Cybersecurity, B.S.

Program of Study

Cybersecurity is an emerging and rapidly expanding discipline that addresses fundamental security challenges in the design, development, operation and life-cycle support of information systems in the context of adversaries. Cybersecurity is also an interdisciplinary field that involves technology, people, information, and processes to enable assured operations.
The Cybersecurity program at CSUSM is designed to provide students a balance of breadth and depth of security knowledge and skills essential to understanding the multidimensional nature of securing organizational data, system, devices, network and services from a holistic view.
Our program emphasizes hands-on learning and focuses on developing students’ practical skills in solving complex security challenges to meet the significant workforce demands. It is also designed with adaptability in mind to adjust as the field advances.

The educational objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at CSUSM are to produce graduates who, within three or five years after graduation, are able to:

• Be engaged in professional practice as innovative problem solvers with a strong work ethic;
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a team member and/or leader in an ever-changing professional environment; and
• Continue their life-long learning such as progressing through advanced degree or certificate in programs in computing, science, engineering, business, and other professionally related fields.

The curriculum for cybersecurity begins with the necessary preparatory courses in mathematics, programming and computer systems. Core courses and electives cover a wide range of topics including network security, cyber defense and ethical hacking, applied cryptography, computer and software security, computer forensics and penetrating testing, usable and enterprise system security, and cyber intelligence. Students will take courses that include laboratory activities. Students are also required to do a senior capstone project, which involves planning, design, implementation, documentation, and presentation.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity will be able to:

• Analyze a complex computing problem and to 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.
• Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

Career Opportunities

Cybersecurity graduates hold a wide range of job titles including: Cybersecurity Analyst, Cybersecurity Engineer, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, DevSecOps Engineer, Software Developer, Cybersecurity Manager, Penetration & Vulnerability Tester, Systems Administrator, Cybersecurity Consultant, Cybersecurity Specialist, Information Security Officer. A degree in cybersecurity also prepares students for graduate study in cybersecurity and related fields.

Admission Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity maintains the same general Undergraduate Admission and Graduation Requirements and/or Transfer policies/requirements described in the California State University San Marcos catalog.

Degree Requirements

All courses used for the major and preparation for the major must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.
A minimum of 15 upper-division units counted for the major must be completed at CSUSM.

Lower Division General Education (48 Units)

General Education Requirements  

Preparation for the Major (35 units)

Major Requirements (45 units)

Minimal Total (120 units)

Students must take a sufficient number of elective units to bring the total to a minimum of 120.