, and systemic thinking. One of the unique and central elements of this major is the focus on experiential education. The courses in this major are designed to be an ideal setting for intellectual growth as students take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to solve complex social problems in the real world.

Students matriculating Fall 2024 with a concentration in Emergency Preparedness or Homeland Security will be awarded a B.S. degree. Only one concentration may be declared. B.S. students are required to take 60 liberal arts and science credits out of the total 120 credits.

General Program B.S.

The major in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity requires a minimum of 39 credits, 24 of which must be at the 300 level and above, distributed as follows:

Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity Core (18 credits):

C EHC/R PAD 101 Introduction to Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
C EHC 210 Critical Inquiry and Communication in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
C YBR/C EHC 242 Cybersecurity or C YBR/C INF 124X Cybersecurity Basics
C EHC/R PAD/R POS 343 Homeland Security
C EHC/R PAD 344 Emergency Preparedness
C EHC 345 Leadership and Ethics in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity

Experiential Learning (9 credits):

Students must take:

C EHC 310 Research Seminar in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (3)

AND 6 credits from the following list:

C EHC 340 Contemporary Issues in Security and Preparedness
C EHC/R PAD/R POS 341 Washington in Perspective
C EHC 342 Washington Internship
C EHC 390 External Internship Experience in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (repeatable)
C EHC 391 Research Internship Experience in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (repeatable)
C EHC 394 Exercise Design and Implementation
C EHC 398 Experiential and Service Learning in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
C EHC 410 Capstone Project in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
C EHC/C INF 495 Special Topics in Research, Applied and Experiential Learning (repeatable)
C INF 395 Peer Education Practicum (repeatable)
C INF 466 Independent Research (repeatable)

Concentrations (at least 12 credits):

Select one concentration.

Emergency Preparedness Concentration (General Program B.S.):

C EHC/C EMH 400 Preparedness and Response
C EHC/C EMH 401 Mitigation and Recovery

Select two courses from:

A ATM 100 The Atmosphere
A ATM 103 Introduction to Climate Change
A ATM 107 The Oceans
A ATM 200 Natural Disasters
A ENV 105 Introduction to Environmental Science
A HIS 158 The Past as Present: The World since 1900
A HIS 220 Public Policy in Modern America
A HIS 311 History of American Foreign Policy I
A HIS 312 History of American Foreign Policy II
A HIS 313 Constitutional History of the United States
A HIS 329 American Environmental History
A GOG 290 Introduction to Cartography
A GOG 484 Remote Sensing I
A USP 201 Introductory Urban Planning
A USP 315 State and Regional Planning
A USP/A GOG 430 Environmental Planning
A USP 456/A GOG 496 Geographic Information Systems
A USP 474 Site Planning
A USP 475 Urban Design and Public Space
C EHC 360 The Legal, Ethical, and Operational Impacts of Unmanned Systems
C EHC 402 Risk, Planning, and Continuity
C EHC 403 Governance and Stakeholders in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
C EHC 405 Crises and Vulnerable Populations
C EHC 442 Advanced Threat and Hazard Assessment
C EHC/R PAD 455 Disaster, Crisis and Emergency Management and Policy
C EHC/R PAD 472 Disasters and Crisis Management in the Public, Private, and Nonprofit Sectors
C EMH 192 Justice, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion: Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security
C EMH 407 Risk Communication for Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
H SPH 201 Introduction Public Health
H SPH 231 Concepts in Epidemiology
H SPH 321 Global Environmental Issues and Their Effect on Human Health
H SPH/H EHS 323 Environmental Laboratory Perspectives in Public Health
H SPH 341 Promoting Healthy People and Communities
R PAD/R POS 140 Introduction to Public Policy
R POS/R PAD 321 State and Local Government
R POS 336 Civil Liberties
T SPH/T POS/T PAD 272 Health and Human Rights: an Interdisciplinary Approach

Homeland Security Concentration (General Program B.S.):

C EHC/C EMH 460 Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
C EHC/C EMH 461 Homeland Security Risk

Select two courses from:

