Cybersecurity (APB)
The Applied Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is not just a degree—it is a solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our time: protecting digital assets in an increasingly interconnected world. PSU’s program addresses the critical talent gap, aligns with industry needs, and leverages cutting-edge resources to produce skilled professionals ready to make an immediate impact. By bridging academic learning with practical application, the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the cybersecurity landscape.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| CS 2010 | Computing Fundamentals (TECO) | 3 |
| CS 2370 | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
| CS 3240 | Data Communication and Computer Networks | 3 |
| CS 3600 | Database Management Systems & Security | 4 |
| CS 3720 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CS 4230 | System Administration | 4 |
| CS 4400 | Computer Networks and Protocols | 4 |
| CS 4520 | CyberEthics (DICO,WRCO) | 3 |
| CY 2020 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 4 |
| CY 3010 | Ethical Hacking & Pentesting | 4 |
| CY 3020 | Network Security | 4 |
| CY 3030 | Digital Forensics & Incident Response | 4 |
| CY 3040 | Cloud Security and Privacy | 4 |
| CY 3100 | Red Team/Blue Team Capstone | 4 |
| MA 2210 | Finite Math with Business Statistics (QRCO) | 4 |
| MGM 3100 | Cybersecurity and Privacy for Business | 4 |
| General Education | ||
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA 1800 | College Algebra | 3 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| IS 4220 | Signature Project (INCO,INCP) | 4 |
| Electives | 9-12 | |
| Total Credits | 96 | |
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA 1800 | College Algebra | 3 |
| CS 2010 | Computing Fundamentals (TECO) | 3 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) | 3-4 | |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 16-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| MA 2210 | Finite Math with Business Statistics (QRCO) | 4 |
| CY 2020 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 4 |
| CS 2370 | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) | 3-4 | |
| CS 3240 | Data Communication and Computer Networks | 3 |
| MGM 3100 | Cybersecurity and Privacy for Business | 4 |
| CS 3600 | Database Management Systems & Security | 4 |
| Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 17-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| Elective | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 3-4 | |
| CY 3010 | Ethical Hacking & Pentesting | 4 |
| CS 4400 | Computer Networks and Protocols | 4 |
| Credits | 14-16 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| CY 3020 | Network Security | 4 |
| CS 4230 | System Administration | 4 |
| CY 3030 | Digital Forensics & Incident Response | 4 |
| CS 4520 | CyberEthics (DICO,WRCO) | 3 |
| Elective | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 18-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| CY 3040 | Cloud Security and Privacy | 4 |
| CS 3720 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| IS 4220 | Signature Project (INCO,INCP) | 4 |
| CY 3100 | Red Team/Blue Team Capstone | 4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 96 | |
Students who complete the Cybersecurity program at PSU will graduate with:
• A strong theoretical background as well as applied hands-on experience creating,
maintaining, diagnosing, and solving Cybersecurity systems, situations, and problems. They will know how to build, design, develop, and maintain systems and networks.
• Tried and tested experience working with Cybersecurity incidents through the experience they gain with the planned NIST-specified Cyber Range.
• Recognized and desired expertise in this dynamic and complex field, as well as a level of innovation and entrepreneurship gained through their experience in our Clusters environment.
• The knowledge to recognize and identify threats, categorize them, and address them in a timely manner.
• Proven professional and social skills needed to work both self-directed, or in teams, to succeed in their careers.
Cybersecurity jobs are growing as per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the cybersecurity program is designed for entry-level positions. Example job titles may include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Incident Response Analyst
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Security Specialist
- Network Security Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Red Team/Offensive Security Analyst