Computer Science BA with Cybersecurity Minor

*This Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Department program is pending approval by the National Security Agency.

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Pursuing the Cyber Defense Designation

The National Security Agency (NSA) is in the process of evaluating the Program of Study (POS), Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science with the Cybersecurity minor, for designation in the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) program for Cyber Defense (CD). The CAE Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions that offer cyber degrees that also demonstrate that it engages in significant community involvement, academic activities, and institutional practices in cybersecurity.

Program Advisory Board

  • Adai Aydin '12, Principal Systems Analyst, Fidelity Investments 
  • Greg Brooks '11, Business Development Analyst, South County Health
  • Matt Hallam '10, Solutions Architect, Amica Insurance
  • Kristian Maiorano '11, IT Manager, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
  • Francesca Malerba '16, Product Support Consultant, Fidelity
  • Jesus Mendoza '13, IT Administrator, WPRI
  • Victor Nunez '14, United Collaborations Engineer, Carousel Industries
  • Dario Pereira '12, Global Service Desk Manager, Argus Information and Advisory Services
  • Myshele Petersen (Costa) '11, IT Service and Support Manager, Consigli Construction
  • Mike Saraiva '13, Systems Engineer II, IGT
  • Kris Wetterland '13, Propel Associate, Fidelity Investments

Program Details

Completing the Program of Study

Students must satisfy these requirements to earn the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Minor. When earned, students will receive official documentation recognizing their completion of the NSA Validated Program of Study.

Program Learning Outcomes for Cybersecurity Minor

  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic threats, attacks and vulnerabilities that exist in today’s digital world
  • create a virtual secure environment to practice with basic networking, password cracking and security tools
  • demonstrate secure programming techniques
  • articulate basic cryptography techniques from the past and from today’s world
  • gain a basic understanding of security and compliance laws, cyber security opportunities and job market

Program Learning Outcomes for Computer Science BA

  • a background in the content and methodology of computer science
  • an understanding of and the ability to use basic programming concepts and techniques
  • an understanding of and the ability to use basic concepts and techniques in computer organization, architecture, and operating systems
  • the ability to apply their knowledge of computer science to solve problems
  • the ability to use problem-solving skills to design, implement and test programs individually
  • the ability to use problem-solving skills to design, implement and test programs as a member of a team

Course Requirements for Cybersecurity Minor

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CSCI 102Computer Fundamentals for Cyber Security4
CSCI 157Introduction to Algorithmic Thinking in Python4
CSCI 402Cyber Security Principles4
CSCI 410Digital Forensics4
CSCI 432Network and Systems Security4
 Total Credits:20

Course Requirements for Computer Science Major

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CSCI 209Discrete Structures Using Python4
CSCI 211Computer Programming and Design4
CSCI 212WData Structures4
CSCI 309Object-Oriented Design4
CSCI 313Computer Organization and Architecture4
CSCI 325Organization of Programming Language3
CSCI 401WSoftware Engineering3
CSCI 423Analysis of Algorithms4
CSCI 435Operating Systems4
Three Courses from CSCI 305 (4) or CSCI 402 (4) or CSCI 416 (4), CSCI 415 (4), CSCI 422 (4), CSCI 427 (3), CSCI 428 (4), CSCI 437(4), CSCI 455 (4), CSCI 467 (4), CSCI 476(4).Three CS Electives11-12
MATH 212Calculus 14
 Total Credits:49-50
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Contact

Department of Computer Science and Information Systems

The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems is your source for technology-related majors.