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Cybersecurity

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Minor

cybersecurity awardComputing and Information Systems (CIS) is concerned with all aspects of computers and information systems. A successful CIS graduate will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in one of three majors: Computer Science, Information Technology or Cybersecurity. The curriculum is based on the guidelines of prominent professional organizations and combines theory with current in-demand technical skills to prepare graduates for continual learning throughout their careers in this fast-paced field.

Undergraduate Programs

What Can I Do With a Degree in Cybersecurity?

With a degree in Cybersecurity, the Computing & Information Systems (CIS) Department prepares students for a number of positions with security analyst a popular choice.

Because technology contributes meaningfully to almost all aspects of science and society, non-majors may be interested in a Cybersecurity minor (18 credits).

Curriculum Requirements

  • Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Cybersecurity

    Major Requirements (72-73 credits):
    The student must complete the requirements listed in the following categories:

    1) CIS Core Courses (53-54 credits):
    CS 102 Fundamentals of IT and Computing* - 3-4 credits
    CS 110 C++ Programming I - 3 credits
    CS 111 C++ Programming II - 3 credits
    CS 170 Discrete Structures I - 3 credits
    CS 221 Data Structures - 3 credits
    CS 225 Cybersecurity - 3 credits
    CS 265 Information Systems Management - 3 credits
    CS 292 Engineering and Computer Ethics - 2 credits
    CS 310 Programming Languages - 3 credits
    CS 321 Data Communications and Network Security - 3 credits
    CS 322 Advanced Networking - 3 credits
    CS 325 Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity - 3 credits
    CS 330 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems - 3 credits
    CS 335 Computer Organization - 3 credits
    CS 350 Database Concepts and Information Structures - 3 credits

    - CS 351 Information Systems Analysis and Design - 3 credits
    or
    - CS 355 Software Engineering - 3 credits

    CS 357 Computing Science Project I - 2 credits
    CS 358 Computing Science Project II - 2 credits
    CS 375 Applied Cryptography - 3 credits

    2) CIS Electives (6 credits):
    Choose from the following: CS 205, CS 214, CS 250, CS 255, CS 221, CS 270, CS 305, CS 315, CS 225, CS 365, CS 367, or CS 375

    3) CIS Mathematics Requirement (7 credits):
    MA 111 Calculus I - 4 credits
    or
    MA 109 Calculus I - 4 credits
    These four credits can be used to fulfill the core curriculum mathematics requirement.

    MA 311 Probability and Statistics - 3 credits

    *All students will take one course designated as a First-Year Seminar which will satisfy a core curriculum requirement.

  • Requirements for a Minor in Cybersecurity

    Minor in Cybersecurity (18 credits)

    Cybersecurity Minor (18 credits):
    CS 102 Fundamentals of IT and Computing - 3 credits
    CS 110 C++ Programming I - 3 credits
    CS 321 Data Communications and Network Security - 3 credits
    CS 225 Cybersecurity - 3 credits
    CS 325 Advanced Cybersecurity - 3 credits

    Three additional credits in CIS courses at the 200 level or above are required. One computer-focused course from another department may be included, subject to the approval of the CIS department chairperson. Students should consult with the CIS faculty for assistance in planning the courses for the Cybersecurity minor.

Program Highlights

Program Educational Objectives

Within two to five years of graduation, graduates of the Cybersecurity program will:

  1. Practice the discipline of Cybersecurity in industry or graduate school by employing aspects of their broad knowledge of the field in problem solving and use of technical skills.
  2. Conduct themselves in a professional, ethical and responsible manner with respect and awareness for security, social issues and responsibilities inherent in the field.

Results

  • Hands on courses that put theory into practice.
  • Cybersecurity competitions in both individual and team formats.
  • Dynamic curriculum that can incorporate changing demands of industry and organizations.
  • The CIS Department manages its own subnetwork and servers. This allows the department faculty considerable flexibility in determining the software utilized in course projects.
  • The CIS Department has two additional labs for use by students. The IT Projects Lab provides CIS students with the opportunity to combine research with practice in areas such as computer networking, computer systems and cybersecurity. The Software Projects Lab enables students to work with multiple operating systems to develop mobile applications or to work collaboratively on software development projects.
  • Graduates from the Computer and Information Systems department have obtained employment in both large and small companies such as
  • NSA
  • BNY Mellon
  • UPMC
  • PNC
  • Bechtel

CIS graduates have been accepted into masters and doctoral programs at

  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • College of William and Mary
  • Ohio State University

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Apply security principles to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

Undergraduate Programs
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