Cybersecurity, B.S. (R, L)

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The purpose of the program is to educate graduates so they can obtain an entry-level position in the cyber security field. The cybersecurity field focuses on the protection of networks, data, software and computing resources from unintended or unauthorized changes, access or destruction. Private and public institutions today collect and store tremendous amounts of data which is transported across networks and maintained by multiple computer systems. The data as well as the systems and hardware used to maintain the data and provided strategic and operational support are under attack from criminals and nation-states intent on stealing, damaging or destroying those resources. Additionally, computer systems and hardware may be unintentionally damaged or data released or destroyed by actions of employees. The BSCS will provide students the technical foundation to work in public and private organizations protecting the data, software and hardware resources from criminal and espionage activities. The students will also learn the foundational issues with policy and procedures necessary for organizations to ensure the safe handling of data and management of resources.

REAL Curriculum

This major fulfills the R and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students fulfill the R area through classes though the skills and knowledge gained in a calculus class, programming classes and a discrete math course.

Students fulfill the L area through classes developing and reflecting on their professional skills, experience and abilities in a number of classes teaching skills in area such as networks, web site development, databases and software development.

Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the E and A areas to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.

REAL Foundational Requirements

Foundational Writing (3 credits)

ENGL 111 - Principles of College Composition (GE)

Foundational Math (3 credits)

REAL Cornerstone Requirements

Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level.

General Education Requirements

General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Cybersecurity major includes 12-27 general education credits.

Major Requirements (76-82 credits)

BS Requirements (6-8 credits)

Two courses (each 3-4 hours), one of which must include a lab, chosen from: any Astronomy; any Biology (except BIOL 301:BIOL 302); any Chemistry; any Geology; any Physics.

Required Courses (70-74 credits)

Additional Degree Requirements

All majors require a minimum 2.0 GPA in the major in order to be eligible for graduation. The major GPA is calculated using all courses required for the Degree Core Requirements. Many courses require a “C” or better in the prerequisite. (See “Course Descriptions” section).

Open Credit Hours (38-44 credits)

These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.