Digital systems hold information and support services people count on. In the B.S. in Cybersecurity, you learn how those systems can be compromised and how to protect them. You’ll study computing, security and risk, then choose a Technical or Management track. Across both, you consider the people and organizations affected by the decisions you make.

Students sit at computers in a lab

What You’ll Study

Cybersecurity

Everyone studies programming, digital forensics, information and network security, and how organizations assess security risk. Mathematics and statistics help you analyze problems, while a capstone brings your learning together. You’ll also choose one of two tracks to develop a particular direction.

Major Requirements & Courses

The B.S. in Cybersecurity is a 58 credit hour program. It includes 28 hours of cybersecurity foundations, 8 hours of mathematics, 8 hours of electives and a 14 hour Technical or Management track.

Cybersecurity Foundations - 28 semester hours

  • Computer Science I
  • Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Digital Forensics
  • Information Security
  • Network Security
  • Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance
  • Cybersecurity Capstone

Mathematical Foundations — 8 semester hours

  • Discrete Structures
  • Statistics in Application

Electives — 8 semester hours

Choose two courses from the following.

Each department can only count once towards this requirement.

The Internship in Cybersecurity (CYB 4985) and Research (CYB 4999) may count for a maximum of 4 elective semester hours each.

  • Legal and Ethical Environment of Business (BUS)
  • Artificial Intelligence (CSC)
  • Critical Thinking (PHL)
  • Political Philosophy (PHL)
  • International Terrorism (POL)
  • International Security (POL)
  • Criminal Behavior (PSY)
  • Research (CYB)
  • Internship in Cybersecurity (CYB)

Program Tracks

You may choose 14 semester hours in either the Management or Technical track.

Technical Track

The Technical Track adds programming and cloud security, with a choice of software design or web development. You can also study an emerging cybersecurity topic or complete an internship. This track lets you look closely at how systems are built, where they may be vulnerable and how to strengthen them.

Required courses – 8 semester hours

  • Computer Science II
  • Cloud Security

Choose one of the following courses – 4 semester hours

  • Software Design
  • Web Development

Choose one of the following courses – 2 semester hours

  • Emerging Topics in Cybersecurity
  • Internship in Cybersecurity

Management Track

The Management Track adds business analytics, data wrangling and generative AI for business, along with an internship. You’ll work with information that can help an organization understand its risks and decide where to focus its efforts. You take the same cybersecurity foundation as students in the Technical Track.

Required courses – 12 semester hours

  • Generative AI for Business
  • Foundations of Business Analytics
  • Data Wrangling

Choose one of the following courses – 4 semester hours

  • Internship in Business
  • Internship in Cybersecurity

Your typical four-year plan

The recommended sequence shows how a full four-year course of study fits together.
You'll work with your advisor to find the right path for you.

Year One — 37 semester hours

Fall Semester

  • Computer Science I
  • Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Calculus I
  • Global Experience
  • Orientation

Winter Term

  • Core Curriculum (Expression)

Spring Semester

  • Statistics in Application
  • Writing: Argument and Inquiry
  • Core Curriculum (Lab Science)
  • World Language I

Year Two — 36 semester hours

Fall Semester

  • Digital Forensics
  • Information Security
  • Discrete Structures
  • Core Curriculum (Civilization)

Winter Term

  • Core Curriculum (Expression)

Spring Semester

  • Network Security
  • Computer Science II (Technical Track) or Foundations of Business Analytics (Management Track)
  • Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
  • World Language II

Year Three — 36 semester hours

Fall Semester

  • Web Development (Technical Track) or Data Wrangling (Management Track)
  • Critical Thinking
  • Advanced Studies (outside cybersecurity)
  • Core Curriculum (Civilization)

Winter Term

  • Core Curriculum (Society)

Spring Semester

  • Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance
  • Cloud Security (Technical Track) or Generative AI for Business (Management Track)
  • Advanced Studies (outside cybersecurity)
  • Core Curriculum (Society)

Year Four — 36 semester hours

Fall Semester

  • Core Capstone Seminar
  • Free Elective
  • Free Elective
  • Free Elective

Winter Term

  • Free Elective

Spring Semester

  • Cybersecurity Capstone
  • Emerging Topics in Cybersecurity (Technical Track) or Internship in Cybersecurity, 2 semester hours (Management Track)
  • Free Elective
  • Free Elective
Scott Spurlock teaching a computer science class in Duke Building

Is this program right for you?

Protect what people depend on.

The B.S. in Cybersecurity fits if you’re curious about how digital systems can be compromised and want to help make them more secure. You’ll investigate technical problems, consider legal and ethical responsibilities, and work with others to prevent or respond to threats. Whether you’re drawn to building secure systems or helping an organization make decisions about risk, this work asks you to keep learning as technology changes.

Where a B.S. in Cybersecurity might lead

There are many combinations of courses that you can add to your degree path, and a wide range of professional opportunities. A few options are here, but talk with your advisor about a combination that fits the direction you're considering.

Secure systems and response

Related study in

  • Computer Science II
  • Cloud Security
  • Software Design
  • Emerging Topics in Cybersecurity

Possible roles as

  • Cloud Security Analyst
  • Security Software Engineer
  • Incident Response Analyst

Organizational security and risk

Related study in

  • Generative AI for Business
  • Foundations of Business Analytics
  • Data Wrangling
  • Legal and Ethical Environment of Business

Possible roles as

  • Governance, Risk and Compliance Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Risk Analyst
  • Security Program Analyst

Your Faculty

Faculty traditionally associated with the B.S. in Cybersecurity major.

Program Coordinator