Computer security is an international challenge affecting everything from social media to the democratic process of voting. Defending against cybersecurity threats requires a holistic approach, and a growing number of jobs require skills in identifying cybersecurity issues and developing responses that are sensitive to cultural, institutional and ethical issues.
A degree in Cyber Policy & Ethics prepares you for a career defending the security of personal privacy, government and military operations, and corporate data, with a well-rounded education that champions critical thinking and problem solving.
Examples of courses in the Cyber Policy & Ethics degree
- Information Security Principles
- Applied Linear Algebra
- Discrete Structures
- Big Data Analytics
- Applied Multivariate Statistics/Data Mining
- Math Foundations of Machine Learning & Data Science
- Math Foundations of Network Science
- Introduction to Cryptography
- Ethics
- Politics and Ethics
- Behavioral and Mental Disorders
- Survey of Social Psychology
- Survey of Personality
- Psychology of cybersecurity
- International Relations
- National Security Policies of the United States
- Theories of War in International Relations
- International Law
- Law and Contemporary International Problems
- Economic Aspects of International Politics
- Globalization and Security
- Constitutional Law
- Constitutional Law
- Political Geography
- Interpretation of Aerial Photographs
- Geographic Information Systems
- Principles of Remote Sensing
- Advanced GIS
- Criminal Justice Intelligence
- Homeland Security and Terrorism
- Information-Based Management in Criminal Justice
- Law and Criminal Justice Policy
- Computer Applications in Criminal Justice
- Evolution of Warfare
- American Military Experience
See the undergraduate bulletin for a full list of courses.
How is this different from cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity emphasizes technical training in engineering and computer science for the purpose of building and maintaining secure cyber infrastructure. Cyber Policy & Ethics emphases the operational and policy issues related to cybersecurity.
As a result, Cyber Policy & Ethics places emphasis on the human intelligence aspects of network security that requires knowledge in human factors, human behavior and the cultural influence of these.
In contrast to degrees that are predominantly engineering or computer science, Cyber Policy & Ethics draws from technical expertise in the arts and sciences to train students to understand how language and cultural differences affect the way people process cyber information and interact with technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do an internship and get course credit?
Yes. We encourage internship opportunities and can consider them for course credit towards your degree.
Can I study abroad?
Yes. We encourage study abroad opportunities and will make sure you take courses that can count towards your degree.
Can I double major if I choose?
Yes. Many students choose to double major. Your advisor will work closely with you to ensure you meet all requirements and proper courses are taken.
Are there minors that work well with this degree?
Yes. While it is your choice as to whether you choose to minor, double major or complete a cognate, there are some minors that fit nicely with this degree and enhance your academic experience. We recommend you consider the following:
- Information Technology
- A foreign language minor
Do you recommend any particular foreign language to fulfill my requirements?
We encourage you to look at Russian, Chinese, Arabic and Portuguese.
Will my AP, IB or Dual Credit count towards my degree?
Yes. These courses typically fulfill many of the university requirements.