Overview
Overview
The Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Minor is a joint initiative developed by faculty from both the Computer Science in Data Analytics (CSDA) and Computer Information Systems (BCIS) programs. This minor blends theoretical foundations with practical technical skills to prepare students for careers in information security, complementing their major field of study.
Students will explore key areas of cybersecurity, including ethical hacking, digital forensics, networking, security management, and cybersecurity ethics. The curriculum emphasizes not only established principles, tools, and techniques of the field but also how they align with broader organizational goals and strategies.
Designed for students across all disciplines, the Cybersecurity Minor enhances any major by adding in-demand, career-relevant skills. In today’s digital landscape, every industry and profession requires individuals who understand how to secure data, systems, and infrastructure. By pursuing this minor, students expand their knowledge and improve their ability to make informed, secure decisions in business and research contexts.
This minor is open to all Woodbury University students, regardless of college or major, and is an excellent way to strengthen career opportunities in a wide range of sectors.
Mission
The minor in Cyber Security is designed to equip students with the technical skills necessary for entry-level positions in cybersecurity within industry or government agencies.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Cybersecurity Minor will be able to:
- Apply a structured approach to security planning and implementation using the Security Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) framework.
- Identify and respond to various cyber attack methodologies, including intrusion detection and the prevention of unauthorized access to computing resources.
- Implement effective strategies to protect data and defend against internet-based threats.
- Design and execute comprehensive risk analyses, establish security policies, and conduct damage assessments in response to security breaches.
- Plan, configure, and audit operating system security across networked, multi-platform, and cross-platform environments.
- Develop and manage contingency operations such as incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning within the context of information security.
Program Learning Outcomes
PROGRAM TOPIC CATEGORY 1 – Problem Solving in Cybersecurity
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities that exist in today’s digital world.
- Apply critical thinking to assess and respond to real-world cybersecurity incidents using foundational knowledge of systems and networks.
PROGRAM TOPIC CATEGORY 2 – Virtual Secure Environment
- Create a virtual secure environment to practice with basic networking, password cracking, and security tools.
- Simulate and evaluate offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations in a safe, controlled lab setting.
PROGRAM TOPIC CATEGORY 3 – Programming
- Demonstrate secure programming techniques.
- Analyze and remediate insecure code patterns in scripting and software development to reduce system vulnerabilities.
PROGRAM TOPIC CATEGORY 4 – Cryptography
- Articulate basic cryptography techniques from the past and today’s world.
- Apply symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms to protect data confidentiality and integrity in digital communications.
PROGRAM TOPIC CATEGORY 5 – Security and Compliance Laws
- Gain a basic understanding of security and compliance laws, cybersecurity opportunities, and the job market.
- Interpret and apply major cybersecurity regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA) in assessing organizational compliance.
Program Minor Curriculum
The Minor in Cybersecurity requires the successful completion of 15 units, distributed as follows:
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Required Course – 3 units
- CYBR 245 – Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 units)
An overview of cybersecurity principles, threats, risk management, and foundational practices in protecting digital systems.
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Electives – 12 units
Select four courses (12 units) from the following electives:
- CYBR 265 – Network Security & Digital Forensics (3 units)
- CYBR 365 – Cloud and Web Application Security (3 units)
- CYBR 385 – Cryptography and Security (3 units)
- CYBR 475 – Intrusion Detection and Security (3 units)
- CYBR 485 – Ethical Hacking and Security (3 units)
Total Credit Hours: 15