Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science
Program Purpose
Everything we do in our day-to-day activities relies on technology and Internet connectivity. As consumers, we depend on this connectivity to shop, manage bank accounts, communicate, and access entertainment. Businesses thrive on their ability to leverage data, cloud services, and Internet connectivity in innovative and efficient ways. However, while technology empowers consumers and businesses alike, it has also become a powerful tool for cyber criminals and nation-state threat actors.
The threat landscape continues to evolve rapidly with the emergence of AI-powered attacks, including sophisticated phishing campaigns, deepfake social engineering, automated vulnerability exploitation, and AI-generated malware that can evade traditional security controls. Unchecked, organizations can be devastated by data breaches, ransomware attacks, and supply chain compromises. Individuals face risks from identity theft, social engineering, and privacy violations. The cyber domain extends beyond national borders and has become a critical component of military operations and national security. To protect themselves, government agencies, private industry, and the military actively seek professionals with the strongest cybersecurity credentials possible who understand both traditional and emerging AI-driven threats.
The B.S. in Cybersecurity program (formerly Computer & Network Security B.S.) provides a firm foundation in cybersecurity while offering flexibility for students to customize their degree according to their specific areas of interest. Students may earn a Digital Forensics Concentration by choosing six Security Elective courses focused on investigations and forensic analysis. While the Security Core and Security Electives provide technical expertise, the General Education and Support cores develop the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills necessary for a well-rounded education.
Information Security continues to be among the fastest-growing occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects employment of information security analysts to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, including those leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the critical need for organizations to protect their digital assets and infrastructure.
Program Competencies
- Solve cybersecurity problems using required skills and knowledge.
- Employ current and accepted processes to analyze, design, implement, test and deliver cybersecurity projects.
- Apply generally current and accepted best practices in cybersecurity projects.
- Digital Forensics Concentration: Image, process and analyze digital evidence, and properly document findings.
Center of Academic Excellence (CAE)
The Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science program has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through academic year 2028 by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
This nationally recognized designation confirms that Wilmington University's B.S. in Cybersecurity curricula, faculty, outreach, and academic activities meet the rigorous standards established by the NSA and CISA. The goal of the National Centers of Academic Excellence designation program is to promote higher education in cybersecurity and cyber defense, preparing a growing number of professionals to meet the critical need to reduce vulnerabilities in the nation's information systems and critical infrastructure.
Highly Ranked Program
The Cybersecurity B.S. program is offered both face-to-face and online. Wilmington University's online Cybersecurity B.S. program has been recognized among top-ranked programs nationally by various higher education ranking organizations.
NICE Workforce Framework Alignment
The curriculum aligns with the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NIST SP 800-181 Rev. 1), preparing students for roles across multiple work role categories:
- Securely Provision – Risk management, security architecture
- Operate and Maintain – Systems administration, network services
- Protect and Defend – Incident response, vulnerability assessment
- Analyze – Threat analysis, exploitation analysis
- Investigate – Digital forensics, cyber investigation
What You Will Learn
In addition to becoming well-prepared for the technical aspects of a career in cybersecurity, students will develop essential soft skills. Critical thinking skills are needed to understand cybersecurity problems, risks, and solutions. Strong written and oral communication skills enable professionals to translate technical problems into terms that all stakeholders can understand, helping them recognize and avoid security threats. Most importantly, cybersecurity professionals must effectively communicate risks and business impacts to non-technical decision-makers responsible for budget allocation and strategic planning.
