Undergraduate Cybersecurity Education Programs

Minors

Cybersecurity Minor – College of Engineering

Virginia Tech's College of Engineering offers an undergraduate minor in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity broadly covers the fields of information security, network security, and computer system security. As bad actors seek to steal information, protecting that information, the systems that process and store it, and the networks that carry it becomes increasingly important.

This minor seeks to provide a core technical basis for careers in secure system design and operation. Students graduating with a degree in computer science or computer engineering with a minor in cybersecurity could expect careers in software engineering, embedded systems engineering, or information systems management, with an emphasis on designing, developing, operating, or analyzing security features or subsystems.

Note that Virginia Tech's undergraduate education in cybersecurity, while hands-on, focuses on core principles of security rather than specific information technology components and systems from specific vendors. Students may also find it beneficial to consider professional certification, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Given Virginia Tech's location in the mid-Atlantic region, there are a large number of employers in the Washington DC metropolitain area with a keen interest in cybersecurity, including defense contractors and federal agencies. Those considering careers in the national security sector should consider the requirements for the US Department of Defense Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program.

The undergraduate minor in cybersecurity is a College of Engineering program, principally focused on students majoring in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, but is open to any student able to meet the necessary prerequisites. The following are the requirements for completing the minor.

Requirements

One of the following networks courses:

ECE 4564: Network Application Design
CS 4254: Computer Network Arch and Programming
CS 4244 Internet Software Development
ECE 4614: Telecommunication Networks

One of the following computer systems courses:

CS 3214: Computer Systems
CS/ECE 4504: Computer Organization
ECE 3574: Applied Software Engineering

Two core security courses:

ECE 4560: Network Security Fundamentals
CS 4264: Principles of Computer Security

One of the following interdisciplinary course:

ACIS 4684: Information Systems Security and Assurance
FIN 4014: Internet, Electronic, and Online Law
MATH 4175: Cryptography I
MATH 4176: Cryptography II

One elective courses from either the networks, computer systems, or interdisciplinary list

One credit seminar course

Contacts

Cybersecurity Minor Program Director: Dr. Joe Tront

ECE Student Services

CS Student Services

Majors

B.S. in Computer Science - Major in Secure Computing

Secure Computing Major Checksheet

B.S. in Computer Engineering – Major in Networking and Cybersecurity

Virginia Tech's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has launched a major in networks and cybersecurity as a primary concentration within its computer engineering degree program. In this program students will draw on hardware and software skills to ensure the efficient and safe transmission of data and energy through networks.

ECE Networking and Cybersecurity Checklist

B.S. in Business - Cybersecurity Management and Analytics (BIT-Cyber) option - Blacksburg, VA

About the Cybersecurity Management and Analytics (BIT-Cyber) Major option - Blacksburg, VA

BIT Major with Cybersecurity Management and Analytics option (BIT-Cyber) is a STEM major that emphasizes business processes and data analytics as applied to cybersecurity management. Students will gain proficiency in cyber policy, risk assessment, incident business response, using data analytics and AI to understand attacks on business assets, and overall management of the cybersecurity function within a business. Graduates of the program will be prepared for jobs as analysts, auditors, and planners within the cybersecurity function. BIT – Cybersecurity Management and Analytics option is available in Blacksburg and, as a degree completion program, in the metro Washington, DC area (at the Northern Virginia Center).

As an academic partner-university with CompTIA, Virginia Tech enables students to pursue their industry certifications. BIT-Cyber students are prepared to complete CompTIA Security+ certification (BIT 4614) and are encouraged to seek additional industry certifications. Further, BIT-Cyber has a strong experiential learning component, and all our students are required to complete at least 300 hours of on the job training through internships, co-op study, or apprenticeship.

Learn more

Junior and Senior Level Course Requirements

Required Courses for all PAMPLIN Students:

MKTG 3104: Marketing Management
FIN 3104: Introduction to Finance
FIN 3054: Legal & Ethical Environment for Business
MGT 3304: Principles of Management
BIT 3414: Operations & Supply Chain Management
BIT 4604: Data Governance, Privacy & Ethics
MGT 4394: Strategic Management (Cyber Section)*

Required Courses for all BIT Students:

BIT 3424: Intro to Business Analytics Modeling
BIT 3434: Advanced Modeling for Business Analytics
BIT 3444: Advanced Business Computing
BIT 4484: Project Management

Required Courses for BIT-Cyber:

BIT 4614: Information Security
BIT 4624: Cybersecurity Management & Analytics
FIN 4014: Cyber Law & Policy
BIT 4964: Field Study in Cybersecurity

BIT Electives (choose one):

BIT 4424: Business Data Visualization
BIT 5114: Crime and Conflict in Cyberspace
BIT 5134: Cybersecurity Program Design & Operation
SPIA 4374: Federal Cybersecurity Policy & Regulation

B.S. in Business - Cybersecurity Management and Analytics (BIT-Cyber) option - Metro Washington D.C. area

About the Cybersecurity Management and Analytics (BIT-Cyber) Major option - Metro Washington D.C. area

Students with a community college degree, living and working in Northern Virginia and interested in completing their undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech, now can obtain their BIT degree - Cybersecurity Management and Analytics option without leaving Northern Virginia. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) students can pursue a guided transfer pathway and complete BIT-Cyber studies though the Guaranteed Admission Agreement with NOVA.