Computer Science with Cybersecurity Concentration, B.S.
Work on the cutting edge of technology and innovation in a rapidly growing career field.
As a computer science student, you have the opportunity to get a concentration in cybersecurity. This is the study of computer security, network management, encryption, traffic monitoring, intrusion detection and incident response management.
This cybersecurity concentration prepares you for a variety of careers in network defense and as a cybersecurity analyst. It also prepares you for continued education in masters, or doctoral programs, at other universities. The program has strong connections with graduate schools in our region and some students transfer into these programs after completing their undergraduate degrees, while other start careers in cybersecurity after graduation.
This program follows the U.S. government’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education () curriculum and the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology ().
In addition to the standard computer science courses focusing on computational science, operating systems, programming languages, computer architecture, system analysis and design, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, students in the cybersecurity concentration take six courses in cyber-crime, governance, cyber forensics, network security, ethical hacking and computer security.
Request Information
Take the next step toward completing your B.S. in Computer Science degree at Ï㽶´«Ã½.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree at Ï㽶´«Ã½.
Program Overview
Lenoir-Rhyne's computer science programÌýstrive for academic excellenceÌýby offering rigorous courses designed to challenge the qualified and motivated student and liberate the mind through an emphasis on quantitative and abstract reasoning, problem-solving,Ìýcritical thinking and strong communication skills.
A major in computer science prepares students for positions in business, industry, education andÌýgraduate programs in computer science, information systems and information technology.ÌýThe computer science major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and includes courses thatÌýprovide a balance between the development of science, mathematics and business-relatedÌýapplications. Available courses provide the necessary theoretical fundamentals for the studyÌýof algorithms, programming, the design of computer systemsÌýand the application ofÌýcomputing to business and management. The wide variety of electives allows the student toÌýtailor the major to theoretical computer science or information systems.
As a computer science student, the student has the opportunity to earn a concentration in cybersecurity. This is the study of computer security, network management, encryption, traffic monitoring, intrusion detection and incident response management. This concentration extends the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science to focus on cyber security and network security.
This program follows the U.S. government's National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) curriculum and the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).Ìý
In addition to the standard computer science courses focusing on computational science, operating systems, programming lanugages, computer architecture, system analysis and design, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, students in the cyber security concentration take six courses in cyber-crime, governance, cyber forensics, network security, ethical hacking and computer security.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Computer science majors have numerous opportunities to gain first-hand experience outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to take advantage of internships and mentor opportunities, allowing them to work with and learn from experienced computer science professionals. There are also opportunities to attend conferences that highlight newÌýdevelopments and opportunities in the growing and exciting field of computer science.
Career Opportunities
Students who complete degrees in computer science generally have bright professionalÌýfutures in a fast-moving field. As computing technologiesÌýcontinue to expand and evolve, professional opportunities will arise for individuals withÌýexpertise in developing and maintaining computers and computer systems. Opportunities existÌýacross a surprisingly diverse array of professions:
- software engineering, programming and development
- systems and database analysis and administration
- computer and network engineering
- web development and application design
- quality assurance, software testingÌýand cybersecurity
Students who can combine technical skills with the ability to communicate, collaborate, think critically and assess analytically will possess a distinctive advantage. Lenoir-Rhyne's rich integration of professional preparation with a deep grounding in the liberal arts provides an excellent model for professional practice.
One Year Practical Project
Before graduating, computer science students have an opportunity to use their new skills in a one-year software development team capstone project.
Students will have the ability to explore the inner workings of constructing a software program that will be used in the real world. They will also learn teamwork skills and how to interact with other software developers. This one-year experience can boost students' résumés and provide powerful talking points when interviewing for a job after graduation.
In the fall semester of the senior year, a CSC-400 course covers methodologies that can be used when starting with an idea and then developing it into actual working software. Throughout the first four months, students will discover many intricate design and software engineering details involved in building programs.
