Major in Cybersecurity

Learn. Adapt. Protect.

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity puts you at the forefront of system and data protection—in a field that is growing by tens of thousands of jobs a year.

Elmhurst University’s undergraduate major in cybersecurity combines coursework from computer science, information systems and mathematics into a dynamic program that addresses the urgent challenges of today.

Gain hands-on experience in network security. Learn about cryptography, cloud security, incident response, risk management, digital forensics, ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Equip yourself with the skills to obtain a career in government, law enforcement or the private sector.

Start powering up your future.


Courses for the Cybersecurity Major

At Elmhurst, you’ll learn computer security from both a software and hardware perspective, with a focus on building and maintaining more secure systems.

Classwork begins with the computer science core and transitions into a major-focused sequence in your junior and senior years.

All cybersecurity majors are required to take 12.5 CS and CYS courses. It is also highly recommended that a student majoring in cybersecurity take criminal justice courses. Internships are not required but highly recommended.

Computer Science Courses

  • CS 205 Linux (0.50 credit)
  • CS 220 Computer Science I
  • CS 255 Computer Science II
  • CS 310 Computer Organization and Programming in Assembly
  • CS 318 Object-Oriented Design and Programming Using C++
  • CS 320 Data Structures and Algorithmic Analysis
  • CS 360 Computer Network Systems
  • CS 420 Operating Systems

Cybersecurity Courses

  • CYS 405 Cryptography
  • CYS 409 Foundations of Information Assurance
  • CYS 410 Cyber Crime Investigations and Digital Forensics or
    CYS 412 Wireless, Mobile and Cloud Security
  • CYS 415 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

Capstone Course

  • CS 475 Software Engineering

Mathematics Courses

  • MTH 151 Calculus I
  • MTH 301 Discrete Mathematics
  • CS/MTH 302 Discrete Mathematics II: Structures and Algorithms

A minor in cybersecurity is also available.

Sample Four-Year Curriculum

Fall Term

  • CS 220
  • MTH 151 
  • Two Integrated Curriculum requirements

Spring Term

  • CS 255
  • MTH 301
  • Two Integrated Curriculum requirements

Fall Term

  • CS 310
  • CS 318
  • CS/MTH 302 
  • Integrated Curriculum requirement

Spring Term

  • CS 205 (.50 credit) 
  • CS 320 
  • CS 360
  • Two Integrated Curriculum requirements

Fall Term

  • CYS 409
  • CYS 412 (Optional, if CYS 410 taken)
  • Electives
  • Integrated Curriculum requirements

Spring Term

  • CYS 405
  • CYS 410 (Optional, if CYS 412 taken)
  • Two Integrated Curriculum requirements

Fall Term

  • CS 420
  • Integrated Curriculum requirements
  • Electives

Spring Term

  • CYS 415
  • CS 475 (Capstone)
  • Electives

Transfers Welcome

Your credits transfer! Locate your school, then find “STEM Course Equivalencies.”

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Cybersecurity Careers: A World of Opportunity

In our digitally connected world, personal information is more valuable than ever before. Yet hundreds of thousands of jobs are waiting to be filled across the country, according to CyberSeek.

That includes more than 15,000 open positions in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area, per CyberSeek’s latest estimate.

Elmhurst University will prepare students for roles in the public and private sectors. Position yourself for jobs in major industries and government agencies:

  • Banking and financial institutions
  • Health care
  • The CIA, FBI and local law enforcement
  • Tech companies
  • Energy industry
  • Retailers and e-commerce providers

More Options for Your Education

Discover even more technology-related degree and career paths. Our experienced faculty and advisors will help you find the field that ignites your passion.

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