Hands-On Learning Experience:
Students gain practical experience through:
- Virtual lab environments and cyber ranges
- Industry-standard security tools including Wireshark, Kali Linux, SIEM platforms, and forensic software
- Real-world scenarios simulating network defense, incident response, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment
- Digital forensics investigation exercises
- Cloud security labs and configurations
- Exposure to AI-based security tools and understanding of AI-driven threat detection and response
Industry Certifications
The Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science degree provides students with credentials specializing in information security and helps prepare students to sit for the following industry-recognized certifications:
CompTIA Certifications:
- ITF+ (IT Fundamentals)
- A+
- Network+
- Security+
- Linux+
- Cloud+
- CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)
- PenTest+
- CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner)
ISC2 Certifications:
- CC (Certified in Cybersecurity)
- SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – with required experience
ISACA Certifications:
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) – with required experience
Other Industry Certifications:
- GIAC certifications (various specializations)
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
Career Opportunities
The categories of jobs involving cybersecurity are broad and diverse. The federal government's NICE Workforce Framework provides structure and clarity for cybersecurity career pathways. The following job titles are organized by experience level and represent roles for which the Cybersecurity B.S. program prepares students:
Entry-Level Positions (B.S. Degree):
- AI Security Analyst (Junior)
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- GRC Analyst
- Help Desk Security Specialist
- Incident Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Intrusion Detection System Administrator
- Junior Cloud Security Analyst
- Junior Penetration Tester
- Machine Learning Security Specialist (Junior)
- Network Administrator
- Network Analyst
- Network Defense Technician
- Risk/Vulnerability Analyst
- Security Administrator
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Security Specialist
- Systems Administrator
- Systems Analyst
- Technical Support Specialist
- Threat Intelligence Analyst (Junior)
Positions with Experience (2-4 Years):
- AI Security Engineer
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Computer Crime Investigator
- Computer Network Defense Forensic Analyst
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Cybersecurity Intelligence Analyst
- Digital Forensic Examiner
- Incident Response Analyst
- Intrusion Analyst
- Machine Learning Security Engineer
- Network Forensic Examiner
- Network Security Engineer
- Penetration Tester
- Security Architect (Junior)
- Security Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Systems Security Analyst
- Threat Intelligence Analyst (AI Focus)
- Vulnerability Management Analyst
Advanced Positions (5+ Years with Additional Certifications):
- AI/ML Security Architect
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Cybersecurity Manager
- Director of AI Security
- Director of Information Security
- Principal Security Architect
- Red Team Lead
- Security Operations Manager
- Senior Security Consultant
For more information on cybersecurity career pathways, visit the NICE Cybersecurity Career Pathways.
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning at Wilmington University takes a 360° approach to applied education. Whether you bring significant professional experience and pursue Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), or you complete a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experience such as an internship or cooperative education placement embedded within your academic program, these opportunities provide meaningful pathways toward completing your degree.
Minimum Grade Policy
The College of Business and Technology sets a required minimum grade of "C-" for program core courses. Students earning a grade lower than "C-" in a core course must repeat the course.
Cybersecurity B. S. Curriculum
General Education Requirements (39 credits)
The Cybersecurity program has set a minimum passing grade of “C-” for Security Core and Security Elective and Technology Elective courses. Students receiving a grade lower than “C-” in any of these courses must retake that course.
Science Elective
Choose one SCI course (3 credits) except SCI321.
Humanities Electives
Choose two courses (6 credits) from:
ART, COM 245, CUL, DRA, DSN 110, ETN, HIS 230, HUM, LIT, MUS, PHI, SPA, TEC 215, VFP 313
Support Core (9 credits)
Security Core (39 credits)
The Cybersecurity program has set a minimum passing grade of "C-" for Security Core and Security Elective courses. Students receiving a grade lower than "C-" in any of these courses must retake that course.
| CSC 345 | Database Foundations | 3 |
| SEC 100 | Introduction to Computer Hardware and Operation | 3 |
| SEC 210 | Principles and Practice of Information Security | 3 |
| SEC 230 | Introduction to Linux | 3 |
| SEC 235 | Networks and Telecommunications | 3 |
| SEC 250 | Operating System and Computer Systems Security | 3 |
| SEC 290 | Introduction to Programming with Python | 3 |
| SEC 310 | Cryptography: Algorithms and Applications | 3 |
| SEC 335 | Linux for Systems Administrators | 3 |
| SEC 340 | Windows Operating Systems and Systems Administration | 3 |
| SEC 410 | Web and Data Security | 3 |
| SEC 450 | Firewalls and Network Security | 3 |
| | |
| SEC 480 | Experiential Learning in Cybersecurity | 3 |
| OR | |
| SEC 490 | Cybersecurity Internship | 3 |
Digital Forensics Concentration (18 Credits)
Whereas the bulk of the Cybersecurity B.S. degree is devoted to defending against cyber attacks, digital forensics is used in the investigation of a crime or incident. In law enforcement, digital evidence found on computers, phones, laptops, Fitbits, Alexa, smart refrigerators, etc. is used to prosecute crimes. In the corporate world, digital forensics is used to investigate data breaches, intellectual property theft, corporate espionage and malicious employees among other things; sometimes the goal is to prosecute, sometimes not. The intelligence community, on the other hand, is not interested in prosecuting. Instead, the goal is to obtain actionable intel, such as in the pursuit of terrorist organizations and espionage activities by hostile nation states.
The Cybersecurity program has set a minimum passing grade of "C-" for Security Core and Security Elective courses. Students receiving a grade lower than "C-" in any of these courses must retake that course.
Those interested in declaring a Digital Forensics Concentration should select six (6) of the following eight Security Elective courses:
| LES 331 | Electronic Discovery | 3 |
| SEC 240 | Foundations in Cyber Investigations | 3 |
| SEC 350 | Introduction Computer Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 355 | Mobile Device Security and Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 360 | Advanced Mobile and IoT Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 370 | Computer Incident Response Course | 3 |
| SEC 375 | Malware Analysis Techniques | 3 |
| SEC 440 | Network Forensics | 3 |
Note: Students interested in declaring a Digital Forensics Concentration but who do not have enough available elective credits may request a waiver on the SEC480/490 requirement.