A BIO 175 Forensic Science Investigation
A HIS 158 The Past as Present: The World since 1900
A HIS 220 Public Policy in Modern America
A HIS/A JST 275 Antisemitism: Historical Exploration & Contemporary Challenges
A HST/A LCS 271 Latin American Drug Wars
A HIS 290 Topic: War on Terror as History
A HIS 311 History of American Foreign Policy I
A HIS 312 History of American Foreign Policy II
A HIS 313 Constitutional History of the United States
A HIS 366 War, Society, and Culture since 1789
A HIS/A REL 387 Islam in the Middle East: Religion and Culture I
A HIS 456 The Diplomacy of the Nuclear Age
C EHC 320 Psychology of Terrorism
C EHC 321 Human Trafficking
C EHC 322 Introduction to Intelligence
C EHC 324 Civil Liberties in Context: Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
C EHC 325 Critical Infrastructure
C EHC 356 Transnational Crime
C EHC 360 The Legal, Ethical, and Operational Impacts of Unmanned Systems
C EHC 402 Risk, Planning, and Continuity
C EHC 403 Governance and Stakeholders in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
C EHC 405 Crises and Vulnerable Populations
C EHC 442 Advanced Threat and Hazard Assessment
C EHC/R PAD 456 Homeland Security Intelligence
C EHC/R PAD 457 Intelligence Analysis for Homeland Security
R CRJ 201 Introduction to the Criminal Justice Process
R CRJ 202 Introduction to Law and Criminal Justice
R CRJ/A SOC 203 Criminology
R CRJ 281 Introduction to Statistics in Criminal Justice
R CRJ 351 Policing in a Free Society
R CRJ 353/R POS 363 American Criminal Courts
R CRJ 401 Crime Deviation and Conformity
R CRJ 417 Cross-National Crime
R CRJ 418 Information Use and Misuse in Criminal Justice
R POS/R PAD 140 Introduction to Public Policy
R POS/R PAD 316 Methodological Tools for Public Policy
R POS 320 American Federalism
R POS 360 Violent Political Conflict
T POS 260 Political Violence: Honors Course

Non-credit training in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity:

Students must complete 100 hours selected from a list of approved training opportunities.

Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (EHC) Honors Program

The EHC Honors Program is designed to provide qualified undergraduate students with the opportunity for an advanced educational experience including immersive research and writing than is normally available in the general undergraduate program. It is designed to allow strong EHC majors to engage in independent undergraduate research as members of a vibrant intellectual community.

Requirements

The Bachelor of Science with Honors Degree in EHC (a University designation) is a 46-credit program that will introduce students to the tools and strategies needed to complete an independent and original thesis project. The program consists of four courses for a total of 12 credits:

an initial research design course (C EHC 311)
a research methods course (either Intermediate Special Topics in Research [C EHC / C INF 495] or another approved upper-division methods course)
in addition to two semesters of honors thesis project work (C EHC 498; may be repeated once for credit),

To remain in the Honors Program, a student must:

maintain a 3.50 GPA in the major;
maintain a 3.25 GPA overall;

Application for Admission

Space permitting, majors will be invited for admission into the EHC Honors program in the second semester of their sophomore year or the first semester of their junior year. Transfer students and other students who arrive to the major later in their academic career and are interested in the program should contact the Honors Program Director in order to learn more about exceptions to these admission criteria.

Minimum requirements for admission include EHC as a declared major, an overall University GPA no lower than 3.25, an EHC GPA no lower than 3.50, and completion of at least 12 credits of core courses in the EHC major. These may include C EHC 101, 210, 343, 344, 345, and C YBR/C EHC 242.

Student transcripts are reviewed by faculty members on the Undergraduate Committee in coordination with the Honors Program/Undergraduate Program Director.

Combined BS Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity with M.S. Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Undergraduate students can complete a Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security within five years. Students will have the opportunity to take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework as an undergraduate student. These 12 credits will double count for both undergraduate and graduate school at undergraduate costs. The combined program is designed to prepare students for advanced careers within Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The program is designed for two specific concentrations within the M.S. degree: Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Requirements for the B.S./M.S. program are:

GPA of at least 3.20 at the time of application
Concentration in either Emergency Preparedness or Homeland Security in the Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity B.S.
Completion of at least 56 credits at the undergraduate level

Applications should be submitted in the first semester of the junior year. Required elements include three letters of recommendation, and a statement of goals. The GRE is waived for applicants to the combined program, and applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with a financial aid counselor to ensure that acceptance into the program will not affect their financial aid.

