Cyber Security (Minor)

With rapidly growing popularity of Internet-connected electronic devices and systems, cybercrimes are affecting governments, organizations and individuals. Every industry now finds itself in need of skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect their networks, data, and online transactions. A cyber security minor could help you understand the risks and vulnerabilities in cyber systems, learn how to use security mechanisms to protect electronic devices and networked systems. Particularly for computer science majors, earning a cybersecurity minor degree could add significant value and help you stand out from other computer professionals. Also, there are urgent need for employees with cybersecurity knowledge and skills in financial services, health care and government, etc. 

For the detailed program requirements, please refer to the Cyber security (Minor) Curriculum.

Why Choose Cyber Security?

In this era where virtually every aspect of our lives is intertwined with digital devices and network connections, playing a role in safeguarding the digital landscape is not just super cool but also profoundly impactful. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of cybersecurity jobs will grow 32% in the next decade. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybersecurity job vacancies grew by 350 percent, from one million openings in 2013 to 3.5 million in 2021; the number of unfilled jobs leveled off in 2022, and remains at 3.5 million in 2023. 

What Will You Learn?

  • Learn the fundamentals of information security in both theory and practice
  • Familiarize with key principles including confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, authorization and non-repudiation
  • Introduce yourself to threat models, auditing, accountability, basic concepts of cryptography
  • Create a framework for understanding operations, physical, network, OS and application security
  • Explore threats, malwares and mitigations
  • Understand networking and network security