Bachelors of Science in Cyber Security (BS-CSEC)

Cyber security is critical in existing and new technology domains, such as: software systems and applications, cloud computing, embedded and mobile systems, and internet-of-things (IoT). The objectives of the Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security (BS-CSEC) are to prepare undergraduate students with the necessary:

• cyber security knowledge and
• skill components of using current cyber security technologies 

as required by business, government, and academic organizations.

This program prepares individuals to:

• Assess the cyber security needs of computing systems and its component systems such as networks, storage, software, hardware, firmware, cloud, IoT, embedded systems, mobile systems, cyber physical systems, and others
• Recommend safeguard solutions
• Manage the implementation, auditing, and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures
• Develop and use current cyber security tools and techniques for tasks such as data analysis, penetration testing, forensics, AI for cyber security, etc.,

Upon completion of the degree program, students may pursue their careers such as:

• Information Security Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Cyber security Architect
• Cyber security Software Developer/Engineer
• Risk Assessment Analyst
• Cyber Forensics Analyst

The flexible program is designed to meet the needs of current high school students as well as working professionals, who want to get a cyber security focused bachelor’s degree to meet the demands of the evolving field of cyber security. The program curriculum and courses (designated as CSEC), offered ONLINE beginning Fall 2021 in a phased manner, are designed to enable students to join the program in either Fall or Spring semester, complete the program in four years or to take courses at their own pace. The phased implementation of the program offers first year courses beginning in Fall 2021, second year courses beginning in Fall 2022, and so on. Students who are able to take the university core curriculum courses online have the possibility of completing the entire program online.

Admission to the BS-CSEC program is based on the general university admissions requirements.

General Requirements

• 30 CSEC/CISA/CSCI upper-division hours required for this degree must be completed at A&M-SA to satisfy residency requirement.
• Must complete at least 40 hours of major courses plus hours of major electives at A&M-SA.
• Must receive a grade of "C" or better in all MATH, CSEC, CSCI, and CISA courses and their associated prerequisites for satisfactory passing grade.
• A minimum average GPA of 2.25 must be maintained in all CSEC, CSCI and CISA core and elective courses to remain in the program. Applies to transfer courses also.
• Academic credits transferred as substitution courses must be completed within previous five years of admission to A&M-SA.
• CIP Code: 11.1003

Credit may not be obtained in both courses listed below:

• CSEC 2306 and CISA 2306
• CSEC 3309 and CISA 3309
•  CSEC 3321 and CISA 3321
• CSEC 3325 and CISA 3325
• CSEC 3351 and CISA 3351
• CSEC 4323 and CISA 4323
• CSEC 4324 and CISA 4324
• CSEC 4326 and CISA 4326

This suggested plan of study is intended to be used as a guide in conjunction with official degree requirements outlined in the catalog. While this plan demonstrates a course of study that covers eight semesters, each student’s academic path is unique and your timeline may look different. Students should regularly consult with academic advisors as they plan their course schedules as course offerings may vary.  

Fall Semester Start

Spring Semester Start 

Credit may not be obtained in both courses listed below:

• CSEC 2306 and CISA 2306
• CSEC 3309 and CISA 3309
•  CSEC 3321 and CISA 3321
• CSEC 3325 and CISA 3325
• CSEC 3351 and CISA 3351
• CSEC 4323 and CISA 4323
• CSEC 4324 and CISA 4324
• CSEC 4326 and CISA 4326