As our reliance on computers increases and technology grows more sophisticated, the need for cyber security experts becomes critical to protect users and keep personal information out of the hands of hackers and cyber criminals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the computer security field is rapidly growing. Private and public employers are expected to add 286,600 new computer security jobs over the next ten years.
You can prepare for this exciting field by earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Cyber Security Systems at St. John's. Offered by the Collins College of Professional Studies, this 120-credit program prepares students for career opportunities in small, medium, and Fortune 500 corporations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in different cyber security fields, including:
- Cyber Security Systems and Technology: cryptanalysts, security administrators, security analysts, Web security administrators.
- Cyber Security Systems for Business: information security managers, information assurance consultants and business security systems analysts.
- Cyber Forensics: computer crime investigators, cyber law enforcement specialists, digital forensics specialists, forensic technology consultants, Internet forensics specialists, technology risk management professionals.
- Degree Type
- BS
- Area of Interest
- Computing & Technology
- Associated Colleges or Schools
- Program Location
- Queens Campus
- Required Credit Hours
- 120
- Associated Centers or Institutes
Program Contact
We are here to answer any questions you may have about the Cyber Security Systems program and admission process.
What sets St. John’s Cyber Security System program apart from others
NSA designation
As of May 16, 2022, and through academic year 2027, St. John’s University is designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
ABET accredited
The Cyber Security Systems B.S. program is Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
of the graduates are either employed and/or continuing their graduate education within 6 months*
Cyber Security Systems Program Receives NSA Center of Academic Excellence Designation
*As of Jan 28, 2022 the B.S. program in Cyber Security Systems at St. John’s University is validated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Program of Study (PoS) in Cybersecurity through academic year 2027.*Furthermore, as of May 16, 2022, and through academic year 2027, St. John’s University is designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CDE).
Coursework and Program Details
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUS | 1115 | Computer Programming Fundamentals I | 3 |
| CUS | 1116 | Computer Programming Fundamentals II | 3 |
| CUS | 1126 | Introduction to Data Structures | 3 |
| CUS | 1185 | Data Security and Cryptography | 3 |
| IT | 1175 | Database Information Systems | 3 |
| CSS | 1005 | Fundamentals of Cyber Security | 3 |
| CSS | 1006 | Management of Information Security | 3 |
| CSS | 1011 | Network Security | 3 |
| CSS | 1032 | Cyber Threats and Detection | 3 |
| CSS | 1035 | Secure Software Development | 3 |
| DFR | 1001 | Intro to Digital Forensics | 3 |
| NET | 1011 | Introduction to Networking | 3 |
| NET | 1015 | Routing and Switching Essentials | 3 |
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSS | 1008 | Healthcare Information Security | 3 |
| CSS | 1012 | Network Perimeter Security | 3 |
| CSS | 1015 | Wireless Security | 3 |
| CSS | 1018 | SQL and Cloud Database Security | 3 |
| CSS | 1021 | Cyberlaw and Ethics | 3 |
| CSS | 1025 | Linux and UNIX Security | 3 |
| CSS | 1091 | Computer Security Systems Internship | 3 |
| DFR | 1002 | Network Forensics or a higher DFR course | 3 |
Year 1
Fall Semester (15 credits)
- CSS1005 Fundamentals of Cyber Security
- CUS1115 Programming Fundamentals 1
- DNY1000C Discover NY
- MTH1009 Calculus I
- FYW1000C First Year Writing
Spring Semester (15 credits)
- CUS1116 Programming Fundamentals II
- NET1011 Introduction to Networks
- ENG1100C Literature in a Global Context
- MTH1022 Discrete Mathematics
- Foreign language elective
Year 2
Fall Semester (15 credits)
- CUS1126 Introduction to Data Structures
- SCI1000C Scientific Inquiry
- CSS1006 Management of Information Security
- MTH1013 Probability & Statistics I
- PHI1000C Philosophy of the Human Person
Spring Semester (15 credits)
- IT 1175 Database Information Systems
- Foreign language elective
- HIS1000C Emergence of a Global Society
- MTH1014 Probability and Statistics II
- THE1000C Perspectives on Christianity
Year 3
Fall Semester (15 credits)
- CUS 1185 Data Security and Cryptography
- DFR1001 Intro to Digital Forensics
- Free elective
- ECO1001 Principles of Economics I
- THE1040 Moral Theology
Spring Semester (15 credits)
- NET1015 Routers and Router Concepts
- CSS1011 Network Security
- Free elective
- ECO1002 Principles of Economics II
- PHI1020 Ethics
Year 4
Fall Semester (15 credits)
- PHI3000C Metaphysics
- CSS1032 Cyber Threats and Detection
- CSS1035 Secure Software
- CSS elective*
- Free elective
Spring Semester (15 credits)
- CSS elective*
- SPE1000C Public Speaking for College Students
- THE any elective
- Free elective
- Free elective
*CSS1008 or higher, or DFR1002 or higher, or internship (CSS 1091)
AI Minor for non-majors to include:
- CUS 1115 Programming Fundamentals I
- CUS 1116 Programming Fundamentals II
- CUS 1126 Intro to Data Structures
- CUS 1174 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and
- CUS 1177 Introduction to NLP (Natural Language Processing) or CUS 1179 Machine Learning.
