Computer Science Cybersecurity
The Computer & Information Science Department offers a bachelor's degree in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity. The cybersecurity concentration within the computer science program prepares students with essential skills and in-depth knowledge for cyber defense and secure software development, as well as advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. With the cybersecurity concentration, students will gain a critical understanding of threats, attacks and vulnerabilities in computer and information systems, and develop the skills needed for cyber defense and operations.
Our computer science curriculum is object-oriented, lab-intensive, and directed toward software development. You'll supplement your studies with work in specialized labs and on our network of state-of-the-art workstations.
Computer and information science differs from computer engineering in its emphasis on software, the methodologies of computing, and the study of the powerful programming languages. You'll choose from courses in programming, program design, computer languages, algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, computer graphics, computer networks, databases, game design, human-computer interaction operating systems, parallel computing, robotics, and software engineering.
A minor in computer science cybersecurity prepares you with advanced skills in cyber defense for possible use against threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities, in-depth knowledge for the development of secure software systems, and a cybersecurity mindset that can be aligned with their respective interests and degree plans.
UMassD advantages
- Capstone projects: most senior engineering students work in small teams on real-world, industry-specific challenges that demand analysis, proposals, prototypes, and solutions.
- Community: join organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Association for Computing Machinery, the Electrical and Computer Engineers National Honor Society, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders.
- Experience: participate in co-op and internship programs to gain valuable experience with regional industries, often while also earning money for college.
- New initiatives: collaborate, create, and explore at the Center for Scientific Computing and Visualization Research.
International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.
Expand your opportunities
- Accelerated BS/MS Option in Computer Science: This program enables qualified BS degree students in computer science to complete both the BS and the MS with 9 fewer credits than if taken separately.
- MS in Computer Science: Advanced study in theoretical computer science, computer systems, software engineering, parallel and distributed computing, and computer networks.
- PhD program in Engineering and Applied Science: Emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of modern research at the interfaces of engineering, the applied sciences, and technology.