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Cybersecurity
Major, Minor
Cybersecurity degree overview
As new technologies continue to shape our lives, the need for cybersecurity experts to protect data and systems is more essential than ever. This degree trains you to keep systems safe by understanding how intruders think, helping you stop attacks before they start. If you're interested in tech, driven by problem-solving and want to play a real role in keeping systems secure, this program was made for you.
The cybersecurity major teaches you how to protect data and stop cyberattacks, focusing on security across computer systems and networks. It combines theory with hands-on learning, covering security and privacy in software, hardware, databases and web applications, based on computer science and math basics.
This program gets you ready for a career in tech security. You’ll build the skills companies and agencies look for in security analysts, forensic investigators and systems defenders.
In the cybersecurity degree, you'll:
- Study the core practices of securing information and protecting computers and networks from external threats.
- Learn about the mix of policies, laws, ethics and ways technology is unethically used to access systems or data without permission.
- Practice ways to text and secure software and operating systems.
- Explore AI's role in security, including data mining, robustness of protection and identifying odd user behaviors.
CMU is proud to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, a distinction awarded by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. This recognition highlights CMU’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills to combat ever-evolving cyber threats.
Minor in Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity minor provides essential skills to design secure information and software systems from the start. You'll learn to identify vulnerabilities, implement protective measures and communicate findings effectively.
Through labs and real-world projects, students gain experience in secure development and understand ethical and legal standards in cybersecurity. You'll gain a well-rounded understanding of risk assessment, threat modeling, incident response, cryptography and programming security.
AT A GLANCE
What you'll learn in our cybersecurity degree
Our program teaches you how to protect systems and data by learning cryptography, network and hardware security, AI applications and ethical practices in cybersecurity. You'll work with the same tools and process used by security professionals in law enforcement, healthcare, tech and beyond. The focus is hands-on—not theoretical.
Courses you will take include:
- Introduction to Computer Security and Cryptography: Learn the fundamentals of computer and network security, cryptography and cybersecurity issues.
- Social Engineering, Cybersecurity Law, Policy and Ethics: Learn about cybersecurity policies, laws, ethics and social engineering cybersecurity.
- Software, Database and Operating System Security: Learn about software and OS security and testing techniques.
- Security Informatics: AI and Visualization: Learn about using AI for security, trustworthiness of AI, security and privacy of data mining/machine learning based applications, adversarial machine learning, security visualization and anomaly detection.
Highlights of a cybersecurity degree
As a cybersecurity student, you'll:
- Practice real-world skills: Use our advanced virtual lab to test vulnerabilities, train in cyber defense and practice working in the cloud.
- Connect with recruiters: The Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy Scholarship program provides full scholarships, mentorship and guaranteed employment opportunities.
- Learn from industry professionals: Learn from teachers and mentors who have real-world experience in cybersecurity.
- Prep for a career in cybersecurity: Engage in workshops and networking events sponsored by companies and hosted by leaders in the cybersecurity industry.
- Get involved outside the classroom: Join the Cybersecurity Club for labs, workshops and "capture the flag" events that help you get ready for a career in protecting computers and data.
- Connect with top experts: Participate in live discussions with FBI and U.S. Army officials about cyber defense during Cybersecurity Day.
Cybersecurity jobs, careers and outcomes
Our cybersecurity degree is a great starting point for a career in protecting information and computer systems. Graduates of our cybersecurity program are ready for in-demand cybersecurity jobs in the tech industry, from network protection and solving digital threats to anticipating weaknesses brought on by new technology.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Database Administrators and Architects | $123,100 |
| Computer Network Architect | $130,390 |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 |
| Cyber Security Engineer | $124,910 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $124,910 |
| Security Engineer | $124,910 |
| Software Architect | $130,390 |
| Network Security Engineer | $130,390 |
Hear from the people who stop the threats you never see
Cybersecurity Day isn’t a slideshow of best practices. It’s a real look at how cybersecurity works—what goes wrong, who responds and how they make the call when seconds matter.
You’ll hear from experts at the NSA, FBI and top companies. These are the people who live in the breach reports and email logs most of us never read.
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