Overview
The cybersecurity program is designed for students who seek to defend against cyber threats in industry and public service. Cybersecurity majors are trained to be the “good guys,” defending the public against today’s ever-present cyber attacks. Students learn about information assurance, server and network environments, cryptography, cyber-related public policy, and cyber warfare. Cybersecurity graduates pursue careers in industry for a wide variety of companies, in a security operations center, or in local, state, or federal government service.
Students who gravitate toward cybersecurity typically enjoy solving puzzles, digging down to find the root cause of a problem, and integrating information from many sources into a whole. Being detail-oriented is important, because sometimes the smallest breadcrumb is the key to cracking the case. Cybersecurity professionals want to make a difference in the world, protecting others and solving mysteries.
Student Stories
The aim of the major is to help students develop a strong foundation of professional ethics from a Christian faith perspective. Professionals working in the security/intelligence field have the ability to profoundly affect people’s lives; we need graduates who recognize this responsibility and perform their jobs ethically and with integrity.
CyberSecurity Degree
Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary program, designed to produce graduates with not only the best technical skills, but also a deep understanding of the national security landscape of attacks, as well as excellent communication skills through a liberal arts education.
Program of Study
The B.A. in cybersecurity is designed to meet the curricular learning outcomes for a validated program of study described by the National Security Agency (NSA). The core courses that fulfill those requirements are:
- Introduction to Cybersecurity (CPSC 2080)
- Scripting and Systems (CPSC 2180)
- System Administration (CPSC 2300)
- Public Policy (POSC 2200)
- Applied Cryptography & Security (CPSC 3380)
- Computer Networks (CPSC 3410)
- Network Security (CPSC 4080)
- Homeland Security (POSC 3350)
The Cybersecurity major includes additional courses in computer science, political science, mathematics, and philosophy. Students are also required to pursue at least one cybersecurity certification, such as CompTIA Security+ or EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker.
See the Security Studies section of the undergraduate catalog for additional information about the major.
Options
- Graduate with a BA in Cybersecurity in four years.
- Graduate with a BA in Cybersecurity in three years.
- Graduate with a BA in Cybersecurity and a MBA with the 3+1 program. You’ll spend four years total at AU and earn two degrees while you’re here.
Careers
AU National Security Fellows
Cybersecurity Engineering Lab
Speakers
Guest speakers provide a glimpse of industry and research to our undergraduate students. We bring in 5-6 guest speakers per semester in areas related to computer science and cybersecurity.
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Cybersecurity

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