College of Engineering
Computer Science: Cybersecurity BS
Join the next generation of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Program details
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
- Modality
- On-campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Total Credits
- 120
- Designated
- STEM, STEM-OPT
- Median annual wage for information security analysts:
- $129,180 Median annual wage for information security analysts. View career outcomes.
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Study computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity
The cybersecurity concentration within the computer science program equips you with essential skills and in-depth knowledge for cyber defense and secure software development, as well as advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. With the cybersecurity concentration, you'll gain a critical understanding of threats, attacks and vulnerabilities in computer and information systems, and develop the skills needed for cyber defense and operations.
Launch your career
Salary range: $129,180What can I do with a concentration in cybersecurity?
A concentration in cybersecurity within the computer science major can prepare you for careers developing software and protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from cyber threats. You can work in industries ranging from technology and finance to health care, government, and national defense. As organizations increasingly rely on secure software and digital infrastructure, cybersecurity skills are in demand across the public and private sectors.
- Information security analyst
- Network security administrator
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Digital forensics analyst
- Cloud security architect
- Cybersecurity consultant
Curriculum
In the cybersecurity concentration, you'll learn the skills to:
- Identify and analyze cybersecurity threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities in computer and information systems.
- Protect computer networks, systems, and sensitive data through cyber defense and security operations.
- Develop secure software and recognize potential security risks throughout the development process.
- Investigate security incidents and analyze digital evidence using forensic techniques.
Real-world experience
At UMass Dartmouth, practical training and real-world learning are key aspects of a cybersecurity education. Internships, faculty research, hackathons, and simulated cyber threat scenarios prepare students for careers where they will address critical security challenges.
UMass Dartmouth is one of 50 institutions in the country (and one of only two in New England) to be a member of the Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY), a program that connects universities with Department of War laboratories, government agencies, and industry partners to prepare students for careers supporting national security through research and experiential learning.
Course descriptions and requirements
Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.
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Student Spotlight
- Hometown
- New Bedford, MA
- Major
- Computer Science
- Research
- Cybersecurity
- Employment
- Computer scientist at NAVSEA
- Achievements
- CyberCorps Scholarship for Service
Research
At UMass Dartmouth, faculty and students work on cutting-edge research in cybersecurity, software reliability, and security risk management. Undergraduate students can work with world-renowned faculty, gaining the opportunity to publish their research and prepare for advanced study or industry.
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Research spotlight
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally ranked engineering with ABET-accredited programs
The College of Engineering is home to ABET-accredited undergraduate programs and nationally-ranked graduate programs supported by significant research activity and industry partnerships. Students gain hands-on experience through advanced laboratories, faculty-led research, internships, and work addressing emerging challenges in engineering, computing, energy, healthcare, and technology.
Accreditations and distinctions
The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated UMass Dartmouth as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Computer Science—Cybersecurity BS program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
A bachelor's degree in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity prepares you to protect computer systems, secure networks, identify vulnerabilities, and defend against evolving cyber threats across industries such as technology, defense, health care, business, and government.
Students interested in the concentration can declare the concentration at time of admission or later in their academic career, but no later than the spring semester of their sophomore year.
The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated UMass Dartmouth as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research. UMass Dartmouth is also one of 50 institutions in the country (and one of only two in New England) to be a member of the Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY).
UMass Dartmouth also offers the NSF-funded CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program, providing full scholarships for up to three years of cybersecurity education. In exchange, recipients commit to working in a cybersecurity position for a federal, state, local, or tribal government agency for a period equal to the length of the scholarship.
Cybersecurity is available as a minor. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
The Computer Science—Cybersecurity BS program is designated as a STEM degree and may qualify eligible F-1 international students for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension after completing standard post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility for STEM OPT is determined by U.S. immigration regulations and individual student circumstances. To learn about eligibility requirements and the application process, review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) STEM OPT guidance. F-1 students must work with the ISSC to apply for a STEM OPT extension.