Computer Science Major with Concentration in Cybersecurity

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Program of Study
Computer Science
Degree Type
Concentration

Associated Degree

Students pursuing a B.S. with Major in Computer Science may, at their option, choose to focus in the Cybersecurity Concentration:

Program Educational Objectives

In support of its goals and mission, the WPI Computer Science undergraduate program’s educational objectives are to graduate students who will 

  • achieve professional success due to their mastery of Computer Science theory and practice;
  • become leaders in business, academia, and society due to a broad preparation in mathematics, science & engineering, communication, teamwork, and social issues;
  • pursue lifelong learning and continuing professional development;
  • use their understanding of the impact of technology on society for the benefit of humankind. 

Program Outcomes

Based on the educational objectives, the specific educational outcomes for the WPI Computer Science undergraduate program are that by the time of graduation CS majors will have achieved 

  1. an understanding of programming language concepts;
  2. knowledge of computer organization;
  3. an ability to analyze computational systems;
  4. knowledge of computer operating systems;
  5. an understanding of the foundations of computer science;
  6. an understanding of software engineering principles and the ability to apply them to software design;
  7. an understanding of human-computer interaction;
  8. completion of a large software project;
  9. knowledge of advanced computer science topics;
  10. an understanding of mathematics appropriate for computer science;
  11. knowledge of probability and statistics;
  12. an understanding of scientific principles;
  13. an ability to design experiments and interpret experimental data;
  14. an ability to undertake independent learning;
  15. an ability to locate and use technical information from multiple sources;
  16. an understanding of professional ethics;
  17. an understanding of the links between technology and society;
  18. an ability to participate effectively in a class or project team;
  19. an ability to communicate effectively in speech;
  20. an ability to communicate effectively in writing. 

Program Requirements for the Cybersecurity Concentration

Core Cybersecurity (Minimum 2/3 Units)

In addition to the courses listed below, other Cybersecurity-specific courses may be used to satisfy this requirement subject to program approval.

Societal Impacts of Security (Minimum 1/3 Units)

In addition to the courses listed below, other Cybersecurity-related societal impacts courses may be used to satisfy this requirement subject to program approval.

Additional Cybersecurity Courses (Minimum 3/3 Units)

In addition to the courses listed below, courses from the Core Cybersecurity list above or other Cybersecurity-related courses may be used to satisfy this requirement subject to program approval.

Cybersecurity-related Major Qualifying Project (Minimum 3/3 Units)

Complete a Cybersecurity-related Major Qualifying Project, subject to program approval. The Major Qualifying Project must include a significant Cybersecurity component. The project must be advised or co-advised by a faculty member who is active in Cybersecurity research or teaching.

Minimum Units
3/3

Graduate courses may be counted towards the Cybersecurity concentration at the discretion of the program.