Enrollment and Graduation Data
| Year | Enrollment | Degrees Conferred |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 216 | 13 |
| 2023 | 150 | 19 |
| 2022 | 108 | 13 |
| 2021 | 100 | 18 |
| 2020 | 130 | 8 |
| 2019 | 142 | 7 |
| 2018 | 137 | 5 |
| 2017 | 121 | 4 |
| 2016 | 95 | 5 |
| 2015 | 85 | 13 |
| 2014 | 67 | 12 |
*The data here is based on full-time Baccalaureate first-time, first-year students who started the Cyber Security Systems program and graduated from St. John's University within 4 years.
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates of the B.S. in Cyber Security Systems program should, within a few years of graduation:
- Attain meaningful positions toward successful careers in Cyber Security and/or related fields.
- Advance their professional development through self-directed learning and/or graduate study.
- Practice Cyber Security professionally and with specific regard to ethical and societal responsibilities.
Student Outcomes (Program-Level Learning Outcomes)
Graduates of the program will have an ability to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
- Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
Topics Covered
Students receive solid foundations in mathematics and programming as well as in computing and Cyber Security course work. Fundamental topics are covered in each of the following area
- Data Security: protection of data at rest, during processing, and in transit.
- Software Security: development and use of software that reliably preserves the security properties of the protected information and systems.
- Component Security: the security aspects of the design, procurement, testing, analysis, and maintenance of components integrated into larger systems.
- Connection Security: security of the connections between components, both physical and logical.
- System Security: security aspects of systems that use software and are composed of components and connections.
- Human Security: the study of human behavior in the context of data protection, privacy, and threat mitigation.
- Organizational Security: protecting organizations from Cyber Security threats and managing risk to support successful accomplishment of the organizations’ missions.
- Societal Security: aspects of Cyber Security that broadly impact society as a whole.
- Advanced Cyber Security topics that build on crosscutting concepts and fundamental topics to provide depth.
Students also may take a minor in conjunction with the B.S. Degree in Cyber Security Systems. The following minors may be of special interest to students majoring in this program:
- Business
- Criminalistics
- Criminal Justice
- Digital Forensics
- Forensics
- Homeland security
- Information technology
- Legal Studies
Admission
For more information about admission to this and other acclaimed undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission online. Or contact us directly at the campus of your choice:
Admission Office - Queens Campus
718-990-2000
[email protected]
Extracurricular and experiential learning
- Gain an academic and professional edge by joining the St. John’s Association for Computing Machinery student chapter moderated by Joan E. DeBello, EdD., Associate Professor. Members organize cultural and social activities that include training sessions and industry nights. They also regularly participate in national coding competitions.
- To learn more and view our events, please visit our SJU ACM Student Chapter page.
- You also may be eligible for one of the many honor societies available in the Collins College of Professional Studies and at the University. For example, the Collins College of Professional Studies Honor Society recognizes undergraduates who demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in campus, church, or community activities. For more information, please contact Joan E. DeBello, EdD, Associate Professor, at [email protected] or 718-990-2032.
Secure Your Future in Cybersecurity
The US Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Service Academy offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students in cybersecurity to receive financial support and hands-on experience through structured internships with the US Department of Defense. Eligible students can receive up to $32,000 in funding, including allowances for books, room and board, and more!
The application opens on November 1, 2024, and the deadline is February 1, 2025.
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Talks Cyber Security at St. John’s University
St. John’s University welcomed U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for a tour of the innovative Sanford Family Cyber Security Lab at the Queens, NY, Campus and a wide-ranging discussion of cybersecurity issues and career opportunities for students.