Students declaring a Digital Forensics Concentration may also earn two certificates: Digital Evidence Discovery and Digital Evidence Investigation by taking three additional courses: LES 330 – Cyber Law, SEC 360 – Advanced Mobile Device, and IoT Forensics and SEC 375 – Malware Analysis Techniques. For more information, see the section on Digital Evidence Discovery and Digital Evidence Investigation Certificates.
Cybersecurity - No Concentration (18 credits)
Students must complete five (5) Security Electives and one free or one Technology elective in order to satisfy the requirements of the degree.
The Cybersecurity program has set a minimum passing grade of "C-" for Security Core and Security Elective courses. Students receiving a grade lower than "C-" in any of these courses must retake that course.
Security Electives
Graduate courses in this Security Electives list (IST 7060, IST 7100, SEC 6080, SEC 6082, SEC 6084, SEC 6086) are required courses for the SCADA graduate certificate. Cybersecurity B.S. students must be approved for the accelerated SCADA certificate prior to registration. Contact your advisor for more information.
| LES 330 | Cyberlaw | 3 |
| LES 331 | Electronic Discovery | 3 |
| SEC 240 | Foundations in Cyber Investigations | 3 |
| SEC 305 | Psychology of a Cyber Attacker | 3 |
| SEC 325 | Breaking Down Cloud Security | 3 |
| SEC 326 | Cloud Architecture, Reliability & Economics | 4 |
| SEC 327 | Cloud Services & Tools | 4 |
| SEC 328 | Cloud Operations & Performance | 4 |
| SEC 329 | Cloud Practitioner Certificate (CPC) Exam Review | 1 |
| SEC 350 | Introduction Computer Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 355 | Mobile Device Security and Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 360 | Advanced Mobile and IoT Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 370 | Computer Incident Response Course | 3 |
| SEC 375 | Malware Analysis Techniques | 3 |
| SEC 420 | Data Integrity and Disaster Recovery | 3 |
| SEC 425 | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| SEC 435 | Advanced Network Management | 3 |
| SEC 440 | Network Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 480 | Experiential Learning in Cybersecurity | 3 |
| SEC 490 | Cybersecurity Internship | 3 |
| SEC 491 | Cybersecurity Internship | 3 |
| UAV 100 | Intro to Drone Operations | 3 |
| UAV 102 | Drone Design and Maintenance | 3 |
| UAV 200 | Security of UAV and UAS Systems | 3 |
| IST 7060 | Project and Change Management | 3 |
| IST 7100 | IT Policy and Strategy | 3 |
| SEC 6080 | Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security | 3 |
| SEC 6082 | SCADA Architecture | 3 |
| SEC 6084 | SCADA Risk Management and Auditing | 3 |
| SEC 6086 | SCADA Security Awareness and Standards | 3 |
Technology Elective
Choose one course (3 credits) from the following:
CSC, CTA, GMD, ISM, MIS, SEC, TEC
Free Electives (15 credits)
Students with less than 16 transfer credits are required to take FYE 101 as one of their electives.
Completion Degree Requirements
What is a Completion Degree?
A completion degree is a personalized version of a bachelor's degree created exclusively for students who have completed an associate degree at an accredited institution. Completion degrees are available for most Wilmington University Bachelor of Science degrees. A student who expects to transfer a completed associate degree should communicate with a Wilmington University academic advisor before registering for courses. A transcript with documentation of the conferred degree must be received by Wilmington University to confirm eligibility.
Note that a minimum of 120 combined credits are needed to satisfy the Completion Degree requirements, including both transfer credits and credits earned at Wilmington University.
Cybersecurity - Digital Forensics Concentration Completion Degree
The Cybersecurity - Digital Forensics degree completion program has set a minimum passing grade of "C-" for required courses, electives and prerequisites. Students receiving a grade lower than "C-" in any CSC, SDD, SEC or LES course must retake that course.
| CSC 345 | Database Foundations | 3 |
| MAT 308 | Inferential Statistics | 3 |
| SEC 310 | Cryptography: Algorithms and Applications | 3 |
| SEC 314 | Cyber Law, Policy & Ethics | 3 |
| SEC 335 | Linux for Systems Administrators | 3 |
| SEC 340 | Windows Operating Systems and Systems Administration | 3 |
| SEC 410 | Web and Data Security | 3 |
| SEC 450 | Firewalls and Network Security | 3 |
| | |
| SEC 480 | Experiential Learning in Cybersecurity | 3 |
| OR | |
| SEC 490 | Cybersecurity Internship | 3 |
Students will also complete 6 courses from the following:
| LES 331 | Electronic Discovery | 3 |
| SEC 240 | Foundations in Cyber Investigations | 3 |
| SEC 350 | Introduction Computer Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 355 | Mobile Device Security and Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 360 | Advanced Mobile and IoT Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 370 | Computer Incident Response Course | 3 |
| SEC 375 | Malware Analysis Techniques | 3 |
| SEC 440 | Network Forensics | 3 |
Note: Students interested in declaring a Digital Forensics concentration and that do not have enough available elective credits may request a waiver on the SEC480/490 requirement.
