Program Overview
The multidisciplinary program in Cybersecurity is designed to produce graduates who can identify, assess, and manage cyber threats. The educational objectives for students completing this BS degree program are that they:
- Grow as well-educated professionals with an integrated high-level understanding of cyber systems, processes, and the main body of knowledge of computing and cybersecurity as a whole.
- Be able to creatively apply theoretical and practical knowledge of cybersecurity to identify, assess, and manage cyber threats.
- Work effectively, as an individual or as a member of a team, while communicating effectively with diverse audiences; contributing to a collaborative and inclusive environment; and complying with the ethical, legal, and professional standards of the discipline; and
- Maintain their skills as the field evolves and appreciate the need for continuing professional growth and development to keep current in the profession.
All undergraduate students majoring in Cybersecurity will meet the following student general outcomes, specified by ABET CAC, upon their graduation:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Specifically, graduates should have an ability to apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 39 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; and (3) major requirements outlined below. This program does not require a minor.
Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Cybersecurity enter the College Algebra Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1390 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit for MATH 1390.
Program Outline
The following program requirements also fulfill requirements within the lower-division UCA Core:
- MATH 1491 Applied Calculus or MATH 1496 Calculus I
- MGMT 2301 Business Communications
- PSCI 1330 US Government and Politics (American History/Government)
- PSCI 2300 Introduction to International Relations (Social Science)
Required Cybersecurity Core (54 credit hours)
- CISA 4355 Project Management [UD UCA Core: Z]
- CISA 4361 Cybersecurity Governance and Policy
- CSCI 1470 Computer Science I
- CSCI 1480 Computer Science II
- CSCI 2320 Data Structures
- CSCI 2335 Networking
- CSCI 3330 Algorithms
- CSCI 3360 Database Systems [UD UCA Core: C]
- CSCI 4300 Operating Systems
- CSCI 4305 Linux/UNIX Systems
- CSCI 4315 Information Security [UD UCA Core: R]
- CSCI 4321 Ethical Implications of Technology [UD UCA Core: D, R]
- CSEC 2300 Introduction to Cybersecurity
- CSEC 3300 Introduction to Number Theory and Cryptography
- CSEC 4490 Cybersecurity Capstone [UD UCA Core: Z]
- CSEC 3320 Computer Forensics [UD UCA Core: I]
- PSCI 3316 Cybersecurity Law and Policy [UD UCA Core: C]
Cybersecurity Concentration (12 credit hours)
Students majoring in Cybersecurity will be required to complete one of the following concentrations.
Cybersecurity Strategic Policy
- PSCI 4301 Civil Liberties [UD UCA Core: I]
- PSCI 4340 Seminar in Selected Topics: International Terrorism/Counter-Terrorism
- PSCI 3369 Cyber Citizenship
- PSCI 4388 American Foreign Policy
Management of Cybersecurity
- CISA 3321 Managing Systems and Technology
- CISA 4360 Principles of Information Security
- CISA 4380 Business Intelligence and Data Visualization
- CISA 3382 Internship in Computer Information Systems and Analytics (or an upper-division course approved by the chair)
Cyberphysical Security
- CSEC 4320 Ethical Hacking
- CSEC 4335 Network Security
- CSEC 4345 Cyberphysical Security
- CSCI 3375 Internship or another advanced course approved by the chair
Required Mathematics Courses (6 credit hours)
- MATH 2311 Elementary Statistics or QMTH 2330 Business Statistics or PSCI 2312 Statistical Methods for Political Analysis
and
- CSCI 2330 Discrete Mathematics for Computing
Abbreviation Key – UCA Core Program
LD = Lower Division
UD = Upper Division
C = Effective Communication
D = Diversity
I = Critical Inquiry
R = Responsible Living
Z = Capstone Experience
University of Central Arkansas
Overview:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. It boasts a rich 115-year tradition of excellence and is committed to providing an innovative and collaborative education within a culture of student support and success.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Accessibility Resources and Services:
Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Bear Card:
A multi-purpose card used for access to campus facilities, meal plans, and more.Bookstore:
Provides textbooks, course materials, and merchandise.Campus Safety:
Ensures a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Disability Resource Center:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to help students fund their education.Food Services:
Provides dining options on campus.Housing & Residence Life:
Offers on-campus housing options and residence life programs.Information Technology:
Provides technical support and resources for students.Library:
Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Health:
Provides healthcare services to students.Student Organizations:
Offers a wide variety of student organizations for students to join and engage in extracurricular activities.Veterans Services:
Provides support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections. Students can:
Join over 150 Recognized Student Organizations:
Catering to diverse interests and passions.Participate in various events and activities:
From sporting events to cultural performances.Live in on-campus housing:
With various residence halls and living learning communities.Enjoy recreational facilities:
Including a campus recreation center.Volunteer in the community:
Through service-learning opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
UCA Commitment:
A groundbreaking program offering a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming Arkansas freshmen with household income of $100k or less.Small class sizes:
Allowing for personalized attention from faculty.Engaging programs:
Providing hands-on learning experiences and internships.Supportive community:
Fostering a sense of belonging and success.Strong academic reputation:
With a focus on research and experiential learning.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a wide range of academic programs across five colleges:
