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Cybersecurity new program graphic with a lock and digital circuit background

Undergraduate Program

Cybersecurity BS

Build a career-oriented foundation in information technology, security management, risk assessment, cryptology, access controls, forensics, cloud security, and the ethical responsibilities that shape modern computing.

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63major credits
120minimum credits for graduation
BSBachelor of Science degree
Minorcybersecurity minor also available

Program Overview

The Cybersecurity BS provides career-oriented education within a strong liberal arts framework. Students develop technical knowledge for cybersecurity careers while also preparing for graduate study and continued growth in a field where technology is always changing.

The major goes beyond basic programming to include project implementation, computer architecture, networks, databases, information security, operating systems, software engineering, and the impact of technology on society.

What You'll Study

Coursework builds from core computing foundations into specialized cybersecurity practice, with attention to both technical execution and organizational decision-making.

Information Security

Understand threats, controls, security models, and the policies that help protect systems and data.

Risk Management

Identify vulnerabilities, assess compliance concerns, and choose mitigation strategies based on risk.

Networking and Systems

Study network theory, operating systems, troubleshooting, and system architecture.

Cryptology

Explore encryption, authentication, integrity, confidentiality, and applied cryptography.

  • Management information systems
  • Computer systems and architecture
  • Database concepts and programming
  • Impact of technology on society
  • Internet applications
  • Object oriented programming
  • Programming logic and design
  • Software engineering

Mission

In alignment with the University Mission Statement, the Misericordia University Cybersecurity program provides a cooperative, quality academic environment in which students graduate with an undergraduate liberal arts-based degree in Cybersecurity. The curriculum encompasses all aspects of computing technology with an emphasis on developing skills for a career in cybersecurity.

Program Goals and Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to connect core IT knowledge with cybersecurity practice, professional communication, teamwork, and ethical judgment.

1. Information Technology Foundations

  • Identify core IT concepts in systems, networking, databases, programming, and security.
  • Explain information systems and their relationship to organizations.
  • Implement solutions using software development methodologies.
  • Model fundamental database concepts.
  • Apply network configuration and troubleshooting techniques.

2. Cybersecurity Professional Skills

  • Identify vulnerabilities and compliance deficiencies.
  • Execute mitigation requirements based on risk level.
  • Maintain information security policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Use cybersecurity tools to measure effectiveness.
  • Use encryption for authentication, integrity, and confidentiality.
  • Analyze the security impact of emerging technologies.

3. Professional Acumen

  • Work effectively in teams to solve computing problems.
  • Communicate effectively in written and oral formats.
  • Recognize social and ethical responsibilities related to computational technology.

Required Major Courses

The major requires 63 credits, including computing foundations, cybersecurity courses, selected electives, and supporting coursework.

View Required Major Courses Includes required courses, selected electives, credit totals, and graduation minimums.
Number Title Credits
Required courses
CPS 101 Introduction to Programming 3
CPS 110 Introduction to Information Systems 3
CPS 121 Computer Programming 3
CPS 200 Technology and Society 3
CPS 222 Introduction to Computer Organization 3
CPS 223 Applied Networking Design 3
CPS 310 Managerial Applications of Object-Oriented Programming I 3
CPS 321 Operating Systems and Computer Architecture 3
CPS 431 Software Design and Development 3
CPS 432 Database Management Systems Design 3
CPS 491 Information Technology Management 3
ITS 200 Introduction to IT Security 3
MTH 115 Basic Statistics 3
ITS 340 Managing Risk in Information Systems 3
ITS 410 Access Controls, Security Models and Cryptology 3
ITS 320 Forensics and Security Operations 3
Choose three cybersecurity electives
ITS 415 Applied Cryptography 3
ITS 310 Cloud Computing and Security 3
ITS 440 Ethical Hacking 3
Choose one web design course
COM 215 Web Design & Production 3
CPS 215 Introduction to Web Design 3
Choose one economics course
BUS 205 Macroeconomics 3
BUS 206 Microeconomics 3
Total Major Major coursework 63
Free electives Additional elective coursework 9
Core University core requirements. Some major courses may count as core courses, which may increase free elective credits. 48-49
Total Minimum credits required for graduation 120

Major Sequence

This sample four-year sequence shows one path through the major. Core courses are not necessarily available in the order listed.

First Year

Fall

  • CPS 101: Intro to Computer Programming (3)
  • Core Math (3)
  • WRT 101: University Writing Seminar (3)
  • Core - Catholic Intellectual Tradition (3)
  • Core English (3)

Total Credits: 15

Spring

  • CPS 110: Introduction to Information Systems (3)
  • ITS 200: Introduction to IT Security (3)
  • CPS 121: Computer Programming (3)
  • Core Catholic Intellectual Tradition (3)
  • Core History (3)

Total Credits: 15

Second Year

Fall

  • CPS 222: Introduction to Computer Organization (3)
  • Core Natural Science (4)
  • Core Behavioral and Social Sciences (3)
  • CPS 223: Applied Networking Design (3)
  • Core Arts, Film, Music (3)

Total Credits: 16

Spring

  • CPS 310: Managerial Applications of OOP (3)
  • ITS 340: Managing Risk in Information Systems (3)*
  • CPS 321: Operating Systems and Computer Architecture (3)
  • MTH 115: Basic Statistics (3)
  • BUS 205 Macroeconomics or BUS 206 Microeconomics (3)

Total Credits: 15

Third Year

Fall

  • ITS 410: Access Controls, Security Models (3)*
  • Core PLO 1 (3)
  • Core PLO 2 (3)
  • Core PLO 3 (3)
  • COM 215 Web Design & Production or CPS 215 Introduction to Web Design (3)

Total Credits: 15

Spring

  • ITS 320: Forensics and Security Operations (3)*
  • CPS 432: Database Management Systems Design (3)
  • Core PLO 4 (3)
  • Free elective (3)
  • CPS 200: Technology and Society (3)

Total Credits: 15

Fourth Year

Fall

  • ITS 415: Applied Cryptography (3)*
  • ITS 440: Ethical Hacking (3)*
  • CPS 431: Software Design and Development (3)*
  • Core elective (3)
  • Free elective (3)

Total Credits: 15

Spring

  • ITS 310: Cloud Computing and Security (3)*
  • CPS 491: Information Technology Management (3)*
  • Core elective (3)
  • CORE 300: Core Capstone (3)
  • Free elective (3)

Total Credits: 15

*Courses marked with an asterisk are offered every other year. Students should confirm timing with an advisor.

Cybersecurity Minor

The minor gives students from any discipline the opportunity to learn cybersecurity basics through topics such as IT security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk management.

Required Minor Courses

  • CPS 110: Introduction to Information Systems (3)
  • ITS 200: Introduction to IT Security (3)
  • CPS 200: Information Technology Privacy and Legal Issues (3)

Select Three

  • ITS 340: Managing Risk in Information Systems (3)
  • ITS 410: Access Controls, Security Models and Cryptology (3)
  • ITS 320: Forensics and Security Operations (3)
  • ITS 440: Ethical Hacking (3)
  • ITS 310: Cloud Computing and Security (3)
  • ITS 415: Applied Cryptography (3)
  • Other courses approved by the program director

Faculty

Students learn with faculty who bring expertise in computer science, information systems, networks, databases, and computing technology.

Patricia Lapczynski, RSM
srpat@misericordia.edu Department Chair
 
Fanchao Meng
fmeng@misericordia.edu Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Prepare to protect the systems people rely on.

Explore Misericordia's Cybersecurity BS and connect with admissions to learn more about the program.

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