The following courses or their equivalents are prerequisites for a degree in Computer and Network Security:
CTA 260 IT Support Fundamentals I
ENG 122 English Composition II
MAT 205 Introductory Survey of Mathematics
SEC 100 Introduction to Computer Hardware and Operation
SEC 210 Principles and Practices of Information Security
SEC 230 Introduction to Linux
SEC 235 Networks and Telecommunication
SEC 250 Operating System and Computer Systems Security
SEC 290 Introduction to Programming with Python
Cybersecurity Completion Degree
The Cybersecurity degree completion program has set a minimum passing grade of "C-" for required courses, electives and prerequisites. Students receiving a grade lower than "C-" in any CSC, SDD, SEC or LES course must retake that course.
| CSC 345 | Database Foundations | 3 |
| MAT 308 | Inferential Statistics | 3 |
| SEC 310 | Cryptography: Algorithms and Applications | 3 |
| SEC 314 | Cyber Law, Policy & Ethics | 3 |
| SEC 335 | Linux for Systems Administrators | 3 |
| SEC 340 | Windows Operating Systems and Systems Administration | 3 |
| SEC 410 | Web and Data Security | 3 |
| SEC 450 | Firewalls and Network Security | 3 |
| | |
| SEC 480 | Experiential Learning in Cybersecurity | 3 |
| OR | |
| SEC 490 | Cybersecurity Internship | 3 |
| | |
| Security Elective | 3 |
| Security Elective | 3 |
| Security Elective | 3 |
| Security Elective | 3 |
| Security Elective | 3 |
| CoT Elective | 3 |
The following courses or their equivalents are prerequisites for a degree in Computer and Network Security:
CTA 260 IT Support Fundamentals I
ENG 122 English Composition II
MAT 205 Introductory Survey of Mathematics
SEC 100 Introduction to Computer Hardware and Operation
SEC 210 Principles and Practices of Information Security
SEC 230 Introduction to Linux
SEC 235 Networks and Telecommunication
SEC 250 Operating System and Computer Systems Security
SEC 290 Introduction to Programming with Python
Security Electives
Graduate courses in this Security Electives list (IST 7060, IST 7100, SEC 6080, SEC 6082, SEC 6084, SEC 6086) are required courses for the SCADA graduate certificate. Cybersecurity B.S. students must be approved for the accelerated SCADA certificate prior to registration. Contact your advisor for more information.
| LES 330 | Cyberlaw | 3 |
| LES 331 | Electronic Discovery | 3 |
| SEC 240 | Foundations in Cyber Investigations | 3 |
| SEC 305 | Psychology of a Cyber Attacker | 3 |
| SEC 325 | Breaking Down Cloud Security | 3 |
| SEC 326 | Cloud Architecture, Reliability & Economics | 4 |
| SEC 327 | Cloud Services & Tools | 4 |
| SEC 328 | Cloud Operations & Performance | 4 |
| SEC 329 | Cloud Practitioner Certificate (CPC) Exam Review | 1 |
| SEC 350 | Introduction Computer Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 355 | Mobile Device Security and Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 360 | Advanced Mobile and IoT Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 370 | Computer Incident Response Course | 3 |
| SEC 375 | Malware Analysis Techniques | 3 |
| SEC 420 | Data Integrity and Disaster Recovery | 3 |
| SEC 425 | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| SEC 435 | Advanced Network Management | 3 |
| SEC 440 | Network Forensics | 3 |
| SEC 480 | Experiential Learning in Cybersecurity | 3 |
| SEC 490 | Cybersecurity Internship | 3 |
| SEC 491 | Cybersecurity Internship | 3 |
| UAV 100 | Intro to Drone Operations | 3 |
| UAV 102 | Drone Design and Maintenance | 3 |
| UAV 200 | Security of UAV and UAS Systems | 3 |
| IST 7060 | Project and Change Management | 3 |
| IST 7100 | IT Policy and Strategy | 3 |
| SEC 6080 | Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security | 3 |
| SEC 6082 | SCADA Architecture | 3 |
| SEC 6084 | SCADA Risk Management and Auditing | 3 |
| SEC 6086 | SCADA Security Awareness and Standards | 3 |