B.S. in Cybersecurity
Overview
The Cybersecurity program at Tarleton State University evolved from the Computer Science (CS) degree, with which it shares several courses, like Intro to CS, C and C++ Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer Architecture, and Computer Networks. It has, however, many cyber-specific courses, such as:
- Principles of Cybersecurity
- Applied Cryptography, Number Theory
- Python for Data Science, Machine Learning
- Software Security, Network and Systems Security
- Computer Forensics
- Cybersecurity Capstone
Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills they need in order to design innovative solutions that can impact the future of technology.
Designed With You in Mind
Preparing you for your future is our number one priority. You will engage in hands-on application of a wide range of cybersecurity, math, and computer science concepts to create innovative, real-world solutions. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to build dependable and secure information systems and networks and to ensure the integrity and quality of information being stored, processed and transmitted. We provide a rigorous curriculum aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) standards. Our facilities and equipment are comparable to that of large institutions, providing you with access to standard industry tools and undergraduate research opportunities. Our institution is dedicated to student success, and as such, provide a variety of academic service including both faculty and peer-mentoring, supplemental instruction, math/science clinics, and tutoring.
Impact the World of Tomorrow
In today’s world of rapid change, innovations and advancements are continuously needed to strengthen the quality of life by making it safer, more enjoyable, and more productive. A Cybersecurity degree will open doors to exciting careers as a cybersecurity professional in a wide variety of industries. According to a recent report by The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, a.k.a. (ISC)2, the industries that employ the most cybersecurity professionals are:
- IT services (21%)
- Financial services (10%)
- Government (9%)
- Healthcare (9%)
- Education, Consulting and Retail/Wholesale (5% each).
Estimated Completion
120 credit hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
Department
College
This degree can also lead to graduate programs in both Computer Science and Computer Engineering, as well as related fields including Information Technology, Mathematics, and Criminal Justice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and virtually all job market reports are in agreement about cybersecurity jobs having one of the highest growth rates in the next decade.
According to the same (ISC)2 report, cybersecurity professionals make about U.S. $83,000 per year, on average, worldwide, with the average salary being highest in North America ($112,000). The pay gradient for seniority and experience is also substantial, with Millennial professionals early in their careers having an average salary of $67,000, Gen X respondents reporting $95,000, and those in the Baby Boomer generation reporting $112,000.
Accreditation
Related Programs
Not what you were looking for? Tarleton State University offers over 100 different degrees and certifications that may be of interest to you, including:
B.S. Computer Science – with concentration in Cybersecurity
BS in Computer Information Systems
Graduates with a B.S. in Cybersecurity will have the opportunity to work in the following industries:
- IT services (21%)
- Financial services (10%)
- Government (9%)
- Healthcare (9%)
- Education, Consulting and Retail/Wholesale (5% each)
Our graduates have gone on to work in places such as:
- Sandia National Laboratories
- IBM
- Raytheon
- LMI (Logistics Management Institute)
- Luminant (Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant)
- Lockheed Martin
- L3-Harris
- Halliburton
Past graduates have gone to complete Masters and Doctoral programs at institutions such as:
- Texas A&M
- U. T. Dallas
- University of North Texas
- MIT
- Stanford
- Rice
And a variety of other schools!
Career Services offers a variety of professional development opportunities that can translate into careers. A few of these programs include:
- Career counseling
- Job fairs (including our own Engineering Job Fair twice a year!)
- Resume assistance
- Mock interviews
And much more!
Coursework Highlights
| CLASS | NUMBER | CLASS NAME |
|---|---|---|
| COSC | 2321 | C++ Programming |
| COSC | 3341 | Applied Cryptography |
| COSC/ELEN | 3443 | Computer Architecture |
| BCIS | 4342 | Ethical Hacking & Network Defense |
| CRIJ | 4353 | Global Cyber-Security |
| COSC | 4365 | Software Security |
| COSC | 4360 | Machine Learning |
| COSC | 4380 | Cybersecurity Capstone |
For more information on courses, please refer to the university catalog.
This is a club that allows students to gain hands-on experience, as well as make friends with like-minded individuals, all while learning. The meetings for this organization are held in the Hydrology Building room 115.
Home to Tarleton’s School of Engineering, the $54 million facility in Stephenville is the university’s hub for education, research, and innovation in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, and construction science. It also brings together programs formerly scattered across the Stephenville campus.
The hallways build community by providing study areas, collaboration stations, open-access computers, and plenty of whiteboards available to students.
This lab is home to several undergraduate research initiative including:
- Control Systems development for Autonomous Systems
- Artificial Intelligence Applications in mobile robotics
- Dynamics System Modeling using Matlab and LabView