Combined B.S. Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity with M.S. Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity

Undergraduate students choosing the concentration in Cyber Risk Management within the B.S. in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity can complete a Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity within five years. Students will have the opportunity to take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework as an undergraduate student. These 12 credits will double count for both undergraduate and graduate school at undergraduate costs. The combined program is designed to prepare students for advanced careers within cybersecurity policy, health security, privacy and risk assessment. The program is designed for two specific concentrations within the M.S. degree: Risk, Policy & Compliance, and Health Security & Privacy.

Requirements for the B.S./M.S. program are:

GPA of at least 3.2 at the time of application
B.S. in EHC major, concentration in Cyber Risk Management
Completion of at least 56 credits at the undergraduate level

The 12 graduate credits taken as an undergraduate will count for the following B.S. degree requirements:

C YBR 627 – replaces 1 C EHC Experiential Learning course
C EHC/C YBR 545 – replaces C EHC/C YBR 445 in the Cyber Risk Management concentration
M.S. Concentration Core Course 1 – replaces 1 400 level elective course within the Cyber Risk Management concentration
M.S. Concentration Core Course 2 – replaces 1 400 level elective course within the Cyber Risk Management concentration

Degree Requirements for the Major in Informatics

The B.S. in Informatics is a unique opportunity for students to study the creation, presentation, and use of data and technology across disciplines. The degree is a combined major and minor, requiring a total of 54 credits. This includes 42 credits of required core courses that focus on the relationship between technology and society, the use of various technologies across platforms, and programming fundamentals. Emphasis is also placed on providing students with various opportunities to gain real-world experience. As part of the 54 credits, students are required to complete 12 credits in a concentration. Students electing the IT, Data Analytics, Social Media, or the Interactive User Experience concentration can complete the entire degree online.

The concentrations are:

Interactive User Experience (Fully online option)
Social Media (Fully online option)
Data Analytics (Fully online option)
Software Development
Information Technology (Fully online option)
Game Design and Development
Self-Designed

General Program B.S. (combined major and minor sequence) A minimum of 54 credits as follows:

Core courses (42 credits):

Information and Society (9 credits)

C INF 100X Information in the 21^stCentury
C INF 301 Emerging Trends in Information and Technology
C INF 499 Senior Seminar in Informatics

Practical Applications (15 credits)

C INF 108 Programming for Problem Solving (or substitute I CSI 201 Introduction to Computer Science)
C INF 201 Introduction to Web Technologies
C INF 202 Introduction to Data and Databases
C INF 203 Introduction to Networks and Systems
C INF 305 Digital Project Management

Math (3 credits)

Any A MAT course between 100 - 299 (except A MAT 108 Elementary Statistics)

Research (6 credits)

C INF 200 Research Methods for Informatics (or A SOC 310 Introduction to Social Research)
A MAT 108 Elementary Statistics (or substitute A SOC 221 Statistics for Sociologists)

Experiential Learning (9 credits)

Students will be advised into course-related experiences that complement their chosen concentration. Some classes may be repeated to count for a total of 6 credits toward this requirement. At least two different experiences are required to complete this requirement. Fully online students are an exception to this, and only they may complete C INF 469 (9 credits) to fulfill this requirement.

C INF 395 Peer Education Practicum (repeatable)
C INF 398 Field Experience in Informatics (repeatable)
C INF 465 Senior Capstone in Informatics (repeatable)
C INF 466 Independent Research (repeatable)
C INF 467 Technology-Based Community Support (repeatable)
C INF 468 Undergraduate Internship (repeatable)
C INF 469 Internship for Fully Online Students
C INF/C EHC 495 Special Topics in Research, Applied, and Experiential Learning (repeatable)
C EHC 390 Internship Experience in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity
C EHC 410 Capstone Project in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity
R SSW 390 Community and Public Service Program II (as appropriate)
U UNI 390 Internships for Juniors and Seniors (as appropriate)

Concentrations (at least 12 credits):

Select one concentration.

