Cybersecurity

The B.S. in cybersecurity is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

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Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes

Develop the ability to analyze complex computing challenges, design and evaluate secure technology solutions and apply cybersecurity principles to address evolving threats. You’ll learn to communicate effectively in professional settings, make ethical and legally informed decisions, collaborate as team members and leaders and apply security practices to protect systems, maintain operations and manage risks in a constantly changing digital environment.

Class format

Receive your undergraduate cybersecurity education from faculty and staff who treat you like an individual while providing first-rate academic opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals and satisfy your academic interests.

The Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity combines foundational coursework in computer science, mathematics, communication and ethics with advanced cybersecurity training. You will progress through courses in secure coding, network defense, operating system security, digital forensics, vulnerability analysis and cybersecurity labs. Through technical and free electives, you’ll develop your individual interests.

You will participate in the college’s nationally recognized Interdisciplinary Capstone Design program, collaborating with a team on an industry- or department-sponsored project that builds teamwork, technical expertise and problem-solving skills while creating innovative solutions to real-world engineering challenges. This program culminates in the Engineering Design EXPO, one of the largest university events held each spring.

Industry connections throughout your academic journey provide valuable opportunities to build your professional network through paid internships, career networking events and employer engagement. These experiences help position you for successful placement in engineering careers, graduate programs and high-demand fields including cyber defense, information security, network security, digital forensics, security analysis, threat intelligence and cybersecurity operations.

Faculty expertise

Work alongside faculty with expertise in:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
• Deep learning and neural networks
• Data science and predictive analytics
• Natural language processing (NLP)
• Intelligent systems and AI engineering
• Trustworthy, ethical and secure AI
• Adversarial machine learning
• Computer vision and pattern recognition
• Evolutionary computation and optimization
• Robotics and intelligent industrial automation
• High-performance and large-scale computing

Connect with program faculty

Advising

• First-year undergraduates — Our professional advisors can help you learn more about degree options, select a major, identify required and elective courses and build a plan toward graduation. As you progress through your degree, you’ll transition to a faculty advisor.
• Transfer students — If you have 13 or less transfer credits, email Student Services or call 208-885-6470. If you have more than 13 credits, contact the department you're transferring into.

Hands-on learning

All U of I College of Engineering students participate in hands-on activities through:

• Nationally ranked Senior Capstone Design Program - Emphasizing the engineering design process and the development of a fully engineered, tested and validated outcome or prototype. Interdisciplinary student teams present their industry-sponsored projects at the annual Engineering Design EXPO.
• Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) – Get paid up to $20,000 alternating semesters of academic study with paid full-time employment in your field.
• Earn funding to explore areas that interest you - Customize your college experience through opportunities that support academic, professional and personal development in the College of Engineering Professional Skills Academy
• Pursue technical certificates in engineering and computer science, build professional networks with faculty and industry partners and engage in hands-on research and project-based learning.
• Internships and summer programs – Gain real-world experience through paid internships, fellowships and research mentorship programs. Work with leading companies, national laboratories and research centers to apply classroom knowledge, develop technical and professional skills and build industry connections.

Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Clubs related to your major include:

• Cyber Defense Club
• CyberForce Competition Team
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• Polymorphic Games Studio
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Robotics Club
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)

Additional College of Engineering scholarships  

Engineering students receive more than $1 million in scholarships annually.

• CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service - The U of I Center for Secure and Dependable Systems has maintained its status as a National Science Foundation CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service Program participant for over 20 years, securing more than $20 million in total funding to train students to work at the highest levels of government.
• Earn more than $64,000 in scholarships over the course of four years through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Eligible first-year and transfer students are considered simply by filling out their U of I admission application. There’s no separate application or deadline.
• Merit- and need-based scholarships – All first-time students and first-time transfer students in the College of Engineering are automatically considered for merit- and need-based scholarships and financial aid when filling out the admissions application and FAFSA. There are no separate scholarship applications required to be considered. Continuing students are also automatically considered after filling out the FAFSA each year.
• Additional College of Engineering scholarships — Additional scholarships are available based on major and interest areas. Browse engineering scholarships and application processes.

Idaho LAUNCH

This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.