COURSE CURRICULUM

The BS in Cybersecurity program at DePaul University emphasizes experiential, hands-on learning to prepare students for real-world security challenges in enterprise environments.A major part of the curriculum takes place in the Networking and Security Lab and DePaul’s Cyber Range, a large-scale virtual training environment that simulates real organizational networks with more than 2,500 virtual systems. These platforms allow students to practice cybersecurity in realistic, controlled settings that mirror professional industry conditions.Students work directly with enterprise-grade networking equipment such as routers, switches, and firewalls. They learn how to configure and secure complex systems, gaining experience that is directly applicable to modern IT and cybersecurity roles.Lab activities include implementing firewall rules and policies, setting up and managing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, performing vulnerability assessments, and hardening both Windows and Linux operating systems against attacks. These exercises build both technical proficiency and critical problem-solving skills.Through these practical experiences, students develop the ability to detect, analyze, and respond to security threats using tools and workflows commonly used in professional cybersecurity environments. This strong emphasis on applied learning ensures graduates are well prepared for roles in network security, security operations, and information assurance across a wide range of industries.