Cybersecurity Major Requirements

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Cybersecurity

Major offered under the auspices of the mathematics, computer science, and statistics department. Visit the department webpage at Math, Computer Science, and Statistics Department | St. Lawrence University

Cybersecurity Curriculum Chart

There are some restrictions on combinations of majors and minors within the department. More information can be found here.

Major Requirements

The requirements for a major in cybersecurity are 12 units, consisting of five core courses, four technical electives, two related electives, and an experiential learning component.

Core Courses (Five Required)

  • PHIL 127. Cyberethics
  • CS 140. Introduction to Computer Programming
  • CS 219. Intermediate Computer Programming
  • CS 220. Computer Systems and Security
  • CS 387. Cybersecurity

Technical Electives (Any Four)

  • CS 321. Computer Networking and Security
  • CS 332. Web Programming
  • CS 340. Software Engineering
  • CS 345. Database Systems
  • CS 370. Operating Systems and Security
  • MATH 391. Cryptography

Related Electives (Any Two)

  • ANTH 102. Cultural Anthropology 
  • ANTH 104. Language and Human Experience 
  • ANTH 241. Talking Politics 
  • ANTH 331. Social Movements 
  • DMF 169. Intro Media and Society 
  • DMF 307. Technology and Social Change 
  • ECON 322. International Economics 
  • ECON 361. Crypto Currencies 
  • ACC 203. Financial Accounting 
  • ACC 204. Managerial Accounting 
  • HIST 106. Modern Asia 
  • HIST 226. History of Now: US from WWII to present 
  • HIST 292. Modern China 
  • PCA 127. Introduction to Communication Studies 
  • PCA 365. Rhetoric of Algorithms 
  • PHIL 203. Ethical Theory 
  • POLS 103. Introduction to American Politics 
  • POLS 105. Introduction to Comparative Politics 
  • POLS 108. Introduction to International Politics 
  • POLS 242. Lawyers, Judges, and Money 
  • PSYC 101. Introduction to Psychology 
  • PSYC 238. Psychology and Law 
  • SOC 219. Power, Politics, and Society

Experiential Learning or Senior-Year Experience (One Required)

  • CS 450. SYE: Senior Seminar
  • CS 489/498. Independent/Honors SYE
  • A summer fellowship or REU approved by the department chair
  • An internship approved by the department chair
  •  A study abroad program approved by the department chair

Honors

Honors work in cybersecurity provides the student with an opportunity for more independent and creative work. A minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major is required to receive honors in cybersecurity. In addition, each student applying for honors must complete a departmentally approved SYE. Interested students should consult the department chair.

Notes

Cybersecurity majors are encouraged to complete PHIL 127, CS 219, and CS 220 by the end of the sophomore year because these courses are required for several upper-level courses in the major. Students considering graduate work in cybersecurity are strongly encouraged to take CS 256 and more than the four required technical electives. Students planning to participate in an off-campus program should seek early advice from the department on the best way to plan their major program.

Major/Minor Restrictions

Students majoring Cybersecurity may not also major or minor in Computer Science. 

Advanced Placement

Students who earn a 4 or 5 on AP Computer Science Principles will receive credit for CS 140. Students who earn a 4 or 5 on AP Computer Science A will receive credit for CS  219. Whether credited or not, CS140 requirements may be waived for students with sufficient programming background.