Program Overview

Introduction to the Cybersecurity Program

The Cybersecurity program at DePaul University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of information security, security infrastructure design and implementation, computer forensics, risk assessment, and the impact of security requirements on business operations.

Program Overview

Students in the BS Cybersecurity program will learn through hands-on activities in a state-of-the-art Security Laboratory, which includes multi-vendor firewalls, Virtual Private Networks, intrusion detection and prevention systems, routers, switches, security scanners, and event correlation systems. The program is STEM-designated, allowing international students to extend their post-graduation stay in the United States.

Degree Requirements

To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 192 credit hours, earning a grade of C- or higher in all major and minor courses, and a grade of D or higher in all other Liberal Studies and Open Elective courses. Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Curriculum Requirements

The curriculum is structured as follows:

• First Year:
  • CSC 241 - Introduction to Computer Science I
  • CSC 242 - Introduction to Computer Science II
  • CSEC 100 - Cybersecurity Orientation
  • CSEC 101 - Cybersecurity Technologies Overview
  • IT 263 - Applied Networks and Security
  • MAT 140 - Discrete Mathematics I
  • NET 363 - Introduction to Local Area Networks
• Second Year:
  • CSC 233 - Codes and Ciphers
  • CSC 300 - Data Structures I
  • CSC 301 - Data Structures II
  • CSC 355 - Database Systems
  • CSC 373 - Computer Systems I
  • CSC 374 - Computer Systems II
  • CSEC 340 - Fundamentals of Information Assurance
  • NET 365 - Network Interconnection Technologies
• Third Year:
  • NET 377 - Fundamentals of Network Security
  • NET 379 - Telecommunication and Network Security Practicum
  • CSEC 320 - Computer Forensic and Incident Response
  • CSEC 378 - Host Based Security
• Fourth Year:
  • CSEC 228 - Legal, Ethical and Social Issues in Information Security
  • CSEC 388 - Security Testing and Assessment
  • CSEC 394 - Information Systems Security Engineering I
  • CSEC 395 - Information Systems Security Engineering II (Capstone)
  • WRD 204 - Technical Writing
  • Eight credit hours of Major Electives

Major Electives

Major Electives can be chosen from the following:

• Any 300-level CSEC, NET, CSC, SE, IS, or IT courses
• CSC 281 - Workshop: Java for Programmers
• CSC 282 - Workshop: Linux for Programmers Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in all major elective courses.

Liberal Studies

The Liberal Studies program is the general education portion of the curriculum at DePaul University. Students must earn a grade of D or better in all courses taken to satisfy these requirements, with the exception of the Capstone course and WRD 103 and WRD 104, in which students need to earn a C- or better.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Cybersecurity program are prepared for careers in various environments, such as corporations, government agencies, and consulting. Common career areas include Computer Forensics, Incident Response, Network Security Administration, Risk Assessment, and Web Development. Companies hiring DePaul graduates include Cisco, Deloitte, Northern Trust Corporation, TransUnion, IBM, and Discover Financial Services.

Research and Facilities

DePaul University's CyberCenter, founded in 2003, is chartered to advance the science, teaching, and practice of computer security, information assurance, network security, and related disciplines. The Center aims to increase awareness of security and produce program graduates who are better able to meet the increasing needs of the nation in the area of information assurance.

Faculty and Research Areas

The School of Computing faculty at DePaul University are actively involved in research and collaborate with students on projects that advance the field. Faculty members include Ryan Haley, Janine Spears, Philippe Labruyere, Corin Pitcher, and Filipo Sharevski, among others.

National Recognition

DePaul University has been designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency, indicating its commitment to promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and providing the nation with a pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals.