Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics & Natural Sciences

Cybersecurity

B.S. Minor: Cybersecurity

Department Chair: Dr. Margaret Reese

Cybersecurity is the study of protecting digital information and infrastructure from unauthorized access, attack, and misuse. The major builds a strong programming and systems foundation, then moves into dedicated coursework in threat identification, network security, ethical hacking, and the legal and ethical considerations that come with the field.

Students complete core programming and mathematics requirements alongside Cybersecurity's own course sequence — starting with fundamentals and Unix systems, then advancing into networking, operating systems security, and penetration testing. Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in this fast-growing field.

A Cybersecurity minor is also available and can be paired with any major except Computer Science and Computer Information Systems, which already build cybersecurity coursework into their own curricula.

Requirements

CS 112 Computer Programming I
4 hrs
CS 212 Computer Programming II
4 hrs
CYB 101 Cybersecurity Basics
4 hrs
CYB 230 Unix Operating System
4 hrs
CYB 301 Cybersecurity Essentials and Tools
4 hrs
CS 489 Research in Computer Science
4 hrs
CYB Electives Three of: CYB 320 Cyber Networks and Communication · CYB 389 Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity · CYB 423 Operating Systems Security and Administration · CYB 445 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing · CYB 470 Internship in Cybersecurity
12 hrs
CS Elective One of: CS 310 Introduction to Computer Systems · CS 311 Data Structures · other 300/400-level CS courses as approved by advisor
4 hrs
CS 107 Introduction to Python Programming
4 hrs
Calculus One of: MATH 135 Calculus with Precalculus Part I · MATH 171 Calculus I
4 hrs
Math/Logic Elective One of: MATH 172 Calculus II · CS 205 Foundations of Logic and Proof
4 hrs
MATH 210 Introductory Statistics
4 hrs
Total Hours Required 56

Courses

Cybersecurity coursework builds from foundational programming and Unix systems through networking, operating systems security, and ethical hacking. Required Computer Science and Mathematics courses supporting the major are listed below alongside the core CYB sequence.

CYB 101 4 credits

Cybersecurity Basics

An entry-level exploration into the world of cybersecurity, introducing students to critical threats (e.g., malware, phishing), fundamental principles (e.g., authentication, authorization), and foundational technologies (e.g., antivirus, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems), making it ideal for beginners seeking a smooth start into the cybersecurity field. Prerequisite: Math placement level B or higher or MATH 104 with a grade B or higher. Offered every fall.

CYB 230 4 credits

Unix Operating System

An introduction to Unix operating system covering the Unix file system, Unix shell, and basic utilities used for file management, process monitoring, and text processing. Through practical exercises, students will master file navigation and management, use VI editor, and effectively perform tasks within a Unix environment. Prerequisite: Math placement level B or higher or MATH 104 with a grade B or higher. Offered every spring.

CYB 301 4 credits

Cybersecurity Essentials and Tools

The course examines the concepts, principles, and applications of cybersecurity in the IT infrastructure and explores the knowledge and skills needed to ensure security of information and information systems within organizations. Prerequisite: CYB 101 with a grade of C- or higher and consent. Offered spring of even-numbered years.

CYB 320 4 credits

Cyber Networks and Communication

Networks and Cybersecurity is an introductory course that provides students with the foundational knowledge in networking necessary for cybersecurity. The curriculum encompasses a study of network infrastructures, OSI Model layers, Internet Protocol suites, and network security protocols. Aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and competencies essential for further studies and advancement in networks and cybersecurity. Prerequisite: CYB 101 with a grade of C- or consent. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.

CYB 389 4 credits

Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity

Explores an area of cybersecurity which is not otherwise included in the curriculum. Students may repeat the course for credit as the topic varies. Prerequisite: CYB 101 with a grade of C- or higher and CYB 230 with a grade of C- or higher. May be repeated up to two times for credit as topics change. Offered spring of even-numbered years.

CYB 423 4 credits

Operating Systems Security and Administration

This course provides and in-depth examination of operating system security. Students will learn about vulnerabilities, file permissions, kernel security, and various security tools. The course combines theoretical concepts with practical exercises for securing local and remote systems. Prerequisite: CYB 101 with a grade of C- or higher and CYB 230 with a grade of C- or higher or consent. CYB 301 is recommended. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.

CYB 445 4 credits

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

This course delves into ethical hacking and penetration testing, with a focus on vulnerability scanning, system, and web security. Through hands-on activities, students learn to assess system security while following ethical and legal guidelines. The curriculum prepares students for cybersecurity roles by blending theory and practice. Prerequisite: CYB 101 with a grade of C- or higher and CYB 230 with a grade of C- or higher or consent. CYB 320 (Cyber Networks and Communication) is recommended. Offered spring of even-numbered years.

CYB 470 4 credits

Internship in Cybersecurity

An intensive experience in the cybersecurity field conducted in a professional setting where students engage in real-world tasks, challenges, and projects related to cybersecurity. Prerequisites: junior/senior status, cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and consent. Offered intermittently.

CYB 489 4 credits

Research in Cybersecurity

Students conduct original research in cybersecurity, working closely with faculty to develop projects. They present findings orally at the research symposium and in a research paper, with encouragement to present at a conference. Prerequisite: Junior/senior status and consent. Can be taken multiple times. Offered intermittently.

