cybersecurity student at computer

Cybersecurity Minor

Learn to protect critical technological infrastructure.

Cyber-attacks have increased dramatically as usage of and reliance on computers expands. Therefore, there is a vital and growing need for all professionals to have a basic understanding of cybersecurity. The minor in Cybersecurity is designed to help students from all backgrounds achieve this basic understanding.

Program type:
Minor
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
22

Why minor in Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is an immense priority in today's technology-dependent world. Threats from home and abroad make it essential to have skilled individuals that can protect mission-critical infrastructure, defense technologies and other vital systems from attacks.

With this UND minor program, you'll benefit from a program that:

  • Gives you the expertise to be a part of a highly educated technical workforce with cyber-physical security skills to address the complexity of critical infrastructure security concerns
  • Offers you opportunities to participate in cybersecurity research
  • Provides the knowledge and technical skills for working in the cybersecurity sector, along with a strong liberal arts foundation for a well-rounded education

Cybersecurity Careers

UND graduates can expect a range of opportunities in careers with many kinds of institutions, and in many different industries. It is anticipated that students completing this program will be in demand by:

  • Local, regional, national and international cybersecurity-focused businesses
  • Companies expanding into the Red River Valley, such as Northrup-Grumman and General Atomics
  • Local start-up and emerging companies
  • Government agencies

What majors pair well with a Cybersecurity minor?

Combining a Cybersecurity minor with certain majors can enhance your skill set and broaden your career options. Alternatively, you may choose to deepen your expertise with a bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity. Here are some bachelor’s degrees that pair well with a Cyber Security minor:

  • Computer Science Degree: A major in Computer Science provides a comprehensive understanding of software development, networking, and computer systems. Pairing it with a Cyber Security minor adds a layer of security expertise to your technical knowledge.
  • Data Science Degree: Data science involves analyzing large datasets to extract insights and make data-driven decisions. Combining it with a Cybersecurity minor prepares you to analyze cybersecurity data, identify patterns and detect potential threats.
  • Criminal Justice Degree: A major in Criminal Justice provides an understanding of legal and ethical issues related to cybersecurity, as well as knowledge of cybercrime investigation and digital forensics techniques.
  • Business Degree: Business majors learn about management, finance, and organizational behavior. Pairing it with a Cybersecurity minor prepares you for leadership roles in cybersecurity management and strategy.
  • Electrical Engineering Degree: Electrical engineering involves the study of electrical systems and electronic devices. Adding a Cybersecurity minor to this major enables you to develop secure hardware and embedded systems.
  • Information Systems Degree: Information Systems focuses on the practical application of technology to solve business challenges, including the management and security of information systems. A Cybersecurity minor complements this by equipping you with the skills to protect information systems and networks.
  • Math Degree: Pairing a Math degree with a Cybersecurity minor can provide a strong foundation for various careers in cybersecurity, data protection and information technology.

Cyber Security Minor Courses

CSCI 110. Introduction to Computer Science. 3 Credits.

This is an introductory course for prospective computer science majors as well as offering an introduction to computing for non-computer science majors. Students will receive a broad introduction to the discipline of computer science without the immersion into a programming language. Students will learn to write interactive Web-based programs. No previous computing or programming experience is assumed. F,S,SS.

CSCI 289. Social Implications of Computer Technology. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the effects of computer technology on society and individuals and to ethical problems faced by computer professionals. Topics covered include privacy, the nature of work, centralization versus decentralization and the need for human factors analysis in the development of a new computer system. F.

CSCI 290. Cyber-Security and Information Assurance. 3 Credits.

An introduction covering the breadth of essential Cyber-Security and Information Assurance topics. Students will hone skills in observation, deduction, analysis, logical reasoning and critical thinking as they gain experience with non-technical and lightly technical aspects of Cyber-Security and Information Assurance through practical and real-world examples. S.

CSCI 389. Computer and Network Security. 3 Credits.

This course introduces techniques for achieving security in multi-user standalone computer systems and distributed computer systems. Coverage includes host-based security topics (cryptography, intrusion detection, secure operating systems), network-based security topics (authentication and identification schemes, denial-of-service attacks, worms, firewalls), risk assessment and security policies. Prerequisite: CSCI 161. S.

MATH 208. Discrete Mathematics. 3 Credits.

Introduction to Set Theory, Functions and Relations, Permutations and Combinations, Logic, Boolean Algebra, Induction, Difference Equations. Other topics from Graphs, Finite Automata and Formal Languages. Prerequisite: Appropriate score in the Placement Testing Program or MATH 103 or MATH 107 or MATH 146 or MATH 165. F,S,SS.

PSYC 370. Cyber Security, Big Data, & Human Behavior. 3 Credits.

This course will discuss the connections between human behavior, cyber security and big data. Big data tools and techniques allow the integration of diverse data streams from multiple sources providing the potential for better understanding and prediction of human behavior. Improved predictive modeling emerging from big data has several implications including possibly strengthening the security of critical cyber systems. On demand.

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