Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Secure Software Development

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
    • Formulate project requirements and alternative solutions appropriate to the problem in a secure manner 
    • Integrate design and implementation principles to develop effective software without introduction of vulnerabilities
    • Perform analyze software security and the efficiency of algorithms
    • Implement solutions to computing problems written in various programming languages
    • Use appropriate tools and techniques for identifying malware and other vulnerabilities 
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills
    • Document all aspects of secure software precisely and clearly
    • Use written, oral, and electronic communication to convey technical information effectively
    • Accurately communicate security analyses, policies, and methodologies
    • Work cooperatively in teams and with others
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibilities
    • ​Determine the effects of security policy models in a global society
    • Recognize the important legal and policy issues in the development of secure systems 
    • Demonstrate an awareness of the codes of professional ethics in the information technology industry
    • Plan for and ensure the security, privacy, and integrity of data
    • Recognize the need for continuing professional development

Related Links

Cybersecurity - Secure Software Development, BS Program Page

Computer Science Department Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements43
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major Requirements60
Electives17

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
Select one of the following:4
Precalculus
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal16
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Science Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours43
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

Computer Competency

Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following:0-3
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution:
Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts
Computer Concepts
Introduction to Computing and Programming
Technology for Wellness
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 30 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 30 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Required Core Courses
CPSC 130Introduction to Computing and Programming 13
CPSC 146Programming Principles 13
CPSC 207Shell Commands and Scripting 13
CPSC 300Challenges of Computer Technology 13
CPSC 301Practical Computer Security 13
CPSC 311Discrete Computational Structures 13
CPSC 323Fundamentals of Database Systems 13
CPSC 327Administration and Security 13
CPSC 423Computer Networks 13
CYBR 101Cybersecurity in the Era of Evolving Technology 13
Subtotal30
Secure Software Development Required Courses
CPSC 246Advanced Programming Principles 13
CPSC 374Algorithms and Data Structures 13
CPSC 376Programming Language and Theory 13
CPSC 488Software Engineering 13
CYBR 301Secure Programming3
CYBR 353Software Assurance 13
CYBR 401Software Security Analysis 13
CYBR 471Malware Analysis 13
Subtotal24
Secure Software Development Electives
Select two of the following:6
Introduction to Computer Forensics 1
Computer Organization and Architecture 1
Internship 1
Advanced Architecture & Parallel Computing 1
Analysis of Algorithms 1
Subtotal6
Total Hours60
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes (Learning Community, Cap-Stone Course, Semester Projects)
  2. Student-faculty research
  3. Service Learning Courses
  4. Internships
  5. Volunteering (Summer Day Camps, Semester Workshops for K-12 students, Robot demos for visitors/local school districts)
  6. Industry Awareness Night

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

CYBERSECURITY (6421)
Concentration in Secure Software Development (SSDE)
This program is effective as of Summer 2022
Revised 06.10.2022
UCC 03.01.2022

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
CPSC 130 Introduction to Computing and Programming 3
CYBR 101 Cybersecurity in the Era of Evolving Technology 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
MATH 120
Intermediate Algebra
or Science of Life
3
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
 Hours16
Spring
CPSC 146 Programming Principles 3
CPSC 301 Practical Computer Security 3
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
Select one of the following: 4
Precalculus
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Select one of the following: 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
 Hours16
Second Year
Fall
CPSC 207 Shell Commands and Scripting 3
CPSC 246 Advanced Programming Principles 3
SCI 101 Science of Life (or CE Elective) 3
Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry 3
Social Science Inquiry 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours15
Spring
CPSC 323 Fundamentals of Database Systems 3
CYBR 301 Secure Programming 3
CPSC 300 Challenges of Computer Technology 3
SCI 102 Understanding the Physical World (or Cybersecurity Elective) 3
Humanities Inquiry 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
CPSC 311 Discrete Computational Structures 3
CPSC 376 Programming Language and Theory 3
CYBR 353 Software Assurance 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Cyber Elective or Free Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
CPSC 327 Administration and Security 3
CPSC 374 Algorithms and Data Structures 3
CYBR 401 Software Security Analysis 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Cyber Elective or Free Elective 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
CPSC 423 Computer Networks 3
CYBR 471 Malware Analysis 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Cyber Elective or Free Elective 3
Cyber Elective or Free Elective 3
 Hours15
Spring
CPSC 488 Software Engineering 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Cyber Elective or Free Elective 3
Cyber Elective or Free Elective 4
 Hours13
 Total Hours**120
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject

2

Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.

*

Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.

Cyber Elective - CE Courses

Select six credits
CPSC 333Introduction to Computer Forensics3
CPSC 370Computer Organization and Architecture3
CPSC 474Advanced Architecture & Parallel Computing3
CPSC 450Internship 11-12
CPSC 478Analysis of Algorithms3
1

Jr. or Sr. Computing major with 3.0 GPA. Application required

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 6421
Concentration: SSDE
Revised date: 06.10.2022