Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSCyS)
Description of the Major
The BS in Cybersecurity (BSCyS) focuses on technology, people, information, systems, and processes to enable assured cyber operations in the context of adversaries. The major is built on a technical foundation of computing and information technology. Students in this major acquire a background in cybersecurity related to information, software, systems, users, and organizations including aspects of policy, human factors, risk management, ethics, and impact on society.
Listen to Dean Robert Bishop's interview on WUSF about the major
Purpose of the Cybersecurity Major
The overall purpose of the BSCyS is to provide students with fundamental and advanced computing systems knowledge and skills in the areas of information security, software security, system security, organizational security, and societal security, including law, policy, and ethics. Students will be able to apply these security principles and practices to the hardware, software, and human components of computer systems, and analyze, evaluate, and maintain operational systems in the presence of cyber risks and threats.
Employment and Education Opportunities
BSCyS graduates can expect to work as Cybersecurity Specialists and Information Security Analysts responsible for designing, developing, operating, and defending secure computer systems and networks, and exploiting and attacking adversary computer systems. BSCyS graduates may also work as cybercrime investigators supporting law enforcement and counterterrorism operations. In addition to working for government agencies, BSCyS graduates may work as cybersecurity specialists for technology/computer companies, financial firms, health providers, insurance companies, and in academia (NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, 2017; Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2017).
Virtually every sector of the economy – manufacturing, health, education, and national security – has a great demand for cybersecurity specialists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states, "Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high, as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks." According to the BLS, "The median annual wage for information security analysts was $95,510 in May 2017."
Progression Requirements
Requirements for progression to the upper level for the BSCyS are described here.
Total Credit Hours and Major Hours
The total number of semester credit hours for the degree is 120.
Core Courses
In addition to the prerequisites, core courses (subject to change) include:
- CGS 3303 IT Concepts
- CIS 3213 Foundations of Cybersecurity
- COP 3515 Advanced Program Design for IT
- CIS 3363 IT Systems Security
- CIS 4219 Human Aspects of Cybersecurity
- CNT 4104 Computer Information Networks for IT
- CNT 4104L Computer Information Networks for IT Lab
- COP 4538 Data Structures and Algorithms for IT
- CEN 3722 Human Computer Interfaces
- CNT 4403 Network Security and Firewalls
- COP 4703 Advanced Database Systems for IT
- CGS 3853 Web Systems for IT
- CIS 4200 Penetration Testing
- CIS 4366 Hands-on Cybersecurity
- ISM 4323 Information Security and IT Risk Management
- LIS 4414 Information Policy and Ethics
- CIS 4935 Senior Project for IT
Capstone Learning Experience and Internship
BSCyS students are required to complete a capstone learning experience, IT Senior Project (CIS 4935). It is recommended that BSCyS students complete an industry internship.
For More Information
Contact John Morgan or Marjorie Fontalvo, Computer Science and Engineering Undergraduate Advisors.
Apply for Admission to the University of South Florida