Cybersecurity Engineering - B.S.

Program Description

Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity Engineering prepares students with problem-solving skills and a resourceful mindset to tackle cybersecurity threats in engineering systems. The program provides students with a working knowledge of analysis and evaluation of components and systems with respect to security and maintaining operations in the presence of risks and threats, with an emphasis on engineered systems. Students gain the understanding and skills necessary to address security issues pertaining to stakeholder needs and requirements (from a system engineering perspective) considering the lifecycle of the system from the outset. Design and development of systems, their components and associated networks to increase trustworthiness is a driving concern.

Applicants to this program should understand that this is a math-intensive program.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Admission to the Cybersecurity Engineering major is selective.

New Students: Admission into this major requires:

• Minimum 3.0 high school GPA
• Clear demonstration of an ability to be placed directly into MATH 12002 (or its equivalent); this will occur if the student is currently taking or has taken a calculus, pre-calculus or trigonometry course with a minimum C grade

Students who do not meet the above requirements will be admitted to the Computer Engineering Technology major, provided they meet the minimum program requirements.

Note: Applicants should understand that this is a math-intensive program. Students admitted to the program are expected to demonstrate prerequisite knowledge on a math placement exam (the ALEKS exam) prior to starting their first semester. Students who do not obtain the minimum score required to place into MATH 12002 will have their major changed to Computer Engineering Technology prior to their first year at Kent State.

Current Students: Students accepted into the Computer Engineering Technology major may request a change in major to Cybersecurity Engineering as soon as placement into MATH 12002 has been demonstrated (prior to the beginning of their first year at Kent State). Otherwise, students may request to change their major to Cybersecurity Engineering after their first year at Kent State if they meet the following criteria:

• Minimum 3.000 overall Kent State GPA
• Minimum C grade in both MATH 12002 and PHY 23101

Transfer Students: Admission into this major requires:

• Minimum 12 credit hours of college-level coursework
• Minimum 3.000 overall GPA
• Minimum C grade in both MATH 12002 and PHY 23101 (or their equivalents)

Transfer students who have completed fewer than 12 credit hours of college-level coursework will be evaluated on both collegiate and high school records and must submit a final high school transcript.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

Effective for the fall 2025 admission term:

New Students: Admission into this major requires:

• Minimum 3.0 high school GPA
• Completion of high school algebra II or a college-level algebra course with a minimum C grade

Students who do not meet the above requirements will be admitted to the Computer Engineering Technology major, provided they meet the minimum program requirements.

Current Students: Students accepted into the Computer Engineering Technology major may request a change in major to Cybersecurity Engineering as soon as placement into MATH 11022 has been demonstrated (prior to the beginning of their first year at Kent State). Otherwise, students may request to change their major to Cybersecurity Engineering after their first year at Kent State if they meet the following criteria:

• Minimum 3.000 overall Kent State GPA
• Minimum C grade in both MATH 11022 and PHY 13001

Transfer Students: Admission into this major requires:

• Minimum 12 credit hours of college-level coursework
• Minimum 3.000 overall GPA
• Minimum C grade in both MATH 11022 and PHY 13001 (or their equivalents)

Transfer students who have completed fewer than 12 credit hours of college-level coursework will be evaluated on both collegiate and high school records and must submit a final high school transcript.

Students from countries or schools that do not specify math topics on their transcripts must demonstrate a minimum C grade in all math courses.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.
2. Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors.
3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context.
5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives.
6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The educational objectives of the program are the following:

1. Drive positive change in the community by engaging in careers in the field of cybersecurity, information systems and other engineering disciplines in a manner that promotes excellence and integrity. 
2. Practice forward-thinking through continued education by way of graduate education, professional development and other continued self-motivated learning.
3. Successfully navigate the ever-changing trajectory of the world, practicing compassion as you strive to meet your personal career goals.  

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus