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Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ranjidha Rajan, Department of Computer Sciences | email [email protected]
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Contact UsOVERVIEW
The Departments of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics, and Computer Sciences jointly offer the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (B.S. in CYB). The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology houses and administers the CYB program. The B.S. in Cybersecurity is interdisciplinary which includes aspects of law, policy, human factors, ethics, and risk management. The B.S. in Cybersecurity provides students with the knowledge and practical skills of computer crime, information systems solutions, proper seizure and recovery of computer evidence. Furthermore, the CYB program focuses on understanding criminal cyber-criminal behaviors, preventing cybercrimes, as well as understanding cyber laws governing prosecuting and punishing cybercriminals.
Mission Statement
We prepare cybersecurity professionals to deter, detect, contain, and investigate unauthorized use of computer networks and safeguard information assets. The interdisciplinary program offers students education in criminal justice, information systems, and computer science. The cybersecurity program integrates theory and practice, allowing students to gain hands-on experience. Moreover, the cybersecurity program is committed to delivering excellence in teaching, research, service, and community service. As new opportunities are continuously emerging due to persistent cyberattacks targeting businesses and governments alike and a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, our program trains students for employment in local, state, and federal agencies and the private sector.
Cybersecurity Program Learning Goals
- To grasp cybersecurity challenges on a domestic and international level.
- To acquire knowledge in areas of network security, information assurance, risk management, information security, and digital forensics.
- To master skills to deter, detect, contain, and investigate unauthorized use of computer networks and safeguard the organization’s information assets.
- To comprehend the relationships between the laws, ethics, privacy, and network security.
Cybersecurity Program Learning Objectives
- Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions,
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline,
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts,
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles,
- Function effectively as a member, or leader, of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline,
- Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
MSU Denver’s Cybersecurity Program Achieves NSA Designation
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) institution. The Cybersecurity, B.S. program has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) from 2022 to 2027. The CAE-CD designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and/or certificates at the associate, bachelor’s and graduate levels. The designation brings with it more opportunities for professional relationships and funding for students, helping them to better prepare for careers in a field where they are desperately needed. “There are about 590,000 unfilled cyber jobs in the U.S., and about 20,000 of those jobs are in Colorado,” said Richard Mac Namee, director of The Cybersecurity Center at MSU Denver.
KEY FEATURES
The B.S. in Cybersecurity program emphasizes hands-on learning experience for its students. Graduates of the program would be job-ready to enter cybersecurity careers.
The B.S. in Cybersecurity program offers daytime, evening, online, and hybrid classes. The flexible course delivery accommodates full-time as well as part time students who are busy working professionals with competing commitments.
The B.S. in Cybersecurity tailors its content and pedagogy to students broadly trained in social/behavioral science and computer information systems as well as computer science. Its curriculum combines the knowledge of combating cybercrime, skills to analyze and manage cyber threats and security, theoretical and analytical comprehension of criminal behavior. Thus, it will respond to rapidly changing cyber workforce requirements.
CURRICULUM
- CJC 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice System
- CIS/CSS 1010 Introduction to Computers
- CS 1030 Computer Science Principles
- MTH 1210 Introduction to Statistics
Arts & Humanities (6 credits)
- PHI 3370 Computers, Ethics, & Society (recommended)
Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
- COMM 1010 Presentational Speaking (recommended)
Quantitative Literacy (3-4 credits)
- MTH 1210 Introduction to Statistics (pre-major requirement)*
*Prerequisite(s): An appropriate score on the mathematics pre-assessment test, or one of MTH 1080 or MTH 1109 or MTH 1110 or MTH 1112 or MTH 1610 with a “C-” or better.
Historical (3 credits)
- Global Diversity course (recommended)
Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
- CJC 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice System, 3 credits (pre-major requirement)
Global Diversity (0-3 credits)
- Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.
For more information, visit General Studies Program.