Interactive User Experience (offered fully online):

C INF 302 Human-Computer Interactive Design
C INF 362 Intermediate Interactive Design

Select two courses from:

A DOC/A JRL 324 Introduction to Documentary Photography
A DOC/A HIS 330 Foundations of Documentary Web/Hypermedia Production
A DOC/A HIS 406 Practicum in Historical Documentary Filmmaking
A DOC/A HIS 407 Readings and Practicum in Digital History and Hypermedia
C INF 124X/C YBR 124X Cybersecurity Basics
C INF 308 Programming for Informatics
C INF 363 Digital Design
C INF 401 Case Studies in Digital Citizenship
C INF 462 Current Technologies in Interactive Design
C INF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (as appropriate, repeatable)

Social Media (offered fully online):

C INF 131 Introduction to Data Analytics: Seeking Information in Data with Computation
C INF 307 Current Topics in Social Media

Select two courses from:

A DOC/A HIS 224 Nonfiction Media Storytelling
A SOC 210 Sociology of Culture
A SOC 255 Mass Media
A SOC 270 Social and Demographic
C EHC 399 Selected Topics in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity (as appropriate, repeatable)
C INF 308 Programming for Informatics
C INF 363 Digital Design
C INF 401 Case Studies in Digital Citizenship
C INF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (as appropriate, repeatable)
I CSI 432 Network Science

Data Analytics (offered fully online):

C INF 131 Introduction to Data Analytics: Seeking Information in Data with Computation
C INF 300 Probability and Statistics for Data Analytics

Select two courses from:

C EHC 399 Selected Topics in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity (as appropriate, repeatable)
C INF 407 Modern Issues in Databases
C INF 428 Analysis, Visualization, and Prediction in Analytics
C INF 451 Bayesian Data Analysis and Signal Processing
C INF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (as appropriate, repeatable)
I IST 433 Information Storage and Retrieval
I CSI 431 Data Mining
I CSI 432 Network Science

Software Development:

C INF 308 Programming for Informatics
C INF 405 Advanced Concepts and Practices in Software Development
I CSI 201/I ECE 201 Introduction to Computer Science
I CSI 213/I ECE 213 Data Structures

Information Technology (online only):

C INF 302 Human-Computer Interactive Design
C INF 303 Intermediate Networking
C INF 306/C YBR 306 Information Security and Assurance
C INF 308 Programming for Informatics

Game Design and Development:

C INF 171 eSports and the Digital Gaming Ecosystem
C INF 363 Digital Design
C INF 371 Digital Game Design and Development l

Select one course from:

C INF 471 Digital Game Design and Development ll
C INF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (as appropriate, repeatable)
E TAP 534 Introduction to Games for Learning: Theory and Practice
E TAP 535 Introduction to Game Design for Educators
E TAP 540 Learning and Teaching Computer Science Principles

Self-Designed (with Departmental Approval only):

Student must provide a proposal of courses to take to support the proposed self-designed concentration that includes at least four courses. At least 9 credits of a self-designed concentration should be taken while enrolled in the Informatics B.S. program. A proposal must be approved by departmental faculty before the student can declare it.

Informatics Honors Program

The INF Honors Program is designed to provide qualified undergraduate students with the opportunity for an advanced educational experience including immersive research and writing than is normally available in the general undergraduate program. It is designed to allow strong INF majors to engage in independent undergraduate research as members of a vibrant intellectual community.

Requirements

The Bachelor of Science with Honors Degree in INF (a University designation) is a 54-credit program that will introduce students to the tools and strategies needed to complete an independent and original thesis project. For students who matriculate Fall 2023 and thereafter, the program consists of four courses for a total of 12 credits:

Honors Thesis Preparation (C INF 311, 1 credit)
One honors thesis proposal seminar (C INF 475, 4 credits)
One semester of honors thesis project work (C INF 476, 4 credits)
Senior Seminar in Informatics (C INF 499)

To remain in the Honors Program, a student must:

complete their honors thesis by either November 15th (for Fall) or April 15th (for Spring) of the senior year. The thesis will be reviewed and approved by the thesis advisor and also the Thesis Committee; and,
present their research (either in-person or virtually) at the College Showcase in either the Fall or Spring semesters in which they completed their thesis. Students are also encouraged to present their research at other professional venues, including academic conferences and the Annual Undergraduate Research Conference for UAlbany

A student may be removed from the Honors program by the Honors Director if they fail to maintain a major GPA of 3.5 and an overall GPA of 3.25.

