Cybersecurity Program
Our program offers a Bachelor of Science (scientiae baccalaureus, S.B. or B.S.) degree in Cybersecurity. The degree is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computer science and related disciplines while developing problem-solving skills relevant to the business, scientific, government, and public sectors.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program have successfully pursued advanced degrees and careers in research and application-oriented positions in business, industry, government, and education. The diversity of course offerings and rigorous degree requirements ensure that B.S. in Computer Science graduates acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to support their career goals.
In the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program, students learn the fundamentals of information security, including the design and implementation of secure systems, security assessment, and computer security ethics. Students utilize a variety of cutting-edge technologies and laboratory environments through hands-on learning activities. Upon completion of the B.S. in Cybersecurity degree, students will: (1) demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts of information security; (2) demonstrate and communicate best practices and ethical principles in cybersecurity; and (3) design and implement secure systems. The B.S. in Cybersecurity is offered in both on-campus and online formats.
Graduates of the B.S. in Cybersecurity program will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue security-focused careers in areas such as network and computer administration, systems analysis, computer support, cybersecurity, and related fields. In addition, students will be prepared to pursue related graduate-level programs, including programs in Computer Science and Cybersecurity.
Students have access to a wide range of computing resources, including UNIX-based systems, high-performance computing resources, microcomputers, and hands-on network configuration laboratories. UIS has also received national recognition for its participation in cybersecurity education and research initiatives.
The Computer Science Department's cybersecurity curriculum is aligned with national cybersecurity education standards and supports the University's designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program.
Computer laboratories are available during evenings and weekends, and some systems are accessible 24 hours a day. On-campus students have access to high-speed wired and wireless Internet connectivity.
Cybersecurity Courses
This listing offers extended information on Cybersecurity courses, such as topics covered. View the full list of available CSC courses and course descriptions in the UIS catalog.
- CSC 366. Introduction to Networking
- CSC 367. Introduction to Cybersecurity
- CSC 430. Foundations of Network Security and Information Assurance
- CSC 431. Network Security & Computer Ethics
- CSC 433. Intrusion Detection
- CSC 437. Introduction to Cryptography
- CSC 438. Systems Security and Information Assurance Capstone
- CSC 522. Wireless and Mobile Networks
- CSC 527. Security Testing Essentials
- CSC 531. Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity
- CSC 564. Computer Security
Admission Requirements
The B.S. degree in Cybersecurity is offered in both an on-campus and an online format. Formal application to the degree is required for admission. In addition to the materials required for general admission, applicants to the B.S. in Cybersecurity degree program must submit the Statement of Purpose form when they apply. Students whose native language is not English must meet the Basic Entrance Requirement for English Language Proficiency. Enrollment in CSC 305 Entrance Assessment is required during the first semester.
Entrance requirements for transfer students include the equivalent of two semesters of Java programming and one semester each of business calculus or calculus, discrete or finite mathematics, and statistics. Though it is preferred that online students already have completed program entrance requirements, online and on-campus students may take CSC 225, CSC 275, MAT 113 or MAT 115, MAT 114 or MAT 302, and MAT 121 at UIS to satisfy these requirements. Students must complete the Java Programming and Discrete/Finite Mathematics requirements prior to enrolling in upper-division core computer science classes. Twelve of these hours may be counted toward the degree as general electives. Students considering an advanced degree or a career in a scientific field are strongly encouraged to take a second semester of calculus.