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 2010Computing Fundamentals (TECO)3
CS 2370Introduction to Programming4
CS 3240Data Communication and Computer Networks3
CS 3600Database Management Systems & Security4
CS 3720Systems Analysis and Design3
CS 4230System Administration4
CS 4400Computer Networks and Protocols4
CS 4520CyberEthics (DICO,WRCO)3
CY 2020Cybersecurity Fundamentals4
CY 3010Ethical Hacking & Pentesting4
CY 3020Network Security4
CY 3030Digital Forensics & Incident Response4
CY 3040Cloud Security and Privacy4
CY 3100Red Team/Blue Team Capstone4
MA 2210Finite Math with Business Statistics (QRCO)4
MGM 3100Cybersecurity and Privacy for Business4
Pathways-HoME General Education
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
Writing Foundation Course:
EN 1400Composition4
Quantitative Foundation:
MA 1800College Algebra3
Pathway Credits16
IS 4220Signature Project (INCO,INCP)4
Electives5-8
Total Credits96
   
   
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