- CYB 2001 Cyber Laws and Regulations
- CYB 2500 Criminal Investigation
- CYB Elective: Any CYB/CJC course not required for the major
- See list of CYB/CJC courses below
- CJC 3210 – White-Collar Crime
- CJC 3420 – Organized Crime
- CJC 3800 – Federal Law Enforcement
- CIS 2010 Foundations of Information Systems
- CIS 2110 Structured Problem Solving in Information Systems
- CIS 3230 Telecommunication Systems and Networking
- CIS 3500 Information Systems Security
- CIS 4500 Information Systems Security Tools and Techniques
- CIS 4550 Information Systems Security Management and Information Assurance
- CSS 2751 – Principles of Cybersecurity
- CSS 2752 – Information Assurance
- CSS 2753 – Network Security
- CSS 2754 – Host Security
- CSS 3751 – Application Security
- CSS 3752 – Computer Forensics
- MTH 1210 – Introduction to Statistics (4 credits)
- Any discrete Math course as approved by Cybersecurity Faculty (3 credit hours)
Unrestricted Electives: The total number of unrestricted electives must be sufficient to meet the University’s minimum requirement to graduate: 120 credit hours.
CYB Elective: Any CYB/CJC course not required for the major.
NOTE: This is a standard list; some courses may or may not be offered each semester, and this list is subject to change without notice.
- CYB 3980 Internship in Cybersecurity
- CYB 3900 Open-Source Intelligence
- CJC 3200 Criminal Justice Administrative Behavior
- CJC 3440 American Gangsters
- CJC 3460 Crime Mapping and Analysis
- CJC 3490 Serial Killers
- CJC 3720 Chicanos and the Law
- CJC 405M Aviation Security
- CJC 4160 Human Trafficking
- CJC 4230 The Female Offender
- CJC 4260 Crime/Criminal Justice in Media
CYB 4990 Capstone Seminar in Cybersecurity
Prerequisites: CJC 3210, CJC 3420, and CJC 3800; CIS 4550; CSS 3752; Senior Standing 90 hours earned; per instructor’s permission
Description: Students in this course will integrate their knowledge acquired in previous courses on the institutions, policies, and practices of computer information systems, computer sciences and criminal justice. The students will synthesize interdisciplinary learning with exercises that promote critical thinking, including the development of a system plan with a focus on addressing encryption issues and best practices data protection. Students will critique current practices in criminal justice and cybersecurity. Students will evaluate the computer science of detecting infiltrated computer system networks and portable devices, with an extension towards a security conscious system and software development practices and testing activities, which includes discussion of ethical hacking.
University Requirement: Senior Experience
College of Health & Human Sciences 4-Year Degree Plans
- Select Year
- Select Cybersecurity
Current MSU Denver students, you may review your Degree Progress Report by logging into your Student Hub, click on Web Services–> Degree Progress Report.
The Academic Catalog provides the following information:
- Program Overview
- Student Outcomes
- Course Descriptions
- General Degree Requirements
- Cybersecurity Major Coursework Requirements
- Summary of Requirements
Important Note: Students, please make sure that when you select a degree, minor or concentration on the academic catalog website, that you are selecting the link to the correct academic year for you. You may use the drop-down box located at the top right side of the catalog website to select the correct year. For example, if you began your studies at MSU Denver in Fall 2020, Spring 2021 or Summer 2021, you would select the 2020-2021 undergraduate catalog for accurate degree information, NOT the most recent academic catalog or another year. Please also ensure that if you are referring to a degree plan that it matches the year you started taking courses at MSU Denver. If you have further questions about your degree information or degree progress, please reach out to your academic advisor.
New Courses
CYB 190A Introduction to Cybersecurity (CRN: 54171)
This course introduces students to the essential principles, practices, and societal issues of cybersecurity. Students will develop awareness of cyber threats, practice personal digital security, and explore the ethical, legal, and societal dimensions of cybersecurity. The course emphasizes applied digital literacy and prepares students to make responsible security decisions in personal, academic, and professional settings. As part of MSU Denver’s General Education curriculum, this course strengthens critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.
- Prerequisite: None
To register for CYB 190A (Fall 2026), visit Registration Resources.
