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Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Cyber Defense

Department of Computer Science, University of Dayton

Faculty Contact: Dr. Phu Phung, 937-229-3845

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Cyber Defense gives student the skills and experience needed to understand, prevent and operate through potential cyber attacks on software, computer systems and computer networks. This program also gives computer science students background in theoretical aspects of cyber defense and provides practical experience in hardening software, computer systems and networks against cyber attacks. The program explains the essential concepts of cybersecurity and applies those concepts to application development, operating systems and networks. Upon completion of this program, students will:

  • understand the fundamental security concepts and techniques;
  • know how these concepts and techniques are applied via various security mechanisms and controls;
  • know where to find and how to apply up-to-date information on cyber-security best practices and threat information; and
  • learn how to implement security techniques and controls in software, computer systems, and networks to achieve maximum effectiveness.

The cyber defense concentration is a validated program which has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) National Security Agency (NSA) since 2022 and is valid until 2027.

“Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure. The National Cyber Strategy, September 2018, addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace,” said the manager of NSA CAE program in the approval letter to the University in March 2022.

To obtain the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Cyber Defense, students must fulfill the following two requirements:

  1. Meet all the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. For the full requirements and the list of courses, please visit the degree catalog.
  2. To be eligible for the Concentration in Cyber Defense, students must have taken 9 semester hours of the following courses:
    - CPS 471. Fundamentals of Cyber Security. 3 semester hours
    - CPS 475. Secure Application Development. 3 semester hours
    - One 3-semester hour course from security-related courses approved by the department

Computer Science (CPS) majors who completed the concentration’s requirements will be awarded a certificate with NSA and CAE logos in addition to their B.S. degree.

To enroll in this program, please complete the registration form


The following faculty members are affiliated with Cyber Defense Concentration:


The Department of Computer Science's industry advisory board meets annually to recommend a set of modifications to enhance our programs, enrollments and retention.

 


Learn more

UD Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery

Hack the Box

  • UD students compete annually in this event. It's “a massive, online cyber security training platform, allowing individuals, companies, universities and all kinds of organizations around the world to level up their hacking skills."

National Cyber League

  • Students from the Department of Computer Science at the University of Dayton have been involved in this competition since Spring 2019, when the team ranked No. 19, nationally.

CONTACT

Department of Computer Science

Hathcock Hall
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 2160
937-229-3831
Email