Application for Admission

Space permitting, select majors may be invited to apply for admission into the INF Honors program after completing 12 credits of core courses in the INF major. These may include C INF 100X, C INF 108, A MAT 108, C INF 200, C INF 201, C INF 202, C INF 203; in the second semester of the sophomore year or the first semester of the junior year. Transfer students and other students who arrive to the major later in their academic career and are interested in the program should contact the Honors Program Director in order to learn more about exceptions to these admission criteria.

Applications are reviewed by faculty members on the Honors Committee in coordination with the Honors Program Director. Minimum requirements for admission include INF as a declared major, an overall University GPA not lower than 3.25 and an INF GPA not lower than 3.50.

Degree Requirements for the Major in Cybersecurity

A cybersecurity career involves protecting an organization’s data, devices, computers and networks from a wide range of threats. Through coursework, research and experiential learning opportunities, students in the Cybersecurity B.S. program learn how to develop strategies to defend against cyberattacks. From safeguarding systems and privacy to implementing security policies and recovery processes, students gain the skills to drive solutions and manage evolving risk for leadership positions in commercial and nonprofit organizations as well as all levels of government.

General Program B.S. (combined major and minor sequence) A minimum of 54 credits as follows:

Core courses (42 credits):

Information and Society (9 credits)

C INF 100X Information in the 21st Century
C INF 301 Emerging Trends in Information and Technology
C INF 499 Senior Seminar in Informatics

Practical Applications (15 credits)

C INF 108 Programming for Problem Solving (or substitute I CSI 201 Introduction to Computer Science)
C INF 201 Introduction to Web Technologies
C INF 202 Introduction to Data and Databases
C INF 203 Introduction to Networks and Systems
C INF 305 Digital Project Management

Math (3 credits)

A MAT 100 or 104 or 106 or 112 or 118

Research (6 credits)

C INF 200 Research Methods for Informatics (or substitute A SOC 220 or A SOC 310 Introduction to Social Research)
A MAT 108 Elementary Statistics (or substitute A SOC 221 Statistics for Sociologists)

Experiential Learning (9 credits)

Students will be advised into course-related experiences that complement their interests and aspirations. Some classes may be repeated to count for a total of 6 credits toward this requirement. At least two different experiences are required to complete this requirement. Fully-online students are an exception to this, and only they may complete C INF 469 (9 credits) to fulfill this requirement:

C INF 395 Peer Education Practicum (repeatable)
C INF 398 Field Experience in Informatics (repeatable)
C INF 465 Senior Capstone in Informatics (repeatable)
C INF 466 Independent Research (repeatable)
C INF 467 Technology-Based Community Support (repeatable)
C INF 468 Undergraduate Internship (repeatable)
C INF 469 Undergraduate Internship for Fully Online Students
C INF/CEHC 495 Special Topics in Research, Applied, and Experiential Learning (repeatable)
C EHC 390 Internship Experience in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity
C EHC 410 Capstone Project in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity
R SSW 390 Community and Public Service Program II (as appropriate)
U UNI 390 Internships for Juniors and Seniors (as appropriate)

Cybersecurity Electives (12 credits)

Cybersecurity elective (C INF/C YBR 124X Cybersecurity Basics recommended)
Cybersecurity elective
Cybersecurity elective 300 level or above (C INF/C YBR 306 Information Security and Assurance recommended)
Cybersecurity elective 300 level or above

Select from:

