Cybersecurity, Political Science Emphasis

The field of cybersecurity is growing rapidly. Due to the integration of cyber-systems in our daily lives, our businesses, and our governments, there is a huge need for cyber expertise. Lander's B.S. in Cybersecurity program prepares students for a career in this high demand field.

The program educates and trains students for careers in technical and non-technical areas related to the field of cybersecurity. Students completing the core courses of this program will gain deep technical knowledge to develop and maintain cybersecurity solutions along with an understanding of non-technical areas including administrative, ethical, and legal aspects of cybersecurity. The Political Science emphasis focuses on policy development and compliance, and the legal aspects related to the field of cybersecurity.

This major serves both traditional and non-traditional students seeking education and training in the growing field of cybersecurity. The program covers all core elements of the cybersecurity field and is suitable for individuals with no prior knowledge of computing or cybersecurity, e.g. students finishing high school or individuals with no prior computing knowledge or experience.

Careers in Cybersecurity

This is a great time to pursue a cybersecurity career. With an almost zero rate of unemployment, cybersecurity positions can be found in every field of work. You can choose a career as

a security specialist to monitor and maintain security administrations,
as a cryptographer to develop and implement techniques for secure data communication,
as a penetration tester to recognize errors and possible vulnerabilities in a cyber-system,
as a digital forensic investigator to find and analyze the evidence left after a digital exploit, or
you may choose to start your own cybersecurity consultancy.

Additionally, this program will provide you with the ability to seek industry certifications or graduate education, if desired.

B.S. in Cybersecurity Program's Core Curriculum

As a cybersecurity major you will take courses in computer programming, digital forensics, cryptography, computer communication principles, database design and management, fundamentals of cybersecurity management, computer system administration, and hands on networking.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start the program?

New students can start the program in spring or fall semesters.

How long will it take me to complete the program?

The program is as a traditional four-year undergraduate program.Individual completion time will depend on how much coursework student had completed before joining the program and the course load they carry each semester.

Will I receive credit for courses I have completed at other two- or four year institutions?

Students can transfer up to 64 credit hours from accredited two- or four-year institutions. Depending on the course equivalencies, credit can be used towards the Cybersecurity program. For more information, contact Dr. Chris Duncan at cduncan@lander.edu.

Do students participate in Cybersecurity competitions?

Lander University students participate in South East Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition and Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition every year.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS¹			CREDIT HOURS
A. Core Skills
	ENGL 101	Writing and Inquiry I	3
	ENGL 102	Writing and Inquiry II	3
	MATH 121	Mathematical Applications OR MATH 123 Calculus and its Applications OR MATH 141 Single Variable Calculus I	3-4
B. Humanities and Fine Arts (6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines)			6
C. Behavioral and Social Perspectives
	POLS 103	Introduction to World Politics	3
		Behavioral and Social Perspectives elective	3
D. Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning
	MATH 212	Statistical Methods II	3
		Approved Lab Science	4
E. Founding Documents of the United States
	HIST 111R²	United States History to 1877 OR HIST 112R² United States History since 1877 OR POLS 101R² American National Government	3
F. World Cultures			3
G. LINK 101			1
Total General Education Requirements			35

¹For approved courses see the General Education section
²If you already have credit for HIST 111, do not take HIST 111R; if you already have credit for HIST 112, do not take HIST 112R; if you already have credit for POLS 101, do not take POLS 101R

MAJOR PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS		CREDIT HOURS
CIS 102	Application Software OR successful completion of exemption exam	0-3
CIS 120	Fundamentals of Information Systems & Information Technology	3
CIS 130	Problem Solving and Programming Methods	4
CIS 140	Networking Lab	1
CIS 230	Computer Programming Principles I	4
CIS 240	Introduction to Data Communications	3
CIS 243	Fundamentals of Cyber Security	3
CIS 260	Network and Systems Administration	3
CIS 343	Information Systems and Practice	3
CIS 344	Network Security and Forensics	3
CIS 345	Introduction to Cryptography	3
CIS 346	Cybersecurity Planning and Management	3
CIS 360	Database Design	3
CIS 449	Cybersecurity Capstone	3

MAJOR PROGRAM EMPHASIS REQUIREMENTS		CREDIT HOURS
POLS 391	Homeland Security	3
Select two (2) POLS 303, POLS 311, POLS 312, POLS 325, POLS 366, POLS 390		6

MAJOR PROGRAM ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS		CREDIT HOURS
MATH 125	Introduction to Discrete Mathematics OR MATH 325 Discrete Mathematics	3
MATH 211	Statistical Methods I OR MATH 311 Mathematical Statistics	3
Select 1 MATH 200, MATH 208, MATH 242, MATH 300, MATH 308		3-4

Total Major Program Requirements		57-61
Additional Electives		23-28
TOTAL FOR BS DEGREE		120

Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses