man and woman talk at computer screens
BSMinor

Cybersecurity

Build In-Demand Cyber Skills.

UNC Pembroke’s BS in Cybersecurity prepares you for one of the fastest-growing, most in-demand careers in technology. Through a blend of computer science, hands-on labs, case studies and research opportunities, you’ll develop the skills to identify threats, defend systems and lead in today’s evolving digital landscape.

Apply Now

 

Protect the Future.
Build Your Career.

A BS in Cybersecurity is a great investment in your future. The global workforce needs to grow by 145% to meet rising demand.

In North Carolina, the need for information security analysts is 32% higher than that of the trained professionals available.

Our program combines theory with practical experience, giving you a strong foundation in cybersecurity tools, strategies and best practices. You'll graduate ready to protect digital assets and tackle security challenges across industries.

Apply today

Common Careers

  • Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
  • Cyber Defense Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Manager
  • Security Architect
  • Information Systems Security Manager
  • Cybersecurity Consultant
  • Software Developer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Network Engineer
  • Systems Administrator
  • Secure Software Assessor 

By the Numbers

UNCP is shaping the next generation of cyber professionals — right here in rural North Carolina.

 

5th

fastest growing occupation in the U.S.

457,398

total cybersecurity jobs in the U.S.

47%

cybersecurity workforce gap globally

Unlock your potential

students at computer
I’m currently working as a SOC analyst for the university, and the cybersecurity program at UNCP has given me hands-on experience with industry-standard tools that put me ahead of other recruits. The education here isn’t limited by the university’s size — in fact, the smaller class sizes have allowed for a more personal, focused learning experience. That individual attention has helped me truly understand and apply what I’ve learned throughout my journey at UNCP.

Collin Oxendine

Cybersecurity, '2X

A National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

 CAE logoUNCP is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) — a mark of distinction held by top cybersecurity programs nationwide.

This prestigious recognition means our program meets the NSA’s rigorous standards for academic quality, expert instruction and workforce readiness. As a CAE-CD institution, UNCP is committed to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to help protect our nation’s digital infrastructure and reduce global cyber threats.

Learn About CAE-CD

Cyber Defense Education Center

Make the most of your time while getting your cybersecurity degree at UNCP. Our Cyber Defense Education Center offers additional resources for research, internships, scholarships and more. 

The center serves as a hub for advancing cybersecurity education, research and workforce readiness. We connect UNCP with industry, government and research partners — equipping our community with competencies to drive cybersecurity innovation and strengthen national security.

Learn More about the Center
Cyber operations & programming lab sign

Stand Out with a Cybersecurity Minor

No matter your major, understanding how to protect digital assets is a valuable skill. A minor in cybersecurity helps you connect security risks to your field — whether it’s business, healthcare, education or beyond. This added expertise gives you a competitive edge in the job market and shows employers you're prepared to protect what matters.
Minor Requirements
professor looks over the shoulder of students in cybersecurity classroom at UNCP

Cybersecurity Program Details

The cybersecurity degree at UNCP is a hybrid program with some online courses available. Degree Requirements 

By the end of this program you will be able to:

  • Analyze complex real-world problems using mathematics, computing and cybersecurity to find secure solutions
  • Design, implement and evaluate computing solutions that meet cybersecurity requirements and community needs
  • Work effectively as a team member and as leader
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed ethical decisions in computing and cybersecurity
  • Communicate effectively in various professional settings
  • Contribute to community service
  • Apply math and computer science theories to create secure computing solutions
  • Understand and implement cryptographic techniques to protect against cyber threats
  • Analyze and resolve security issues in networks and computer systems to secure IT infrastructure

Below is a sample pathway plan for UNCP’s cybersecurity degree program. 

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course Number Course Title  Credits
UNV 1000 Freshman Seminar   1
ENG 1050 (GE) Composition I (must score C or better) 3
MAT 1090 (GE) Precalculus 4
General Education  Fine Art 3
General Education  Social Science 3
General Education Physical Education 2
Total Credits   16

Spring Semester

Course Number Course Title  Credits
ENG 1060 (GE) Composition II (must score C or better) 3
CSC 1750 Intro to Algorithms (must score C or better)

 

 

3
CSC 1760  Intro to Programming (must score C or better) 3
MAT 2210 Calculus I 4
General Education Literature 3 (WE)
Total Credits   16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course Number Course Title  Credits
CSC 1850 Object-Oriented Programming 3
CSC 2150 Discrete Structures 3
CSC 2260 Operating Systems and Networking 3
General Education Social Science 3
General Education Philosophy/Religion 3
Mary   15

Spring Semester

Course Number Course Title Credits
CSC 2920 Software Dev. & Professional Practice 3 (WD)
ITC 2080 Sys. Admin & Shell Scripting 3
CSC 2250 Fundamentals of Computer Systems  3
General Education Natural Science 3
General Education Elective 3 (WE)
Total Credits   15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course Number Course Title Credits
MAT 2100 Intro to Statistics 3
CSC 3360 Network Protocols 3
CYB 3020 Introduction to Cybersecurity 3
General Education

Natural Science

3
General Education Social Science 3
Total Credits   15

Spring Semester

Course Number  Course Title Credits
CYB 4020 Network Security 3
CSC 2850 Data Structures 3
MAT 3150 Linear Algebra 3
General Education History 3
General Education Electives 3
Total Credits   15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course Number Course TItle Credits
CYB-Elective-1 *See below 3
CYB Elective-2 *See below 3
CYB Elective-3 *See below 3
General Education Electives 3
University-Wide Elective   3
Total Credits   15

Spring Semester

Course Number Course Title Column Header Seven
CSC 4900   4
CYB Elective-4 *See below 3
CYB Elective-5 *See below 3
University-Wide Elective   3
University-Wide Elective   4
Total Credits    17

Students should choose 12 hours of CSC-Cybersecurity electives. There must be 4000-level courses.  

*Usually offered in fall

  • CSC 3380. Web Programming and Security (3 credits), 
  • CSC 4920. SecureSoftware Development (3 credits), 
  • ITC 3250. System Administration and Security (3 credits), 
  • CYB 4220. Security Policies & Management (3 credits)

**Usually offered in spring: 

  • CSC 3800. Database Management Systems and Security (3 credits), 
  • CYB4030. Introduction to Digital Forensics (3 credits), 
  • CYB 4120: Cryptography (3 credits), 
  • ITC 4800. Advanced Computer Systems and System Security (3 credits)

Cybersecurity majors who have completed the required prerequisites and are in senior standing (with at least a 2.5 GPA) are eligible for internships. You can choose from business, industry or government entities. This is a pass/fail course.

We accept transfers from other programs. Please contact UNCP's Registrar Office at registrar@uncp.edu with questions regarding transfer of credits. 

You may also contact Computer Science Department Chair, Dr. Selvarajah Mohanarajah, with the transfer course syllabus.

Most students prefer a Windows-OS machine. They find it more convenient to install and run several open-source software. Netbooks, iPads or other tablets are not recommended.

Additional Windows Specs:

  • 64-bit operating system
  • Windows 10+ is preferred
  • Intel or AMD CPU; 1.5 GHz or more CPU
  • 8 GB (minimum) of RAM; 16 GB (recommended) or more
  • 240 GB (minimum) SSD storage; 512GB or more (recommended)

Mac Specs and Requirements: 

  • CPU: i7 or better, or equivalent M1 processor 
  • 8 GB (minimum) of RAM; 16 GB (recommended) or more
  • Storage: 512GB or larger solid-state

Inspired to Lead

At UNCP, our cybersecurity students don’t just study technology — they shape the future of it. Here’s how one student turned opportunity into purpose.
Allyson Taylor
I was selected for the NCEC'24 research apprenticeship, elected president of UNCP’s ACM Student Chapter and most recently honored with the Undergraduate Student in Cybersecurity Award. Throughout my journey, Dr. BusiReddyGari has been a constant source of encouragement and mentorship. His belief in me never wavered, even when I struggled to believe in myself. Inspired by his guidance, I’ve decided to pursue a PhD in Computer Science and become a professor and mentor to the next generation of computer scientists.

Allyson Taylor

Want to learn more?

Our Admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you have.

or call us at 910.521.6262

Send us a message and one of our counselors will get back to you

 

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