In the following spring semester, the CSC 460 course gives students hands-on experience creating a complete set of working software. Teams meets with real-world clients and implementÌýa software solution for their needs. Once the team understands multifaceted requirements, the fun part of software development begins. This is a time when teams experienceÌýthe thrill and excitement of real project teamwork.
For many students, this is a lasting memory that stays with them for a lifetime and also provides an experience that helps them land that dream job.
Major Requirements
Computer science courses focus on computational science, operating systems, programming languages, computer architecture, system analysis and design, network security, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
While in this major, there are many options to tailor the education. Students can take electives in the areas of interest and can opt into a one-year individual honors project on a topic of choice. There isÌýalso an option to concentration on Analytics and Machine Learning, which includes data visualization, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics such as neural networks, random forest, decision trees, clustering and much more.
NOTE: For students wishing to double-major in Computer Science and Information Technology, required courses for both majors must be satisfied, and at least 15 unique credit hours must be earned in the second major.
Honors
Students majoring in Computer Science who are judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, elect to pursue honors work in Computer Science. To graduate "With Honors inÌýComputer Science" students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum major GPA of 3.2. In addition, they must complete twelve credits of honors work in Computer Science, including an acceptable senior project, complete an original thesis to be submitted for approval of the facultyÌýand pass an oral defense of the research.
-
General Education Requirements (37 hours)
ÌýGraduation Requirements (4 hours)
General Education RequirementsÌý
- Technical Requirements (15 hours)
-
Major Requirements (55-56 hours)
- CSC 117Ìý-ÌýIntro to Cybersecurity
- CSC 141Ìý-ÌýIntroduction to Java Programming
- CSC 150Ìý-ÌýComputer Science I
- CSC 212Ìý-ÌýComputer Architecture
- CSC 217Ìý-ÌýCybercrime and Governance
- CSC 250Ìý-ÌýComputer Science II
- CSC 260Ìý-ÌýAnalysis of Algorithms
- CSC 280Ìý-ÌýPrinciples of Programming Languages
- CSC 312Ìý-ÌýOperating Systems
- CSC 317Ìý-ÌýCyber Forensics
- CSC 334Ìý-ÌýComputer Networks
- CSC 350Ìý-ÌýDatabase Management
- CSC 386Ìý-ÌýEthical Hacking Project
- CSC 400Ìý-ÌýSystems Analysis and Software Engineering
- CSC 434Ìý-ÌýComputer Security
- CSC 460Ìý-ÌýCapstone Project
- CSC 475Ìý-ÌýComprehensive Senior Exam
Choose two courses from the following (6-7 Hours):- CSC 163Ìý-ÌýIntroduction to Visual Basic
- CSC 210Ìý-ÌýEthical Issues in Information Technology
- CSC 220Ìý-ÌýIntroduction to Web Design
- CSC 320Ìý-ÌýClient-side Web Programming
- CSC 341Ìý-ÌýApplication Development with Java
- CSC 420Ìý-ÌýServer-side Web Programming
- CSC 491Ìý-ÌýProject Management
- MAT 166Ìý-ÌýCalculus II
- MAT 250Ìý-ÌýDiscrete Mathematics II
- MAT 280Ìý-ÌýLinear Algebra
- MAT 415Ìý-ÌýApplied Statistical Methods
-
General Elective Credits
General Electives (8-9 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
-
Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General EducationÌýrequirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120Ìýhours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120Ìýhours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
-
Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
-
Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events
![View of entrance to campus and university sign](/sites/default/files/styles/290x218/public/2024-09/lru-entrance_0.jpg?itok=_MBk2ik1)
The Ï㽶´«Ã½ board of trustees announced today the formation of a presidential search committee to lead the search for the 13th president of Lenoir-Rhyne.
View More![Kerry Thompson places academic hoods on DNP graduates at 2024 commencement](/sites/default/files/styles/290x218/public/2024-08/dnp-commencement-2024.jpg?itok=x4kfvt1l)
The class of 2024 Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates have achieved a 100 percent passing rate on the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification exams for the second year in a row.
View More