OVERVIEW
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 a social science based B.S. major, providing 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. More specifically, students will learn:
- Digital techniques and tools such as cyber threat analysis and information sharing, managing and securing cyberspace, preventing, detecting, and recovering from cybercrimes
- Investigative skills and knowledge of laws for prosecuting cybercrimes and criminals
- Theoretical understanding of cybercrimes and criminal behavior such as fraud indicators, as well as controlling cybercrimes through prevention and punishment; and
- The impact of cybercrimes and criminals and their victims on the criminal justice system.
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
- (fulfills General Studies Social & Behavioral Sciences, 3 credits)
- CIS/CSS 1010 Introduction to Computers
- CS 1030 Computer Science Principles
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 credits)
- MTH 1210 Introduction to Statistics (recommended)
- All Quantitative Literacy courses are accepted
Historical
- Global Diversity course (recommended)
Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
- CJC 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice System, 3 credits (pre-major requirement)
Multicultural Graduation Requirement (3 credits)
- CJC 3720 Chicanos & the Law fulfills this requirement
For more information, visit General Studies Program.
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.
- 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
- CYB 3980 Internship in Cybersecurity (1-6 credits, Junior Standing)**
- CYB 390A Open-Source Intelligence
- CJC 405M Aviation Security (Junior Standing)
- CJC 4160 Human Trafficking
- CJC 4230 The Female Offender
- CJC 4260 Crime/Criminal Justice in Media
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.
Cybersecurity Major, B.S.
Declaration of Cybersecurity Major
To declare a major in Cybersecurity, download and complete the fillable Declaration of Major form. Once completed, email the form to Maty Candelaria, CYB Academic Advisor: [email protected]
DECLARE CYB MAJORLEARNING 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.
MSU Denver’s Cybersecurity Program Achieves NSA Designation
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Cybersecurity program has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency. 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.
Cybersecurity Certification Clubs (C3)
Cybersecurity Professional Development
C3 is an extracurricular, voluntary club that prepares students to achieve professional, industry recognized certifications. These clubs will be instructor led and delivered in the Cybersecurity Multi-Use Training Environment (C-MUTE) which includes the Cyber Range and at significantly discounted rates. Our undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity programs provide robust theory and general education. C3 complements them by providing students with hands on experience and professionally recognized certifications that are very attractive to employers. The roadmap outlined below was created with crosswalks in mind. This ensures students are taking certifications while they are covering the same content in the classroom. These clubs are stand alone. If you are entering the program with credits or transferring to the program, you are still encouraged to join C3. Pricing and registration details will be announced shortly.
For more information, please email The Cybersecurity Center [email protected]
Women in Cybersecurity
Join a community of engagement, encouragement, & support for women in cybersecurity. Members receive access to discounts, scholarships, & exclusive events. Contact: [email protected]
Join WiCySCYB SCHOLARSHIP
Cybersecurity Senate Bill 18-086 Scholarship
DESCRIPTION
Senate Bill 86 provides scholarship awards to attract and benefit students who major in the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at MSU Denver.
AMOUNT
$1500 will be awarded in the Spring for the 2023-2024 academic year.
*Limited scholarships awarded, please apply early*
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be a declared major in Cybersecurity, B.S., be a full-time student (enrolled in 12 or more credit hours) and have a GPA of 3.0 (cumulative).
TO APPLY
Visit MSU Denver Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Phone: (303) 556-8593| Email: [email protected]
Deadline: March 1, 2023
CYBERSECURITY FACULTY & STAFF
PROFILESFEATURED POSTS
2023 College of Health & Applied Sciences Outstanding Student Awards
Congratulations!
Abigail Molnar, Cybersecurity, B.S. (Class of 2023)
CYBER NEWS
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Campus Catalyst: MSU Denver-DU Hack 23
Date: Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 22
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: University of Denver (DU) Computer Science (ECS) Building, Room 510
2155 East Wesley Avenue
Denver, CO 80208
Event Details: Join us for MSU Denver and DU’s first joint Hack-a-thon! What is a Hack-a-thon? It’s a coding project that a team tackles in a given amount of time accoring to a theme. Hack-a-thons are a great way to improve your experience and resume because employers like to see that you have done coding outside of your school curriculum. Anyone who knows how to code in any language is encouraged to attend.
Theme: Enchance Campus Life! Details of the assignment will be revealed the day of.
Prize: Trophy, bragging rights, and a project to show off on your resume.
Event Flyer and Registration QR Code
Questions, please email the representative of the student club.
- ACM
- Joshua, [email protected]
- Katie, [email protected]
- Girls Who Code
- Alyssa, [email protected]
- CyberBridge
- Brian, [email protected]
Colorado Graduate School Fair
Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Tivoli Student Union, Turnhalle
900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
Event Details: The Office of Graduate Studies will be hosting a Graduate Fair with information tables and representatives from each of the graduate programs.
Registration Link: Free Parking will be available for attendees who register.
PAST EVENTS
Women in Cybersecurity Candle Making Event
Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Jordan Student Success Building (JSSB) 2nd Floor at Mezzanine
900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204
Event Details: Come join us for an evening of fun with a chance to connect and learn more about women in cyber!
Contact: [email protected]
Cybersecurity Panel: Criminal Justice Matters! Smart on Cybersecurity
Date: Monday, May 1, 2023
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Tivoli Student Union, Room 444
Event Details: Cybersecurity professionals spoke about the reality of working in cybersecurity, topics include: cybersecurity isn’t only about computers but behavior and criminal justice perspective of cybersecurity.
Raíces Cyber Denver Chapter Presents:
Malware Reverse Engineering with James Leo
Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Aerospace & Engineering Science Building (AES)
1449 7th Street, Denver, CO 80204
National Organization Information:
Raíces Cyber Org is the Hispanic, Latino, Latina, LatinX and Our Allies International Association in Cybersecurity. Raíces Cyber Org’s Mission is to Encourage and Support the Hispanic, Latino, Latina and LatinX Cyber Community to achieve Greater representation in the Cyber Workforce.
“Raíces Cyber, Changing the World by Creating DIVERSITY of Thought in Cyber”
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
Cybersecurity Academic Advisor
Phone: (303) 615-1099 Email: [email protected]
Schedule an AppointmentThe Department of CJC will have a new home in the Administration Building, Suite 310! Due to renovations, CJC will be operating remotely during the summer and part of the fall semester, tentatively until October. You may contact us during business hours via email and phone. When available, we will provide updates on our website. We appreciate your patience and understanding; thank you.