C EHC 399 Selected Topics in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity (as appropriate, repeatable)
C EHC/R PAD/C YBR 445 Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity
C EHC/R PAD 449 Cybersecurity: Long Term Planning and Risk Management
C EHC/C YBR 450 Cybersecurity Policy, Law and Institutions
C EHC/ R PAD/C YBR 469 Cyber Threats and Intelligence
C INF/C YBR 124X Cybersecurity Basics
C INF/ C YBR 306 Information Security and Assurance
C INF 401 Case Studies in Digital Citizenship
C INF 496 Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics (as appropriate, repeatable)
C YBR 452 Computer and Network Security
C YBR 453 Information Security and Privacy
C YBR 454 Human Aspects of Cybersecurity
C YBR 455 Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity
I CSI 300Z Societal and Ethical Implications of Computing
I CSI 424 Computer Security
I CSI 426 Cryptography

Combined B.S. Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity or B.S. Informatics with M.S. Information Science

The 4+1 combined degree program of a Bachelor’s in Informatics (INF) or Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (EHC) with a Master of Science in Information Science (M.S.I.S.) is designed to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to receive a graduate degree at an accelerated pace.

One of the unique and central elements of the combined program is the ability to count 12 graduate credits toward the requirements of the undergraduate degree (see below). During the senior year, students will begin their graduate coursework while still paying undergraduate tuition, saving both time and money in the completion of the Master’s degree.

Students must have a 3.2 minimum GPA, and have completed at least 56 credits at the undergraduate level to apply for admission to the combined program. Applications should be submitted in the first semester of the junior year, and must include three letters of recommendation and a statement of goals. The GRE is waived for applicants to the combined program.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with a financial aid counselor to ensure that participation in the program will not affect their financial aid.

Students in the combined-degree program must complete all requirements for the M.S.I.S. and may substitute:

C IST 601 for C INF 499 (INF majors) or a concentration elective (EHC majors)
C IST 608 for one undergraduate experiential learning requirement (C INF 466 for INF majors, or C EHC 410 for EHC majors)
Any other two M.S.I.S. courses for undergraduate major, minor, or elective credit, as appropriate

Working with graduate and undergraduate faculty advisors, students will assemble a set of M.S.I.S. courses that make the most sense for their individual career goals.

View application instructions and apply online.

At the graduate level, students take a total of at least 36 credits (including the 12 graduate credits completed in their undergraduate education) in core courses and a concentration, with the consultation of their advisor.

Concentrations include:

Archives & Records Administration
Data Analytics
Information Management & Technology
Library & Information Services

More information, including the curriculum for the M.S. Information Science, can be found in the Graduate Bulletin. Apply online here.

Combined B.S./M.S.I.S. Program

The combined B.S./M.S.I.S. program in Information Science provides a unique opportunity for capable, highly motivated students to pursue any undergraduate liberal arts major while at the same time beginning their professional preparation for a career in the rapidly expanding fields of information management and curation. A distinctive feature of the curriculum is the stress placed upon user and human as well as technological factors. Toward the end of their program of study, students will be expected to combine academic study with internship experience in locations such as: corporations; New York State government agencies; archives; or academic, public or special libraries.

Graduates will be prepared for employment in a wide variety of public and private sector settings within business, industry, law, humanities, health and human services, and education where they will function as librarians, archivists, records managers, information systems specialists, information analysts, or information officers and managers.

The program is especially strong in: (1) data analytics, (2) library & information science, (3) archives & records administration, and (4) information management & technology.

Students may be admitted to the combined program at the beginning of their junior year or after successful completion of 56 credits. A carefully designed program can enable the student to earn the B.S. and M.S.I.S. within 10 semesters. A cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher and three supportive letters of recommendation are required. The Graduate Record Exam is not required for admission. In qualifying for the baccalaureate, students will meet all University and school requirements, including existing major and minor requirements, general education requirements, minimum liberal arts and sciences requirements, and residency requirements.

Additionally, students will complete a minor in Information Science including, as a minimum, the following courses: C INF 108; C INF 202; C IST 601; C IST 602; C IST 614, and C IST 506 or C IST 533 or C IST 546 or C EHC 557 or C IST 603.

In qualifying for the master’s degree, students will meet all University and school requirements, including completing a minimum of 36 graduate credits, and any conditions such as a research seminar, thesis, comprehensive examination, or other professional experience, and residency requirements. The combined program allows students to complete 12 graduate credits as an undergraduate that are applied to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.