Program Overview
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering
Overview
The B.S. in Cybersecurity Engineering prepares engineers to be cybersecurity professionals with the knowledge, skills, and ability to conceptualize, design, engineer, and implement all components of a cyber-physical, network system.
Careers in Cybersecurity Engineering
Cybersecurity is a national security issue and an economic concern for Florida and the United States. As more industrial equipment and processes rely on computer-based, remotely controlled systems, such as autonomous vehicles and smart grids, their secure operation is important. Nationwide, demand is growing for engineering jobs, especially in cyber-physical security, and ABET has responded by developing accreditation standards that articulate industry expectations and requirements associated with the broad field of cybersecurity, both software and hardware systems.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Data, the employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 17,300 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Salary Ranges
The median annual wage for information security analysts was $124,910 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $69,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $186,420.
Curriculum
Cybersecurity Engineering is a high-quality program focused on education, professional development, and research to prepare outstanding cybersecurity engineering graduates and to provide service to the community. The program is interdisciplinary and encompasses a range of disciplines including computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, engineering, science, and mathematics. The program educates students in the fundamental core of Cybersecurity Engineering of physical systems and its cutting-edge, high-impact areas focusing on industrial plans, smart-grid and hardware security.
Why Florida Poly?
At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education. Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.
The Internship Experience
At Florida Poly, internships aren't just encouraged—they're a fundamental part of the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry, frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates.
Capstone Design
Florida Poly's capstone design course is the pinnacle of each students' academic journey, consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields.
Alumni Making an Impact
Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries. These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the trajectory of technology.
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates are expected to be known for their accomplishments within a few years of graduation and they should:
- Demonstrate accomplishment in developing solutions in a specialized area of cybersecurity engineering either individually or through interdisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrate technical leadership through professional activities.
- Demonstrate professional growth and success through post-graduate education, continuing education, or distinction as innovator and entrepreneur.
Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the cybersecurity engineering degree, students will possess:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that met specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informal judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Meet the Faculty
- Muhammad Rashid, Professor & Director of Cybersecurity Engineering Opportunities
- Rawa Adla, Assistant Professor
- Farhan Bin Tarik, Assistant Professor
- Mohammad Farmani, Assistant Professor
- Karthikeya Kakaraparty, Visiting Assistant Professor
- Mohammad Reza Khalghani, Assistant Professor
- Sundari Ramabhotla, Assistant Professor
- Onur Toker, Assistant Chair for ECCSE and Professor
- Muhammad Ullah, Associate Professor
Get Involved Outside the Classroom
We have an active student organization community with more than 35 clubs that vary based on specific academic interests, professional development, and activities just for fun.
Events & Activities
Dive into the thrilling campus life at Florida Poly. From Florida PolyCon (a comic-con like event), Purple Fire Week, poolside grill-outs and movie nights, to an annual 5K Pie Run, an epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf gun war, and so much more. At Florida Poly, there is something for everyone and the small campus vibe makes it easy to get involved.
University Teams
Join Florida Poly's University Teams for next-level competition and camaraderie! Whether you're into esports, soccer, weightlifting, robotics, or lacrosse, there's a team for you. Pursue excellence alongside like-minded teammates and take your skills to the next level. With a diverse range of options, there's something for everyone to enjoy while striving for victory!
Student Clubs & Organizations
At Florida Poly, campus engagement is key to fostering lifelong connections, teamwork, and leadership. With over 35 student-run clubs, there's ample opportunity to explore passions and forge friendships beyond lectures and labs. Joining clubs empowers students to pursue interests, develop skills, and create lasting memories with like-minded peers, enriching the college experience and shaping futures.
Campus Recreation
Florida Poly's exceptional recreation facilities offer students, faculty, and staff opportunities for physical activity, fostering healthy lifestyle habits. Featuring a fully equipped weight room, junior Olympic swimming pool, basketball courts, beach volleyball, soccer fields, and disc golf, there's something for everyone to stay active and energized.
