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Cybersecurity, Political Science Emphasis

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The field of cybersecurity is growing rapidly. Due to the integration of cyber-systems in our daily lives, our businesses, and our governments, there is a huge need for cyber expertise. Lander's B.S. in Cybersecurity program prepares students for a career in this high demand field.

The program educates and trains students for careers in technical and non-technical areas related to the field of cybersecurity. Students completing the core courses of this program will gain deep technical knowledge to develop and maintain cybersecurity solutions along with an understanding of non-technical areas including administrative, ethical, and legal aspects of cybersecurity. The Political Science emphasis focuses on policy development and compliance, and the legal aspects related to the field of cybersecurity.

This major serves both traditional and non-traditional students seeking education and training in the growing field of cybersecurity. The program covers all core elements of the cybersecurity field and is suitable for individuals with no prior knowledge of computing or cybersecurity, e.g. students finishing high school or individuals with no prior computing knowledge or experience.

Careers in Cybersecurity

This is a great time to pursue a cybersecurity career. With an almost zero rate of unemployment, cybersecurity positions can be found in every field of work. You can choose a career as

  • a security specialist to monitor and maintain security administrations,
  • as a cryptographer to develop and implement techniques for secure data communication,
  • as a penetration tester to recognize errors and possible vulnerabilities in a cyber-system,
  • as a digital forensic investigator to find and analyze the evidence left after a digital exploit, or
  • you may choose to start your own cybersecurity consultancy.

Additionally, this program will provide you with the ability to seek industry certifications or graduate education, if desired.

B.S. in Cybersecurity Program's Core Curriculum

As a cybersecurity major you will take courses in computer programming, digital forensics, cryptography, computer communication principles, database design and management, fundamentals of cybersecurity management, computer system administration, and hands on networking.

 

Frequently Asked Questions
The program is as a traditional four-year undergraduate program.Individual completion time will depend on how much coursework student had completed before joining the program and the course load they carry each semester.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS1 CREDIT
HOURS
A. Core Skills

 
  ENGL 101 Writing and Inquiry I 3
  ENGL 102 Writing and Inquiry II 3
  MATH 121

Mathematical Applications
OR MATH 123 Calculus and its Applications
OR MATH 141 Single Variable Calculus I

 3-4

B. Humanities and Fine Arts
(6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines)

 6
C. Behavioral and Social Perspectives
  POLS 103 Introduction to World Politics 3
    Behavioral and Social Perspectives elective 3
D. Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning
  MATH 212 Statistical Methods II 3
    Approved Lab Science 4
E. Founding Documents of the United States
  HIST 111R2

United States History to 1877
OR
HIST 112R2 United States History since 1877
OR
POLS 101R2 American National Government

 3
F. World Cultures 3
G. LINK 101 1
University Requirement
  FALS 101 15 FALS-approved events (Temporarily suspended)

0
Total General Education Requirements 35

1 For approved courses see the General Education section
2 If you already have credit for HIST 111, do not take HIST 111R; if you already have credit for HIST 112, do not take HIST 112R; if you already have credit for POLS 101, do not take POLS 101R

 

MAJOR PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS CREDIT
HOURS
CIS 102 Application Software
OR successful completion of exemption exam		 0-3
CIS 120 Fundamentals of Information Systems & Information Technology 3
CIS 130 Problem Solving and Programming Methods 4
CIS 140 Networking Lab 1
CIS 230 Computer Programming Principles I 4
CIS 240 Introduction to Data Communications 3
CIS 243 Fundamentals of Cyber Security 3
CIS 260 Network and Systems Administration 3
CIS 343 Information Systems and Practice 3
CIS 344 Network Security and Forensics 3
CIS 345 Introduction to Cryptography 3
CIS 346 Cybersecurity Planning and Management 3
CIS 360 Database Design 3
CIS 449 Cybersecurity Capstone 3

 

MAJOR PROGRAM EMPHASIS REQUIREMENTS CREDIT
HOURS
POLS 391 Homeland Security 3

Select two (2)
POLS 303, POLS 311, POLS 312, POLS 325, POLS 366, POLS 390		 6

 

MAJOR PROGRAM ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS CREDIT
HOURS
MATH 125 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
OR MATH 325 Discrete Mathematics		 3
MATH 211 Statistical Methods I
OR MATH 311 Mathematical Statistics		 3

Select 1
MATH 200, MATH 242, MATH 300, MATH 308		 3-4
   
Total Major Program Requirements 57-61
Additional Electives 23-28
TOTAL FOR BS DEGREE 120

 

  • Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
  • See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses