Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science Degree

RIT’s bachelor of science in cybersecurity produces professionals who understand the people and processes that impact computer systems security. In addition to acquiring state-of-the-art knowledge in protecting digital assets of large or small organizations, you will learn to proactively identify security vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and infrastructure, and provide and implement actionable solutions that protect the assets of an organization. You will learn to collect digital forensic evidence to reveal network and data breach incidents, attribute the attackers or origin of attack, assess the extent of the damage or loss of information, and design strategies that ensure information is protected from future attacks.

Cybersecurity Curriculum

In the first two years of the program, RIT’s cybersecurity major provides you with a solid foundation in computer science and mathematics. Core courses include a programming sequence, an ethics course, a computer networking and system administration sequence, and foundation courses in computer and network security.

Starting in the third year, you will begin an in-depth exploration of a range of aspects of cybersecurity with advanced electives that allow you to design the focus of your cybersecurity degree. You may choose from an extensive selection of advanced topics in the areas of the network and system security, digital forensics and malware, software security, data security and privacy, and cyber analytics and intelligence. You can expand your knowledge of cybersecurity in one of several disciplines, including network and systems security, digital forensics and malware, security software, and security management. You may also use advanced elective courses to create a customized cluster to address an area of professional interest. To help you apply your cybersecurity courses to the real-world, and gain valuable career experience, you’ll complete two blocks of cooperative education.

ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute: Advancing Cybersecurity Education

As a student in the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, you'll have the opportunity to take courses and participate in events at the ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute, a state-of-the-art, 52,000-square-foot facility designed for advanced cybersecurity education, training, and research. You will learn from experts who have developed a world-class curriculum that covers cybersecurity to managing information systems as you build secure systems and new technologies. You'll also have access to the Cyber Range, which generates the real world feel of responding to a cybersecurity crisis for governments and industries to test their security and identify innovative/effective solutions.

Careers in Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity field is growing rapidly, with demand for cybersecurity experts outpacing the number of students graduating from cybersecurity majors nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in cybersecurity will grow by 31 percent by the year 2029, creating excellent career opportunities for graduates of RIT’s cybersecurity degree.

Nearly every single industry needs cybersecurity experts, from aviation and banking, to automotive, health care, energy, retail, education, government, and more. You’ll be well prepared for jobs in cybersecurity as a data scientist, data analyst, information security analyst, cybersecurity engineer, cybersecurity specialist, systems engineer, security architect, application security administrator, artificial intelligence security specialist, cloud security architect, cryptographer, cyber operations specialist, cybercrime Investigator, and more.

RIT is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Research and Education by the National Security Agency.

Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• Cybersecurity BS/Cybersecurity MS: The BS/MS pathway in cybersecurity offers a comprehensive education in this critical and rapidly growing field. The BS program lays a strong foundation, equipping students with essential skills in preserving information assets, identifying vulnerabilities, and conducting digital forensics. Building on this, the MS program delves into advanced topics such as enterprise-level security strategies and trusted computing, as well as research topics like Internet-of-Things (IoT) security and covert communications. This powerful combination prepares graduates to not only tackle complex security challenges but also to guide the industry's future. Through hands-on experience with partner companies and collaboration with research leaders in cybersecurity and AI, students gain real-world skills that are highly sought after by employers. Graduates of this accelerated program are uniquely positioned to become leaders in the cybersecurity field, ready to develop and implement innovative solutions, and protect critical digital infrastructure in various sectors, from finance to national security.
• Cybersecurity BS/Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS: The BS/MS pathway in cybersecurity and science, technology, and public policy offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to addressing digital security challenges. The BS in cybersecurity provides a robust technical foundation, teaching students to protect information assets, identify vulnerabilities, and conduct digital forensics. This technical expertise is then complemented by the MS in science, technology, and public policy, which examines how government and society impact and are impacted by threats and innovation in cybersecurity. Through research opportunities and co-op experiences, students gain practical insights into how cybersecurity and privacy concerns shape industry practices and government policies. This unique combination prepares graduates for diverse leadership roles at the intersection of technology and policy. Alumni are well-positioned to guide organizations in developing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, influence public policy in the digital realm, and bridge the gap between technical experts and policymakers in both private and public sectors.
• +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.