To respond to the rapid growing need in the cybersecurity field, the Department of Computer Science created this trans-disciplinary emphasis/minor degree program in 2014.
Boise State and non-Boise State students can also apply to take advantage of valuable research experience through the Software Security REU summer program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 37 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. It is also projected that demand for information security analysts will be very high as these analysts will be required to come up with innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating havoc on computer networks.
The objective of this minor is to educate students with correct computing ethics and prepare them with enough knowledge to understand the importance of cybersecurity in the workforce as well as the skills to work in the CS or IT industry and effectively prevent/detect/be aware of possible cyber-crimes. This emphasis/minor is a great option for students majoring in computer science, engineering, mathematics, information technology and management, health sciences and other programs. Graduates who received this minor will be excellent candidates for software and/or IT security positions or graduate studies in the cybersecurity field.
To obtain a emphasis/minor in Cybersecurity, students must complete at least 21 credits of related coursework, as described below. CS students are awarded this as an emphasis while non-CS students are awarded this as a minor. Both are noted on diplomas.
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CS 121, 121L Computer Science I and Lab or ITM 225 Introduction to Programming | 3-4 |
| MATH 187 Discrete and Foundational Mathematics I or MATH 189 Discrete Mathematics | 3-4 |
| Choose one of the following: CS 230 Ethical Issues in Computing ITM 315 Database Systems MATH 305 Intro to Abstract Algebra & Number Theory | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: CS 252 Introduction to C & Systems Programming for Non-Majors CS 253 Introduction to Systems Programming ITM 305-305L Info Technology & Network Essentials & Lab | 3-4 |
| CS 331 Computer Security and Information Assurance or ITM 455 Information Security | 3 |
| Choose two of the following (at least one CS course): CS 332 Ethical Hacking CS 333 Networking Security and Defense MATH 307 Public Key Cryptology I MATH 308 Introduction to Algebraic Cryptology MATH 408 Advanced Public Key Cryptology | 6 |
| Total | 21-24 |
Retrieved 6/16/2015 from http://registrar.boisestate.edu/undergraduate/program-list/cybersecurity-minor/