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Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Automotive Cybersecurity (BSIT-AC) Concentration

As automobile companies continue to develop new technologies and autonomous, or self-driving, vehicles become a reality, qualified cybersecurity professionals will be in high demand. Walsh College is ready to meet that demand with the introduction of a groundbreaking Auto Cybersecurity concentration within the BSIT program.

The BSIT- AC represents one of the challenging curriculum within the discipline and is designed for students who either plan to, or are currently engaged in, the following career paths:

Software Developer - Automotive Platforms (Electronics Control Unit or Application Development)
Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer / Pentester (OEM through Tier levels)
Automotive Development/Hardware Testers (OEM through Tier levels)

Why Walsh?

National Recognition

Walsh College is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE/CD), a national distinction achieved by a small set of academic institutions in the country. Walsh College’s IT degrees also align with Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security NICE Framework standards.

First in the US

Walsh College is the first in the nation to offer an academic program teaching automotive cybersecurity. As this field continues to grow, Walsh College is also aiming to make sure students in Michigan are ready.

View the Automotive Cybersecurity Courses

	Courses for the Automotive Cybersecurity Concentration
IT 450*	Fundamentals of Automotive Cybersecurity Core vehicle communication protocols are explored in this course. Students will gain an understanding of vehicle systems, engineering concepts associated with vehicle systems, electronics, electronic control units, and base communication technologies.
IT 451	Automotive Network Strategies, Tools & Techniques Students will extend their understanding of vehicle systems, engineering concepts associated with vehicle systems, electronics, electronic control units, and base communication technologies.
IT 452	Connected Automotive Ecosystems & Threat Analysis Students will expand their knowledge through the exploration of vehicle wireless technologies, electronic control units, in-vehicle infotainment systems, telematics, and vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. Students will also learn to perform vehicle threat analysis through hands-on projects.
IT 453	Advanced Automotive Penetration Testing & Threat Analysis Students are exposed to software and hardware reverse engineering, along with automotive threat and malware analysis. This course culminates with a series of hands-on projects where students demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained across all four automotive cybersecurity classes.
	*IT 422 and IT 450 are both required for Automotive Cybersecurity Concentration

Helpful Skills

A general interest in automotive systems, information technology, or electronics and hardware control systems is helpful.

This concentration explores and develops skills in:

Core system components (engine, drive train, etc.)
Engineering approaches/concepts
Operating systems and firmware coding
Hardware technology
Cybersecurity

Apply today

Apply online or speak with an academic advisor today by calling 248-823-1600. Appointments are available Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are welcome on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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View Admission Requirements

Walsh College BSIT admission requirements:

Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 (on a 4.000 scale); all previous college/university-level coursework will be computed.
Complete with a grade of “C” (or 2.000) or higher at least 60 semester credit hours (or 90 quarter hours) of coursework at the 100/1000 level or higher. At least 30 semester credit hours (or 45 quarter hours) of your 60 credits must be in liberal arts coursework.*
One English composition or written communication course.
One course (or equivalent placement test result) in intermediate algebra or a higher math course.

*All transfer credits must be from an institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.