CSS 190A Python Fundamentals (CRN: 53799)
In this course, students study how to identify fundamental concepts of the Python programming language and how to apply basic programming techniques to solve introductory computing problems. Emphasis is placed on building fundamental programming abilities, applying core concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, and functions, and developing a structured approach to solving introductory computing problems. Students practice breaking down problems into manageable steps and constructing clear, efficient solutions using Python. Through hands-on practice, students explore real-world applications of Python and observe how programming can be utilized to solve practical, introductory problems across various domains. By the end of the course, students have the foundational knowledge necessary to construct basic programs and adapt their skills to more advanced computational challenges.
- Prerequisite: None
To register for CSS 190A (Fall 2026), visit Registration Resources.
Required Hardware, Software, & Connectivity
To successfully complete this program, you will need a properly configured computer with the required components. Although mobile devices can be used, our experience shows that they don’t always give a student the optimum learning experience. Also, for online exam proctoring purposes, computers will need a camera (built-in or added). Online courses at MSU Denver are accessed through the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). The minimum technical requirements to access and participate in online courses include the following:
- A computer with a reliable internet connection—high-speed internet, such as DSL or cable, is strongly recommended.
- At least one compatible internet browser with updated plug-ins
- can be found on the Canvas support page regarding Browser and Computer Requirements for Canvas.
The following software on your computer or mobile device:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader, version X or higher. To ensure you can access all PDF files, download the latest version of Adobe Reader
- Word Processing Software: Microsoft Word (version 2013 or higher), WordPad, or OpenOffice software is recommended.
- Microsoft Office Suite is available for free to students, visit Information Technology Services to download applications on your personal devices.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of the CYB program, graduates will have the ability to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles. - Function effectively as a member, or leader, of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Cybersecurity Center
The Cybersecurity Center at MSU Denver is a workforce development resource for higher education cybersecurity efforts in the region and beyond and a resource for all academic programs at MSU Denver. The Center provides program guidance and oversight, general cyber defense information, collaboration and outreach opportunities among students, faculty, other academic units/departments within the University. For more information, please visit The Cybersecurity Center.
Declaration of Cybersecurity Major
To declare a major in Cybersecurity, please email Maty Candelaria, CYB Academic Advisor. Email: [email protected]
Explore Student Clubs
CyberBridge
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Daniel Pittman, Department of Computer Sciences | email [email protected]
learn more via RoadrunnerLink
Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Denise Mowder, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology | email [email protected]
learn more via RoadrunnerLinkCYBERSECURITY FACULTY & STAFF
DIRECTORYSTUDENT AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Student Awards
CHHS Outstanding Student Awards
The College of Health & Human Sciences (CHHS) Outstanding Student Awards recognize the academic achievements of graduating students. These awards are presented to students who demonstrate emerging professional capabilities and potential for contributing to their professions and society.
Congratulations!
Cybersecurity, B.S.
- Bradley Martinez (2021 – 2022)
- Abigail Molnar (2022 – 2023)
- Lepcis Vazquez (2023 – 2024)
- Mark LaBarbera (2024 – 2025)
- Jeshua Bailey (2025 – 2026)
Cybersecurity Competitions
2026 CYBER RECon National Competition
An MSU Denver cybersecurity team earned first place in the Strategist category at the 2026 CYBER RECon National Competition hosted at Fort Meade, Maryland, by U.S. Cyber Command.
Cyber Research and Education Conference is an annual student research competition and symposium hosted by U.S. Cyber Command’s Academic Engagement Network (AEN).
Led by Jeffrey London, Ph.D., and undergraduate student Matthew Bopp, the team competed against universities and law schools nationwide with its 30-page legal analysis on cybersecurity and free speech titled “Freedom of Speech and MDM: Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation.” The paper also earned Bopp a personal invitation to apply to the University of Maryland School of Law.
ISACA Denver Chapter Cyber Case Study Competition
The Denver chapter of ISACA, a global professional association focused on IT governance, cybersecurity, and risk management, recently hosted its annual case study competition for college students. This year’s theme explored the growing impact of AI-powered cyberattacks across sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and smart technologies.
