Undergraduate Programs
The School of Information Technology (IT) offers four undergraduate degree programs: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, and Computer Networking.
The IT curriculum has a strong practical emphasis on the application of computing solutions to real world problems. Practical skills and applications are balanced with exposure to the theoretical knowledge base that underlies the field of computing.
Why study Cybersecurity?
Hacking and cybercrimes pose serious threats to organizations of all sizes, making cybersecurity a top priority in today’s digital world. As our reliance on technology continues to grow, from cloud storage to online transactions, the need to protect sensitive data has never been more urgent. These challenges have created a booming demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals who can safeguard systems and stay ahead of evolving threats.
Illinois State’s Cybersecurity major focuses on cryptography, ethical hacking, security defenses, and digital forensics. It covers current tools and techniques and focuses on all aspects of information assurance, including protecting networks, servers, databases, and private information. To be successful in these areas, you’ll gain a background in programming and networking as well as basic knowledge of computer hardware and systems software.
With the increasing demand for experts who can protect against cyber threats, Illinois State’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity equips students with the practical skills and technical foundation needed to meet real world challenges in the field.
View the full major requirements for the Cybersecurity B.S. here.
Sample Plan of Study for Major in Cybersecurity (B.S.) 2024-2025
The requirements below pertain to this Undergraduate Catalog year and are intended as a guide for academic planning. Students should consult with their academic advisor to discuss their individual plan of study.
Min. of 120 total credit hours required, including 40 senior level hours (200-300 level)
| First Year – Fall Semester (15 credit hours) 1. ENG 101 – Composition As Critical Inquiry or COM 110 – Communication As Critical Inquiry (3) 2. IT 168 – Structured Problem Solving (Java) (4) 3. MAT 120 – Finite Mathematics or 4. MAT 145 – Calculus I (4) 5. General Education course (3) 6. University-wide elective (1) | First Year – Spring Semester (15 credit hours) 1. ENG 101 – Composition As Critical Inquiry or COM 110 – Communication As Critical Inquiry (3) 2. IT 170 – Scripting Languages & Automation or IT 178 – Computer Application Programming or IT 179 – Introduction To Data Structures (3) 3. ECO 101 – Principles Of Microeconomics (3) 4. MAT 160 – Elementary Discrete Math (4) 5. University-wide elective (2) |
| Second Year – Fall (15 credit hours) 1. IT 225 – Computer Organization or IT 254 – Hardware & Software Concepts (3) 2. IT 261 – Systems Development I (3) 3. COM 223 – Small Group Processes (3) 4. ECO 138 or MGT 100 or PSY 138 (GenEd) (3) 5. University-wide elective (3) | Second Year – Spring (15 credit hours) 1. IT 191 – Intro. To IT Professional Practice (1) 2. IT 276 – Data Communications (3) 3. ENG 249 – Techn. & Professional Writing I (3) 4. General Education course (3) 5. General Education course (3) 6. University-wide elective (2) |
| Third Year – Fall (15 credit hours) 1. IT 214 – Social, Legal, & Ethical Issues In Information Technology (3) 2. IT 250 – Fundamentals of Information Assurance & Security (3) 3. IT 350 – OS Concepts and Administration (3) 4. IT 398 – Professional Practice: IT (3) 5. General Education course (3) | Third Year – Spring (15 credit hours) 1. IT 351 – Practical Cryptography & Trusted Systems(3) 2. IT 377 – Practical Telecommunication Networking(3) 3. MGT 220 – Business Organization & Management (3) 4. IT 398 – Professional Practice: IT (3) 5. General Education course (3) |
| Fourth Year – Fall (15 credit hours) 1. IT 357 – Tools And Techniques In Defensive Security (3) 2. IT 370 – Server Management (3) 3. IT 378 – Database Processing (3) 4. General Education course (3) 5. General Education course (3) | Fourth Year – Spring (15 credit hours) 1. IT 359 – Tools And Techniques in Penetration Testing (3) 2. IT 360 – Security Incident & Event Mgmt. & Forensics (3) 3. IT major elective (3) 4. AMALI course or University wide elective (3) 5. General Education course (3) |