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
Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
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
 Credits16-18
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
 Credits16
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
 Credits17-19
Spring
Elective 3-4
Elective 3-4
CY 3010 Ethical Hacking & Pentesting 4
CS 4400 Computer Networks and Protocols 4
 Credits14-16
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
 Credits18-19
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
 Credits15
 Total Credits96

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