College of Engineering

Computer Engineering: Cybersecurity BS

Engineer a more secure future

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Modality: On-campus

Duration: 4 years
Designated: STEM, STEM-OPT

Median annual wage for information security analysts:: $129,180 Median annual wage for information security analysts. View career outcomes.

UMassD students at the 2026 Cybersecurity Hackathon

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Study computer engineering with a concentration in cybersecurity

With the expanding threat of cyber attacks, cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing fields in computer engineering. UMass Dartmouth's computer engineering concentration in cybersecurity will prepare you to detect and prevent evolving threats and safeguard the systems we rely on.

You will explore the foundations of cybersecurity including hardware, software, and information systems, as well as contemporary issues in software reliability, security risk, internet of things, and smart and connected technology.

Launch your career

Median annual wage for information security analysts

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

#13

Fastest growing jobs by 2030

Source: World Economic Forum

29%

Job growth for information security analysts

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What can I do with a concentration in cybersecurity?

A concentration in cybersecurity can prepare you for careers protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from cyber threats. You could work in industries ranging from technology and finance to health care, government, and national defense. Demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to soar as employers across the public and private sectors need to protect their organizations from cyberthreats.

Information security analyst
Network security administrator
Cybersecurity engineer

Digital forensics analyst
Cloud security architect
Cybersecurity consultant

Curriculum

In the cybersecurity concentration, your coursework will cover:

computer forensics: detection and prevention of digital criminal activity; ethical and legal issues in the collection, analysis, and reporting of digital data
cyber threats and security management: trustworthy systems, security life cycles, social engineering, risk assessment
design and implementation: real-time embedded resource management systems
network security: defense of network resources, cryptography, models

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.

Academic catalog

Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.

The students of the UMassD Cyber Games team

Cybersecurity News

UMass Dartmouth team are NCAE Cyber Games 2026 regional champions

The UMass Dartmouth Cyber Games team recently won first place in the regional competition of the 2026 NCAE Cyber Games. The team earned the highest overall score of all 140 teams across the U.S.

Research

Research spotlight

UMass Dartmouth designated as Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research

The designation is awarded by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Program and the National Security Agency.

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 Engineering—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 engineering 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 also available as a minor. Contact your academic advisor for more information.

The Computer Engineering—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.