Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program at the University at Albany provides a solid foundation of theory and practical skills in key cybersecurity-related subject areas such as web technology, information security, computer networks, and more. Students can choose from four concentrations: Cyber Defense, Cyber Risk Management and Policy, Cyber Operations, or a Self-Designed concentration.

Program of Study

The program requires a total of 120 credits, including:

• 45 credits of general education courses
• 45 credits of major courses
• 30 credits of electives

Major Courses

• Foundations of Cybersecurity Management & Policy
• Technical Foundations of Cybersecurity
• Exploring New Horizons in Cybersecurity
• Information Systems Security and Assurance
• Senior Seminar in Cybersecurity
• Programming Essentials for Cybersecurity
• Web Technologies Essentials: Security and Design
• Database Fundamentals and Security Principles
• Introduction to Systems and Security
• Introduction to Computer Networks and Security
• Research Methods of Cybersecurity
• Elementary Statistics

Experiential Learning

Students can choose one of the following experiential learning options:

• Field Experience in Cybersecurity
• Senior Capstone in Cybersecurity
• Independent Research
• Cyber Community Support
• Internship for Cybersecurity
• Internship for Cybersecurity Fully Online
• Peer Educator Practicum

Electives

Students can choose from a variety of elective courses, including:

• Digital Project Management
• Operating Systems
• Data Analytics and AI in Cybersecurity
• Trustworthy AI
• Secure Software Development and Analysis
• Web Application Security
• Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis
• Economics of Cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity Policy, Law, and Institutions
• Cyber Threats and Intelligence

Concentrations

Cyber Defense

• Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
• Advanced Networking and Security
• Cyber Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics
• Prevention and Protection Strategies and Technologies in Cybersecurity

Cyber Risk Management & Policy

• Information Security Compliance and Audit
• Cybersecurity: Long Term Planning and Risk Management
• Information Security and Privacy
• Cyber Threats and Intelligence

Cyber Operations

• Calculus I
• Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms
• Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing
• Data Structures & Systems Programming
• Operating Systems
• Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis
• Wireless Technologies and Securities
• Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity

Self-Designed

• 12 credits selected in consultation with advisors and approved by the Cybersecurity Undergraduate Director

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options

Students can combine their BS in Cybersecurity with the following graduate programs:

• MS in Cybersecurity and Risk
• MS in Information Science

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in:

• Computer Security Specialist
• Security Consultant
• Information Security Analyst
• Ethical Hacker
• Computer Forensic Analyst
• Risk Manager
• Data Security Administrator
• Cryptographic Vulnerability Analyst
• Security Operations Center Analyst

Student Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of computer systems and identify their vulnerabilities
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of computer networks and identify their vulnerabilities
• Define and compare the different types of computer attacks
• Differentiate security vulnerabilities
• Demonstrate a knowledge of cryptographic principles, systems, and implementations
• Apply current principles and practices of digital forensics
• Demonstrate a knowledge of security policies and procedures
• Apply principles and practices of software security
• Create and implement plans to defend computer and networks systems in live exercises
• Demonstrate an understanding of sources of ongoing updates on security issues, approaches, and solutions

FAQs

• What can you do with a cybersecurity degree?
  • Earning a BS in Cybersecurity can help you develop the skills you’ll need to join a growing field.
• Is the BS in Cybersecurity program accredited?
  • The University at Albany is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State, and the MS in Information Science program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
• How long is the on-campus BS in Cybersecurity program? How long is the online BS in Cybersecurity program?
  • Both the on-campus and online BS in Cybersecurity programs take approximately four years to complete on a full-time schedule.
• How do the combined master’s programs work?
  • At UAlbany, we give you the opportunity to combine the BS in Cybersecurity program with either the MS in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity or the MS in Information Science program. This allows you to begin your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate — and paying an undergraduate rate. You can complete the combined program in only five years and pay less than if you completed each program separately.