Cybersecurity B.S.
Degree: B.S.
Location(s): Rhode Island
Length: 4 years
Internship: Internship or Project, 6 credits
Credits: 121
Build Cyber Defense, Forensics and Incident Response Skills
Learn to identify, investigate and respond to threats affecting computers, networks and digital systems. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Johnson & Wales University’s Providence Campus combines computer science foundations with focused study in network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, cryptography, cyber intelligence and incident response.
Build practical experience through technical projects, competitions, research and approved internships while learning from faculty with industry and military backgrounds. JWU is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, reflecting the program’s alignment with established cyber-defense education criteria.
Cybersecurity at a Glance
- Sample subjects: Network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, cryptography, cyber intelligence and incident response
- Applied learning: Six credits through an approved internship or Technical Solutions Design Project
What You’ll Learn in the Cybersecurity Program
- Discover trends and create behavioral profiles of adversary groups to combat attacks against computers and networks in the public and private sector.
- Blend physical reconnaissance and defense with modern information technology techniques, including setting up firewalls, scanning for viruses and routinely checking for breaches in security.
- Learn incident response techniques that detect, scope and respond to internal and external intelligence, decreasing cyber attackers’ likelihood of success with each intrusion attempt.
- Identify, extract, prioritize and leverage intelligence from advanced persistent threat (APT) intrusions; deploy countermeasures; and gauge the performance of planned and installed enterprise-level information security systems.
Curriculum & Degree Requirements
Credits Major Courses | ||
| CSIS1010 | Problem Solving for Computing | 3 |
| CSIS1101 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| CSIS1112 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| CSIS2030 | Database Concepts | 3 |
| CSIS2045 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSIS2080 | Database Design | 3 |
| CYB1005 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CYB2010 | Computer Architecture with Assembly Language Programming | 3 |
| CYB3011 | Software Reverse Engineering | 3 |
| CYB3023 | Large Scale Distributed Systems | 3 |
| CYB3038 | HCI/Usable Security | 3 |
| CYB4010 | Computer and Network Forensics | 3 |
| CYB4026 | Cyber Intelligence | 3 |
| CYB4032 | Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| CYB4044 | Active Cyber Defense and Countermeasures | 3 |
| ITEC2081 | Network Protocols I | 3 |
| ITEC2082 | Network Protocols II | 3 |
| ITEC3050 | Information Security with Cryptography | 3 |
| ITEC3075 | Network Security | 3 |
| ITEC3083 | Wireless Networking | 3 |
| Applied/Experiential Learning | ||
| Choose 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| College of Arts & Sciences Internship | ||
| Technical Solutions Design Project | ||
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| LAW2001 | The Legal Environment of Business I | 3 |
| LAW3080 | Cyberlaw | 3 |
| PRMG2010 | Introduction to Project Management & Project Membership | 3 |
| University Core Curriculum | ||
| Communicating | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Connecting | 6 | |
Two courses with the Connecting attribute (ECNG), one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Experiencing | 6 | |
| Crisis and Controversy: A Critical Thinking Approach | ||
or PHIL3240 | Ethics: A Global Perspective | |
Additional course with the Experiencing attribute (EEXP) in a different discipline | ||
| Measuring | 6 | |
| Statistics I | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Exploring | 4 | |
| General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | ||
| Interacting | 6 | |
| Foundations of Leadership Studies | ||
Additional course with the Interacting attribute (EINT) in a different discipline | ||
| A&S Electives | 6 | |
Two courses with the Arts & Sciences elective attribute (EASC) | ||
| Free Elective | ||
| 3 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 121.0 | |
Gain Hands-On Cybersecurity Experience
Apply technical knowledge through approved internships, a Technical Solutions Design Project, research opportunities and cybersecurity competitions. “In school, I learn the frameworks and the reasoning behind why organizations need controls, and at my internship, I get to apply them in a real environment,” says Daniel Castaneda Resulero ’27. He recently interned at McLaughlin Research Corporation as an information assurance compliance specialist.
Build Cyber Defense Skills
Develop a technical foundation in programming, computer systems, databases and networks, then apply it to security problems. Coursework addresses how to analyze threats, investigate incidents, test defenses, protect information and communicate technical risk to stakeholders.
What you’ll do:
- Analyze network traffic, systems and potential attack paths.
- Apply ethical hacking and active-defense concepts in authorized learning environments.
- Investigate digital evidence using computer and network forensics methods.
- Use cryptography, cyber intelligence and incident-response concepts to support defensive decisions.
- Consider legal, ethical, security and social responsibilities in cyber operations.
Powered by Purpose: Kyle Leupold ’23
Kyle Leupold is getting hands-on lessons as a cybersecurity student. From helping the IT Security Department implement a vulnerability scanner, placing #1 at the Colorado Cyber Security Games and working with professors in our NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education Cybersecurity Center, Leupold is ready to use his skills to help others.
Cybersecurity Careers
Cybersecurity skills are used across technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, government and defense. Potential entry-level pathways include:
- Security analyst or security operations support
- Network or systems security administration
- Digital forensics or incident-response support
- Cyber threat intelligence support
- Governance, risk and compliance support
- Security engineering or architecture pathways with additional experience
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
Study Cybersecurity in R.I.
Students study programming, operating systems, databases and networks along with network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics, cyber intelligence, software reverse engineering and active cyber defense.
The Providence Cybersecurity B.S. is designed as a four-year program. Completion time may vary based on transfer credits, placement, course load and academic planning.
Prior experience can be helpful but is not a degree requirement. Successful applicants must have completed Algebra II or a higher-level math course. Students who apply for admission and do not meet the requirements will be reviewed for admission into the Undeclared – University Explorations program. Students should review current admission requirements with JWU.
Yes. The curriculum includes six credits of approved applied learning through an internship or Technical Solutions Design Project. Students may also participate in competitions and research opportunities. Availability and selection requirements vary.
Selected coursework may support preparation for relevant certification exams. Certifications are awarded by external organizations and may require separate exams, fees or experience.
The designation recognizes that JWU’s cyber defense education meets the rigorous standards of the National Security Agency (NSA). It also indicates that JWU is helping to reduce threats to our national infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and providing the U.S. with quality cybersecurity professionals. It applies to the academic program and does not guarantee an individual student’s certification, clearance or employment.
Graduates may pursue entry-level opportunities in security operations, network security, incident response, digital forensics, threat intelligence, risk and compliance or related areas. Some roles require certifications, background investigations, citizenship, clearances or additional experience.
Faculty Contact
Frank Tweedie, Ed.D.
Executive Director of Cybersecurity & Computer Science Education
401-598-2503
frank.tweedie@jwu.edu