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Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, offered by the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, provides opportunities for focused study in cybersecurity and opens doors toward a more complex understanding of both the subject and current practice.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
- All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
- At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
- At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.
The full policy can be viewed here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- At 31 units of preprofessional requirements
- At least 57 units of professional requirements and major electives
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
- Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 226 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
Computing has become integral to the infrastructure of modern society. From banking and health to education and business, our world runs on algorithms and computing machines. Software and hardware are ubiquitous in every aspect of modern life. This infrastructure is powerful, complex—and highly vulnerable. Small design flaws or less than vigilant safety guards can lead to attacks and exploits that can cost businesses hundreds of billions of dollars and valuable consumer trust, and loss of infrastructure critical to modern civilization. At the same time there is a shortage of workers with the skills needed to secure these systems.
The BSCYB degree provides exceptional career flexibility and a broad range of opportunities in cybersecurity with an emphasis on secure software and hardware development. Coursework prepares students with the technical skills to analyze and understand cybersecurity exploits and to design hardened computational systems. The degree also incorporates criminal justice, intelligence studies, and business management coursework to prepare students for the legal and social context in which cybersecurity practice happens. This degree also provides a strong foundation for further graduate study in an MS or PhD program.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to 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 and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
Details Accordion Closed
Major Requirements
This major requires 88 units distributed as follows:
- Preprofessional Requirements: 31 units
- Professional Requirements: 57 units
Take the following 88 units:
Preprofessional Requirements (31 units)
Professional Requirements 57 units:- CS 105, CS 112, CS 205, CS 212, CS 305, CS 312, CS 345 (15 units)
- CYB 126, CYB 136, CYB 310, CYB 402, CYB 404, CYB 410, CYB 412 (23 units)
- EGR 333W which meets the junior-level writing requirement (3 units)
- CYB 486C which meets the senior capstone requirement (4 units)
- Select from the following: (12 units)
General Electives
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Additional Information
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.