Cyber Security, Bachelor of Science
Program Overview
Cyber Security is the study of science, technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect computers, networks, smart devices, software programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Our Cyber Security degree is a collaborative inter-disciplinary degree which follows a holistic approach that integrates technical, legal, business, and policy skills with support courses from Computer Science, Business, Information Systems and Criminal Justice. The degree leverages the social, risk analysis, and business aspects of other disciplines. Admitted students to the University are expected to complete mathematics courses up to Precalculus and a programming course (CSCI 1380 Computer Science I) to start taking cyber security related courses.
Admission requirements for this program beyond university admission requirements.
- A minimum grade of C or better in MATH 2412 in no more than three attempts or a minimum composite score of 24 on the ACT or 1200 on the SAT.
- Students must complete MATH 2412 and CSCI 1380 prior to beginning CYBI 2XXX , 3XXX or 4XXX level courses.
Progression requirements for this program.
Specific graduation requirements for this program beyond university bachelor's degree requirements.
Core Curriculum – 42 hours
The Core Curriculum serves as a broad foundation for the undergraduate degree. All candidates for a bachelor’s degree must achieve core student learning outcomes, including communication, critical thinking, empirical and quantitative skills, teamwork, personal responsibility and social responsibility, by completing courses within each category or component area of the Core Curriculum as outlined below.
The University has approved specific courses that satisfy Core Curriculum Requirements. Approved courses can be found on the Core Curriculum Page. Students seeking the most efficient way to complete the core curriculum and major or minor requirements are advised to take approved courses that can fulfill both requirements. Although core curriculum courses can also be used to fulfill major or minor requirements, earned credits hours are only applied once.
The courses listed below fulfill core curriculum and major requirements. Students who have completed a core curriculum category with courses other than those listed below will still be required to take the listed course(s) to meet major requirements.
020 Mathematics - 3 hours
Three credit hours from MATH 2412 are applied to category 020. Student must complete MATH 2412 with grade of "C" or better.
040 Language, Philosophy, and Culture - 3 hours
080 Social and Behavioral Sciences - 3 hours
Any listed course under this category except PHIL 1362 courses can be taken to complete category 080.
090 Integrative and Experiential Learning - 6 hours
PHIL 2326 cannot be taken in category 090. Students must complete CSCI 1380 with a grade of "C" or better.
Major Requirements - 70 hours
Required - 42 hours
Cyber Security Core - 40 hours
Cyber Security Certification - 2 hours
Prescribed Electives - 9 hours
Choose from:
CYBI 4300 is eligible as a Prescribed (Technical) Elective only for certain topics; therefore, students must seek approval is required prior to enrolling in CYBI 4300. Consent of instructor or assistance from the IES department may be required to enrolling in some advanced level support courses.
Support Courses - 19 hours
Consent of instructor or assistance from the IES department may be required to enroll in some advanced level support courses. One credit hour from MATH 2412 is applied to the Support Course section of the degree plan. Students must complete MATH 2412 with a grade of "C" or better.
Free Electives - 8 hours
Free electives credit hours required may vary to achieve the institutional minimum of 120 hours for a degree.
Total Credit Hours: 42
Total Credit Hours: 120
View this program’s recommended roadmap to graduation.
UTRGV Roadmaps are a suggested sequence of courses designed to assist students in completing their undergraduate degree requirements. This is a term-by-term sample roadmap of courses required to complete the degree. Students must satisfy all requirements in their catalog including, but not limited to course prerequisites, grade point average and course grade benchmarks, progression requirements, and graduation requirements.
Students should meet with their academic advisor every semester to discuss their individualized path toward completion. Degree progress within this roadmap depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation and readiness, student time management, work and personal responsibilities, and financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.