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Computer Engineering Cybersecurity

The Electrical & Computer Engineering Department offers a bachelor's degree in computer engineering with a concentration in cybersecurity: the application of measures to protect computers and computer systems from unauthorized access and attack.

With the expanding threat of cyber attacks, cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing fields in computer engineering.

As a concentration within UMassD's computer engineering major, your program of study 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 cities.

Your course work 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

As a computer engineering major, you'll be prepared to meet the changing high-technology needs of industry and to continue with graduate studies.

Computer engineers with a background in cybersecurity will find exciting and challenging work in a variety of fields including banking, communications, e-commerce, government, the military, and social media.

Our program prepares you for this evolving field by providing a strong background in science, mathematics, and engineering.

Your computer engineering courses will include programming, circuits, digital design, electronics, operating systems, algorithms, and computer networks. You can also choose from technical electives such as integrated circuits, computer architecture, wireless sensor networks, wireless communications, multimedia communications, database systems, network security, and dependable computing. During your final year, you will complete a senior design project that provides real-world experience and is defined by current industry needs.

For the BS in computer engineering, you'll complete 57 credits in computer and electrical engineering courses and a total of 122 credits overall.

Dual major in Electrical & Computer Engineering: Prepare to meet a broad range of challenges in the ever-changing high-tech fields of electrical and computer engineering by earning dual bachelor's degrees.

A minor in computer engineering cybersecurity covers the fields of information security, network security, and computer system security. The coursework within the CYCP minor is based upon national training standards for cybersecurity professionals, recommended by the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency and the Committee on National Security Systems. You'll complete 21-23.5 credits.

Student Success

computer science cybersecurity student Zakaria Faddi
Zakaria Faddi '22, '23

Zakaria Faddi '22, '23 earned his BS in Computer Engineering with a concentration in cybersecurity, and earned his MS through the 4+1 program. 

"I chose UMassD because of its excellent faculty, small class sizes, well-equipped labs and facilities, opportunities for research, and strong alumni network. I was confident that I would receive a high-quality education that would prepare me for a successful career. 

"From the moment I stepped on campus, I was embraced by a community that fostered my growth and encouraged me to push my boundaries. The faculty members at UMassD played a pivotal role in my success, offering unwavering support, mentorship, and guidance. Their dedication to my education and personal development inspired me to strive for greatness. Through engaging classroom experiences, hands-on research opportunities, and active involvement in community service, I discovered my passions and honed my skills."

Internships

  • Akamai
  • Dell Technologies
  • GE Healthcare
  • Electric Boat/General Dynamics
  • MathWorks
  • NASA
  • Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Graduate school placements

  • California Institute of Technology
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • MIT
  • Purdue University
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Texas
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Career placements

  • AT&T
  • EMC Corporation
  • General Dynamics
  • Lockheed Martin
  • MathWorks
  • Naval Underwater Warfare Center (NUWC)
  • Raytheon
  • Siemens

UMassD advantages

  • Capstone projects: most senior engineering students work in small teams on real-world, industry-specific challenges that demand analysis, proposals, prototypes, and solutions.
  • Community: join organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Association for Computing Machinery, the Electrical and Computer Engineers National Honor Society, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders.
  • Experience: participate in co-op and internship programs to gain valuable experience with regional industries, often while also earning money for college.
  • New initiatives: collaborate, create, and explore at our IDEAStudio and the Center for Scientific Computing and Visualization Research.
  • Honors College: take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars
  • Study Abroad: earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field
  • Undergraduate Research: faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects
  • University Studies: gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills

Computer Engineering Cybersecurity Faculty

Antonio Costa
PhD
Ana Doblas
PhD
David Brown
PhD
Dayalan Kasilingam
PhD
David Rancour
PhD
Fernanda Botelho
Frankie Bouchard
Hong Liu
PhD
Honggang Wang
PhD
John Buck
PhD
Lance Fiondella
PhD
Liudong Xing
PhD
Mohammad Karim
PhD
Paul Fortier
Paul Gendron
PhD
Philip Viall
MS
Ruolin Zhou
PhD
Sezer Goren
PhD
Yifei Li
PhD