Program Overview

Introduction to the Cybersecurity Program

The Cybersecurity major at Virginia Wesleyan University is designed to equip students with the essential skills for safeguarding digital information and infrastructure. The program emphasizes the identification and mitigation of cyber threats, along with a deep understanding of legal and ethical considerations in cybersecurity. Graduates are well-prepared for a range of career opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.

About the Program

The minor in cybersecurity focuses on the dynamic challenges and countermeasures in the digital world and IT infrastructure. This program conveys a foundational understanding of the rapidly expanding realm of cybersecurity, emphasizing measures to protect against unauthorized access to computer systems and internet-connected data. Students in this minor will acquire practical skills in cybersecurity tools and protection tactics, equipping them to think analytically about networked systems and their associated security risks.

Majors and Minors

• Cybersecurity (BS)
• Minor: Cybersecurity

Program Chair and College

• Program Chair: Dr. Maynard Schaus
• College: Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Major Requirements

The Cybersecurity (BS) major requires the following courses:

• CS 112: Computer Programming I
• CS 212: Computer Programming II
• 8 Core CYB Courses:
  • CYB 101: Cybersecurity Basics
  • CYB 230: Unix Operating System
  • CYB 301: Cybersecurity Essentials and Tools
  • CS 489: Research in Computer Science
• 16 Three other 300/400 Elective CYB courses:
  • CYB 320: Cyber Networks and Communication (4)
  • CYB 389: Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity (4)
  • CYB 423: Operating Systems Security and Administration (4)
  • CYB 445: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing (4)
  • CYB 470: Internship in Cybersecurity (4)
• 12 One of the following CS courses:
  • CS 310: Introduction to Computer Systems (4)
  • CS 311: Data Structures (4)
  • Other 300/400 level CS courses as approved by the advisor
• 4 CS 107: Introduction to Python Programming
• 4 One of the following courses:
  • MATH 135: Calculus with Precalculus Part I (4)
  • MATH 171: Calculus I (4)
• 4 One of the following courses:
  • MATH 172: Calculus II (4)
  • CS 205: Foundations of Logic and Proof (4)
• 4 MATH 120: Introductory Statistics
• Total Hours: 52

Minor Requirements

The minor in Cybersecurity requires the following courses:

• CS 112: Computer Programming I
• CYB 101: Cybersecurity Basics
• CYB 230: Unix Operating System
• 8 Two 300/400 level Cybersecurity (CYB) courses
• Total: 20

Career Options

Career options in cybersecurity include:

• Information Security Analyst
• Network Security Engineer
• Cybersecurity Consultant
• Penetration Tester
• Security Architect
• Security Software Developer
• Compliance Analyst

Why Study at VWU?

Virginia Wesleyan University is an inclusive community grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and dedicated to scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship. The university inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world.