Minor in Cybersecurity
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Is a minor in cybersecurity right for me?
Does hearing about latest security breaches excites you to know more about them? Do you like learning about firewalls, antivirus programs, and how they operate? Would you be interested in acquiring skills to defend against cyber-attacks?
If yes, then this minor is good for you!
With cybersecurity as one of the most sought-after skills, adding this minor is a great way to round out your education. Computer Science majors would only have to add 10 credits to their majors for the minor in cybersecurity.
What will I study?
Your coursework begins with exploration courses along with a strong computer science foundation which includes courses on programming and data structures. Then you will be exposed to computer networks, cybersecurity principles, standards, laws, and policies. The minor will end with a specialized course on network security.
When should I declare a minor?
By the end of your freshman year, since it takes a minimum of 4 semesters to complete the required courses. Please talk with your advisor before declaring a minor.
Required Courses | 20 credits
A first course in programming using a structured programming language. Topics include iteration, selection, procedures, functions, and arrays with the use of flowcharts and modules. Presents applications in both business and scientific areas.
A continuation of CS 111 using a structured programming language to implement multidimensional arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists, and binary trees. Also introduces recursion, pointers, and classes.
Prerequisite: Take CS-111
This course provides a hand-on introduction to the School of Computer Science and Engineering programs and allows students to learn about each program in more detail by completing hands-on learning exercises in a laboratory environment. This course is offered by a team of SCSE faculty and each cohort will rotate through program-specific laboratories.
Introduction to cybersecurity principles and concepts through a variety of instruction techniques, including online gaming, guest lectures, collaborative activities such as hands-on exercises, group discussions, and capture-the flag exercises.
This course is an introduction to the standard models for layered communication in a network and key data transmission characteristics. Topics include communication architectures, OSI and TCP/IP model, signaling and modulation, circuit-switching and packet-switching networks, routing, error handling, network applicationsm security, and multimedia networking.
Prerequisite: Take CS-112
This course provides a holistic perspective on the structure of the cyberspace ecosystem and methods and techniques in building a functional cyberspace that is secure and sustainable. Topics include cybersecurity first principles covering confidentiality, integrity and availability, cybersecurity ethics, forensics, authentication and access control, and security management.
This course focuses on the legal, policy and compliance issues associated with cybersecurity and its societal impact. This course will explore areas including information privacy, accessibility, regulations and compliance requirements, and information laws required to create a safe digital environment.
Prerequisite: Take CY-221
This course introduces students to different concepts, tools, and techniques in effectively securing connections between different components, both physical and logical, of a network. By participating in a number of hands-on activities, students will learn to protect an organization's network and components, from various cybersecurity threats and manage risks to support a successful accomplishment of its mission. Topics covered include conventional encryption and message confidentiality, public key cryptography and message authentication, network-based threats, firewalling and access control, intrusion detection and prevention systems.
Prerequisite: Take CS-339 or CY-211