Students from Dr. János Füstös‘ course, CIS 4500 Information Systems Security Tools and Techniques, submitted research analyzing emerging
threats and proposing practical mitigation strategies. Two teams represented the course:
- Team Cyber X: Joseph Dewitt, Nathan Edwards, Nicholas Robinson
- Team RoadRunners: Jennifer Chin and Jordyn Heidrich
Competing against teams from universities including the University of Denver (DU), University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), and University of Northern Colorado (UNC), participants advanced through multiple rounds of judging, including live presentations to a panel of industry and academic experts.
Team RoadRunners Jennifer and Jordyn earned an impressive 3rd place finish overall. Jennifer and Jordyn were formally recognized, awarded, and celebrated at the ISACA Denver Chapter’s April conference.
CyberRunners Take On National Cyber Defense Competitions
This spring, MSU Denver’s CyberRunners, a student-led competitive cybersecurity team, competed in two national collegiate cyber defense competitions and delivered standout results in the club’s very first season.
In January, the team took part in the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) Qualifier, spending an intense eight-hour day defending a simulated enterprise network against a professional attack team. Competing against 20 teams from across the region, and with every CyberRunner taking part in their first-ever cybersecurity competition, the team placed 10th.
Competing for MSU Denver: Lifu Deng, Eli Earlix, Aayush Lohani, Alexander Morris, Katie Stolle, and Rachel Valdez (team captain).
In March, the CyberRunners returned to competition at the NCAE Cyber Games, the national competition run by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, the same NSA-backed program behind MSU Denver’s Center of Academic Excellence designation. The team finished 5th in their bracket, a result that showed just how quickly these students grew over a single semester.
Competing for MSU Denver: Mohammad Ahmadi, Lifu Deng, Logan Garner, Alexander Morris, Lena Ngo, Colton Shelnutt, Katie Stolle, Victor Torres-Corona, Rachel Valdez (team captain), and Teddi Woodmansee.
Both competitions put students into real-time defense of live systems under genuine pressure, building the hands-on skills that cybersecurity employers value most. Congratulations to the CyberRunners on a remarkable first season. We cannot wait to see what they do next.
CYBER NEWS
James McColskey is among the students who will receive a Centurion Secured Certificate of Achievement from MSU Denver's Cybersecurity Center. Photo by Josh Geurink
Students shield Coloradoans from thousands of cyberattacks
Participants in MSU Denver’s Centurion Secured program are protecting smaller organizations from hackers while gaining real-world experience.
Through the PISCES program, MSU Denver student Monica Ball helps protect civic institutions across Colorado from cyberattacks. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Cyber students help protect civic institutions vulnerable to hackers
MSU Denver’s PISCES program provides cybersecurity monitoring for organizations throughout Colorado and gives students real-world experience in the process.
Cyber Heroes Prepare for Battle
With cybercrime soaring, the race is on to train a new generation of digital defenders.
MSU Denver student Soren Singpiel, left, works with alumna Ashley Danielle Aguilar at Lockheed Martin. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin
Partnership Opens Pipeline from MSU Denver to Lockheed Martin
The aerospace, technology and defense corporation is hiring students to support projects in AI, cybersecurity and more.
The Future of Cyberwar
The U.S. rallies its cyber defenses as the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates on and off the battlefield.
Shattering the Cybersecurity Glass Ceiling
An all-girls squad from D’Evelyn Junior High School code and collaborate their way to the national CyberPatriot competition.
MSU Denver Aims to Improve Diversity in Cybersecurity Field
Diverse Issues in Higher Education Article
UPCOMING EVENTS
There are currently no upcoming events scheduled. Please check back soon for updates.
ALUMNI RESOURCES
To find a host of exciting events, career support resources, and opportunities to engage with fellow Roadrunners, visit the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) Alumni Relations page.
Maty Candelaria, Jose Chavez Quezada, or Spencer Sheaman
Academic Advisors
Phone: (303) 615-1099
CONTACT YOUR ADVISOROffice Location
We are located in the Administration Building, Suite 310.
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday (Virtual) 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mailing Address
Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Campus Box 10
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362
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