Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Radford, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Dec 2024
EARLIEST START DATE
Jul 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 25,633 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Blended, On-Campus
* out-of-state, commuter student | $12,548: in-state, commuter student. Additional fees may apply
Introduction
The cybersecurity field focuses on protecting networks, data, software, and computing resources from changes, unauthorized access, or destruction. Students will learn the technical foundation to work in public and private organizations to protect data and the foundational policies and procedures necessary for organizations to ensure the safe handling of data and management of resources.
Why Study Cybersecurity at Radford?
- You’ll get experience in programming, networking, and operating systems · Complex applications including database management systems
- Coursework will cover distributed computing infrastructure, cloud computing, and embedded computing devices that drive the Internet of Things (IoT)
- Graduates are well prepared to design, implement, deploy, and administer technological solutions to prevent and defend against cyber-attacks
- Students learn to think creatively and critically in performing risk assessment, analyzing the security of computer infrastructure, implementing solutions, mastering the skills and tools to handle cyberattacks, and developing a business case for security
We're ready for the future
Radford University recently launched a degree program in Cybersecurity, designed to prepare students to meet the anticipated demand for 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2023. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is the first at a four-year public institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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Scholarships and Funding
Do you need help paying for your Highlander education?
Foundation scholarships can help you pay for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and other education-related expenses. Nearly 1,000 students received scholarships in 2023-24, and over $3.2 million will be awarded in 2025-26! Apply today, and you can join the many Highlanders who have received donor support.
What are Foundation scholarships?
Unlike institutional scholarships, Foundation scholarships are not funded by Radford University. They are privately funded, and most are created by individual donors. These individuals are often Radford University alumni, current/retired faculty, or friends of the University. Most Foundation scholarship funds are managed and invested by the Radford University Foundation so that the principal grows and Radford can continue to award year after year. There are also nonprofit foundations that provide funds for Radford University to award each year.
Foundation scholarships are competitive, and students need to re-apply each year. Eligibility varies for each of these scholarships. Major, merit, financial need, and leadership experience may be considered. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), writing essays, or including references may be required for some scholarships.
Institutional scholarships are funded by Radford University and are part of Radford’s annual budget. They are awarded by Admissions or Athletics to incoming students and athletes as part of Radford’s recruitment/retention initiatives. Students do not need to apply. Examples of institutional scholarships include Highlander of Distinction, Transfer Excellence, and Phi Theta Kappa.
Curriculum
The purpose of the program is to educate graduates so they can obtain an entry-level position in the cybersecurity field. The cybersecurity field focuses on the protection of networks, data, software, and computing resources from unintended or unauthorized changes, access or destruction. Private and public institutions today collect and store tremendous amounts of data which is transported across networks and maintained by multiple computer systems. The data as well as the systems and hardware used to maintain the data and provide strategic and operational support are under attack from criminals and nation-states intent on stealing, damaging or destroying those resources. Additionally, computer systems and hardware may be unintentionally damaged or data released or destroyed by actions of employees. The BSCS will provide students the technical foundation to work in public and private organizations protecting the data, software, and hardware resources from criminal and espionage activities. The students will also learn the foundational issues with policy and procedures necessary for organizations to ensure the safe handling of data and management of resources.
REAL Curriculum
This major fulfills the R and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students fulfill the R area through classes through the skills and knowledge gained in a calculus class, programming classes, and a discrete math course.
Students fulfill the L area through classes developing and reflecting on their professional skills, experience, and abilities in a number of classes teaching skills in areas such as networks, website development, databases, and software development.
Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the E and A areas to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.
REAL Foundational Requirements
- Foundational Writing (3 credits)
- Foundational Math (3 credits)
REAL Cornerstone Requirements
- Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)
- General Education Requirement
Major Requirements (70-76 credits)
- BS Requirements (6-8 credits)
- Required Courses (64-68 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
All majors require a minimum 2.0 GPA in the major in order to be eligible for graduation. The major GPA is calculated using all courses required for the Degree Core Requirements. Many courses require a “C” or better in the prerequisite. (See “Course Descriptions” section).
Open Credit Hours (44-50 credits)
These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.
Total Credit Hours Needed for Degree 120
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
What does a career in cybersecurity look like?
Cyberattacks are one of the most critical threats facing the Commonwealth of Virginia and the entire nation. These attacks cost organizations an average of $11.7 million dollars every year and threaten national security. According to the Department of Homeland Security, “Our daily life, economic vitality, and national security depend on a stable, safe, and resilient cyberspace.”
Recent prominent attacks, like the attack on Target’s systems and the Dyn webcam attack, identity theft from the Office of Personal Management (OPM)s and demonstrate that all computing devices are vulnerable to attacks including:
- Traditional PCs and workstations
- Voting machines
- Baby monitors
- Corporate and home networks
Opportunities for Cybersecurity at Radford
Radford’s curriculum develops the depth and breadth necessary for security professionals to design and develop comprehensive security solutions.