CS 107 4 credits

Introduction to Python Programming

The basic components of Python programming language are studied. Topics include variables and types, expressions, statements, conditions with selection and looping, functions. Concepts and basics on lists, tuples, sets and dictionaries are also presented. Prerequisite: placement level H, A, B, or C. Students with credit for CS 112 or higher by consent only. Offered every fall.

CS 112 4 credits

Computer Programming I

An introduction to computer programming using a modern programming language. Topics include the program development process, structured programming, data types, variables and expressions, input/output, assignment, selection, looping, functions, and arrays. Prerequisite: placement level H, A, or B, or MATH 104 with a grade of B or higher, or consent. CS 107, CS 110 or a high school programming class is strongly recommended. Offered every semester.

CS 205 4 credits

Foundations of Logic and Proof

Introduction to abstract mathematical thinking and logical reasoning skills needed in upper-level Math/CS courses. Topics include logic, argument, proofs, induction, sets, and abstract functions and relations. Emphasizes mathematical writing. Identical to MATH 205. Prerequisite: MATH 217 with a grade of C- or higher, or CS 212 with a grade of C or higher, or consent. Recommended spring of sophomore year. Offered every spring.

CS 212 4 credits

Computer Programming II

A continuation of CS 112. Topics include advanced programming design in static methods (void and value-returning methods), arrays used in methods, classes, array-based lists, selection sort, binary search, object-oriented programming techniques (inheritance, polymorphism, and composition), and recursion. Prerequisite: CS 202 with a grade of C- or higher, CS 112 with a grade of C or higher, or consent. Offered every semester.

CS 310 4 credits

Introduction to Computer Systems

Introduces the basic concepts of computer organization and assembly language. Specific topics include CPU and memory organization, machine language, addressing techniques, macros, program segmentation and linkage, and assembler construction. Satisfies the oral competency requirement for computer science majors. Prerequisite: CS 212 with a grade of C or higher and consent. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.

CS 311 4 credits

Data Structures

An introduction to commonly used computer data structuring techniques. Topics include abstract data types, classes, queues, stacks, linked lists, algorithm analysis, sorting, searching, trees, and graphs. Prerequisite: CS 212 with a grade of C or higher or consent. Offered every fall.

CS 489 2 or 4 credits

Research in Computer Science

Offers students the opportunity to conduct original scientific research in an area of interest. Students work closely with one or more members of the natural science faculty to develop and conduct a research project, then present their findings orally during the semester's undergraduate research symposium and as a formal research paper. Students are encouraged to present their findings at a conference. Prerequisites: junior/senior status and a major in Computer Science, prior approval by the project advisor, and consent of the instructor. Students may enroll for 2 or 4 hours in a given semester. May be repeated for a maximum total of 8 semester hours. Identical to BIO 489, CHEM 489, EES 489, and MATH 489. Offered intermittently.

MATH 135 4 credits

Calculus with Precalculus, Part I

Students learn the basic tools of calculus, why they work, and how to apply them in various contexts. Symbolic, graphical, and numerical approaches are considered. Topics include limits, derivatives, and applications. Includes sufficient coverage of functions and trigonometry to support the study of calculus and of other sciences. The two-course sequence, MATH 135 and 136, is sufficient preparation for MATH 172 Calculus II. Prerequisite: placement level B, MATH 104 with a grade B or higher, or consent. Offered every fall.

MATH 171 4 credits

Calculus I

Students learn the basic tools of calculus, why they work, and how to apply them in various contexts. Calculus I develops differential calculus through symbolic, graphical, and numerical approaches. Topics include differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, applications in modeling and optimization, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and an introduction to differential equations. Prerequisite: placement level A or MATH 170 (grade C- or higher). Offered every semester.

MATH 172 4 credits

Calculus II

A continuation of Calculus I. More advanced techniques are studied and used to solve quantitative problems in various contexts. Topics include integration techniques, applications of definite integration, polar coordinates, parametric equations, and sequences and series. Prerequisite: MATH 136 or 171 with a grade of C- or higher or consent. Offered every semester.

MATH 210 4 credits

Introductory Statistics

Introduces students to learning from data. Topics include the basics of data production, data analysis, probability, Central Limit Theorem, and statistical inference. Statistical software is used for data management, calculation, and visualization. No previous knowledge of statistics is required. Students cannot receive credit for both MATH 210 and PSY 210. Prerequisites: sophomore status or higher, and placement level H, A, or B, or MATH 104 with a grade of C- or higher. Not appropriate for first-year students. Students must have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator. Offered every semester.

Career Outcomes

Information Security

Prepare for roles defending organizations against cyber threats — security analyst, security engineer, and incident response positions.

Security Analyst Incident Response Information Security

Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing

Coursework in ethical hacking and penetration testing prepares students for offensive security roles that test and strengthen organizational defenses.

Penetration Testing Ethical Hacking Red Team

Network & Systems Security

Build expertise in network defense, operating systems security, and Unix administration for careers in network and systems security.

Network Security Systems Administration Unix

Government & Defense

Hampton Roads' concentration of military, intelligence, and defense organizations offers strong opportunities for cybersecurity graduates in government and defense roles.

Government Defense Intelligence

Faculty

John Wang (John)
John Wang (John)

Professor of Computer Science

757-455-5710
Allen Village 121

Abdullah Al-Alaj
Abdullah Al-Alaj

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

757-233-8742
132 Clarke Hall