Computer Science Cybersecurity Minor

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The Computer Science Cybersecurity minor will prepare students with advanced skills in cyber defense for possible use against threats, attacks and vulnerabilities, in-depth knowledge for development of secure software systems, and a cybersecurity mindset that can be aligned with their respective interests and degree plans.

Requirements

Required Courses

The following courses must be passed with a C or better:

CIS 190 - Intro Procedural Program Credits: 4
Note: ECE 160 - Foundations of Computer Engineering I may be taken in place of CIS 190.
CIS 360 - Algorithms & Data Struct Credits: 4
CIS 370 - Design Of Operating Syst Credits: 4

Elective Courses

Choose three courses from the following list. Courses must be passed with a C or better.

CIS 442 - Digital Forensics Credits: 3
or ECE 487 - Computer Forensics
CIS 443 - Applied Cryptography Credits: 3
CIS 444 - Cyber Defense and Operations Credits: 3
CIS 446 - Secure Software Development Credits: 3
CIS 447 - Network Security & Data Assurance Credits: 3
or ECE 489 - Network Security
CIS 477 - Computer and Information System Security Credits: 3

Notes

At least half of the credits required for the minor must be taken at UMass Dartmouth.
Computer Engineering majors pursuing the Computer Science Cybersecurity minor:
- may substitute ECE 161 and ECE 264 for CIS 360
- may substitute ECE 370 for CIS 370
- must take CIS 400-level electives
Students who already have credit for a programming course other than CIS 190 or ECE 160 should have the Chairperson evaluate its course equivalency with CIS 190.

Total Credits: 21

University Policy on Minors

To declare a minor, students must meet the university’s admission requirements for a minor, which include having earned 24 credits. Prospective minors are encouraged to inquire and plan their minor program prior to earning 24 credits, because the structure of requirements could necessitate the use of more than six semesters. Courses completed prior to formal declaration will count toward the minor program.

Minors consist of at least 18 credits, of which 9 credits must be at the upper division (300-400) level. Within these 9 upper level credits, a course can be counted in only one category. Even if a course could satisfy either the student’s major or the minor, it cannot be double-counted. A college may define electives that are permitted to be used towards the minor. A department offering a minor may establish other requirements beyond these minimal
requirements. A minor must be completed at the time of the degree and will be so noted on the student’s transcript. A student cannot be readmitted to the University to complete only a minor.