While cryptographers strive for the best possible solution to a security issue, the implementation of their work is too often restricted by technological limitations, cost restraints and human factors that were not considered as part of the original design process. For effective solutions to gain practical relevance, the end users must be willing and able to use the technology, and the solution must provide a significant economic benefit.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is structured to provide students with security expertise within the context of a broad education. A solid education in security requires not only a strong focus in science and computer science in particular but must also incorporate some aspects of engineering and technology management. The program culminates with a project-oriented, two-semester senior capstone course through which you will develop the client-facing and project management skills expected of the modern IT professional.

These are the professional accomplishments that students are expected to have achieved three years after graduation:

1. Be able to acquire new skills and knowledge on one's own (Skills Development)

2. Be able to create solutions to complex problems in secure system design (Skills Application)

3. Be proficient in both oral and written technical communication (Communication)

4. Be effective as either a member or a leader of a small team (Teamwork)

5. Be able to evaluate the impact of one's work on the intended users and on society (Impact)

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes are measurable goals for the learning that takes place during a student's time in the program. These narrow statements describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation, relating to the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that students acquire in the program:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline (Apply)

2. An ability to analyze a problem and identify and define the cybersecurity requirements appropriate to its solution (Analyze)

3. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired cybersecurity needs in the face of current, emerging, and potential threats (Define)

4. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal (Teamwork)

5. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities (Responsibility)

6. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences (Communication)

7. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of cybersecurity on individuals, organizations and society (Impact)

8. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development (Professional Development)

9. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for cybersecurity practice (Currency)

10. An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of secure computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices (Tradeoffs)

11. An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of secure software systems of varying complexity (Construction)

Not only do outcome goals exist for the overall program, but each course has its own outcomes.