COURSE CURRICULUM

The University Core Curriculum and Cybersecurity major requirements together form a rigorous STEM-focused academic pathway designed to build strong foundational knowledge and advanced technical expertise in computing, networking, and cybersecurity. Students must complete a minimum of 40 credits in the University Core Curriculum across multiple competency tiers, which include essential general education courses in English composition, communication, mathematics (such as MATH 1117 and MATH 1118), and physics (PHYS 1150), along with approved electives that broaden analytical, scientific, and critical thinking skills. Core Tier 2 introduces additional foundational computing and interdisciplinary courses such as CSCI 1110 and economics, further strengthening problem-solving and applied reasoning abilities. The major curriculum begins with introductory computing and technical writing, followed by core computer science and engineering foundations including discrete mathematics, digital systems and logic design, intermediate programming in C and C++, databases and SQL, data structures and algorithms, and introductory computer security. Students then progress into advanced topics such as computer organization and architecture, operating systems, algorithm design and analysis, Python scripting, networking technologies, and advanced computer networks, building a deep understanding of how modern computing systems function. The program places strong emphasis on cybersecurity specialization through courses in cyber forensic science, small-scale digital forensics, ethical hacking, reverse engineering, memory forensics, and network defense, alongside systems programming, assembly language programming, and advanced C++ and object-oriented programming. Practical experience is reinforced through an internship or research requirement and a capstone sequence involving network analysis, design, and project implementation. Students also choose a network administration elective in either Windows or Unix systems, and complete a mathematics restricted elective such as linear algebra or probability and statistics to strengthen analytical and quantitative skills. Additional requirements include professional development through the EASC enrichment program. Overall, the curriculum is designed to integrate theory, hands-on technical training, and ethical responsibility, preparing graduates for advanced careers in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, digital forensics, systems engineering, and network defense.