Students working on computers in a cyber classroom with professor giving a lecture

Cyber Security

Bachelor of Science

Protect your future. Fortify the nation’s future prosperity.

Learn to analyze, protect, and improve the crucial networks and processes that power modern life.

High-profile cyber-attacks have highlighted the critical need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals in both the public and private sectors. Our Cyber Security degree blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience through labs, real-life projects, and cyber ranges, preparing you for a successful career.

Graduates from our program can pursue jobs such as cybersecurity analysts, cybersecurity engineers, cyber threat analysts, threat hunters, ethical hackers, and digital forensic analysts.

Growing Industry

Join one of the fastest growing industries in the nation!

$10.5 trillion cybercrime losses each year

projected globally by 2025

32% increase in cybersecurity field

projected national growth by 2031

$120,360 median average salary

for cybersecurity analysts in May 2023

Required Courses

Ethical Hacking
Information Security
Network Security
Computer Systems Security
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Digital Forensics
Cyber Law and Policy

Minors

CIS 100: Introduction to Computer Science (3 credits)
CIS 200: Linear Data Structures (3 credits)
CIS 210: Non-Linear Data Structures (3 credits)
Choose at least two other CIS courses (except CIS 201)

CIS 100: Introduction to Computer Science (3 credits)
CIS 160: Introduction to Cyber Security (3 credits)
CIS 230: Operating Systems (3 credits)
CIS 260: Computer Communications & Networks (3 credits)
CIS 261: Information Security (3 credits)
CIS 360: Computer Systems Security (3 credits)

Core Courses:

CIS 100: Introduction to Computer Science (3 credits)
STAT 139: Statistics for Social Sciences (3 credits)
CIS 150: Introduction to Data Science (3 credits)
CIS 200: Linear Data Structures (3 credits)

Plus one of the following courses:

CIS 280: Data Visualization & Communication (3 credits)
CIS 350: Relational Database Systems (3 credits)
CIS 352: Big Data Analytics (3 credits)
CIS 371: Machine Learning (3 credits)

Learning Outcomes

Describe the fundamental concepts and design principles of the cyber security discipline, including cyber defense tools, methods, and components, as well as apply cyber defense methods to prepare a system to defend against attacks
Identify the elements of a cryptographic system and describe which cryptographic protocols, tools, and techniques are appropriate for a given situation and how cryptography can be used, strengths and weaknesses, modes of operations, and issues that must be addressed in an implementation (e.g., key management), etc.
Describe the key concepts of computer networks and network defense, as well as explain how network defense tools are used to defend against attacks and mitigate vulnerabilities
Program in a high-level language and write scripts to automate cybersecurity tasks
Describe how to conduct a digital forensic investigation for all aspects of a computer system in a systematic approach. Students will be capable of designing and implementing incident response plans. They will be trained in forensic analysis and investigation techniques for dealing with cybersecurity incidents
Perform ethical hacking strategies and propose solutions to the discovered problems
Have a thorough understanding of various cybersecurity frameworks and standards, such as NIST and CIS
Be prepared for professional certifications from our academic partners Ec-Council and ISC2
Perform the aforementioned outcomes in an ethical, legal, and professional manner

Find a Career in Cybersecurity

Program Offerings

1 /

Certifications

Integrate certifications from major certifying bodies, such as ISC2’s Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Practitioner (CCSP), Security+, Network+, PenTest+, EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH), and Certified SOC Analyst (CSA).
Hands-on Experience

Every industry needs skilled cybersecurity professionals with a background in theory, hands-on experience, and the ability to evolve with new technology. Mercyhurst’s Cyber Security program blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience through labs, real-life projects with private and public sector clients, and cyber ranges, preparing you for a successful career in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. From your first year, you will be immersed in practical and applied experience that will prepare you for the challenges of the cybersecurity field.
Career Opportunities

“America’s daily life, economic vitality, and national security depend on a secure cyberspace. A vast array of interdependent IT networks, systems, services, and resources are critical to communication, travel, powering homes, running the economy, and obtaining government services.” – U.S. Department of Homeland Security

For our students, these experiences can open a world of opportunities that offer job stability, career mobility, and excellent learning potential.

Graduates of our program are in high demand, receiving offers from employers including Lockheed Martin, CISA, Mandiant, CrowdStrike, Qualcomm, SentinelOne, General Dynamics, and IBM.

Partners

Mercyhurst University’s Cyber Security program is proud to be partnered with EC-Council Academia, allowing our students access to a wealth of resources and certification opportunities at heavily discounted rates, emphasizing our commitment to ensuring our students are not just educated but also career-ready.

High-Tech Facilities

1 /

Cyber Education and Network Operations Center

Mercyhurst’s Cyberlab and Networks Operation Center, a joint venture with Erie-based firm Federal Resources Corporation, provides experiential learning opportunities for Mercyhurst students to conduct projects on behalf of real-world clients.
Computer Lab

Students can participate in the Innovation Entente Lab (IEL) to provide a competitive business intelligence approach in conducting key research and the collection of data necessary to help entrepreneurs and small businesses achieve an understanding of their market, industry, and competitive landscape. Students working within the IEL take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world experiences.

Innovation Entente Lab

Clubs

The purpose of this RSCO will be to provide opportunities to gain knowledge regarding cyber security in all related facets of technology. The club will do this by taking advantage of the knowledge and experience of the membership base. A primary goal of the club is to encourage hands-on learning and experimentation with cybersecurity tools and software. Instead of just learning about these topics, we encourage the ethical use of these tools in closed environments.

4+1 Programs in Cyber and Data

Students in the 4+1 programs can save time and money by earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s in five years. As a 4+1 student, you will complete graduate-level coursework in your junior and/or senior years, earning master’s degree credits as an undergraduate student (included in your undergraduate flat billing). You will still graduate on time with your class before seamlessly transitioning to the graduate program to finish your master’s in one year or less.

The following Mercyhurst master’s programs include 4+1 options:

Cyber Security In the News

A male student talks with a professor at a table

Explore the CIRAT

Mercyhurst's Center for Intelligence Research Analysis and Training (CIRAT) program works to hone and professionalize the skills of students in Intelligence Studies and Computer Information Science programs. As a nonprofit arm of Mercyhurst University, CIRAT develops opportunities with business and government entities through contracts, grants, and academic partnerships. Students of all academic levels can participate in CIRAT to apply their skills in a variety of collaborative intelligence and data-driven projects. Mercyhurst students gain a competitive edge through CIRAT—upon graduation, they already have applicable, hands-on experience working with national security organizations, U.S. government agencies, private sector businesses, and more.

Resources