A Nationally Recognized Cybersecurity Program Built for Ethical Leaders and Career Success
Assumption University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity prepares students for in-demand cybersecurity careers while developing ethical leaders grounded in Assumption’s Catholic and liberal arts tradition. Students gain hands-on technical skills, real-world experience, and the critical thinking and communication abilities employers value most.
Assumption’s Cybersecurity program is designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C)—a distinction that places Assumption among a select group of nationally recognized cybersecurity programs.
Assumption University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through the academic year 2028.
Why Major in Cybersecurity at Assumption University?
Cybersecurity at Assumption goes beyond learning tools and technologies. Students are educated to understand the human, ethical, and organizational dimensions of cybersecurity while building strong technical foundations.
You will:
- Develop technical expertise in protecting systems, networks, and data
- Build a strong ethical framework centered on trust, integrity, and responsibility
- Strengthen communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills through a liberal arts education
- Prepare for lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving cybersecurity field
- Participate in the Foundations Program, which forms students known for intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and commitment to the common good
This approach prepares graduates to adapt, lead, and succeed in a wide range of cybersecurity roles.
National Recognition & Exclusive Cybersecurity Opportunities
Assumption University is one of a limited number of institutions nationwide designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) by the NSA and CISA. Only a small number of colleges and universities in Massachusetts hold this distinction, and Assumption was among the earliest programs to earn this recognition.
This national designation provides students with access to exclusive opportunities, including:
- GenCyber grant-funded programs supported by the NSA
- Mentorship and leadership roles in the Cybersecurity Summer Camp
- Eligibility for the highly competitive SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, which offers full tuition, annual stipends, paid internships, and guaranteed employment with the U.S. Department of Defense after graduation
Cybersecurity faculty also serve as mentors and reviewers for other institutions seeking NCAE-C designation, reinforcing Assumption’s leadership in cybersecurity education.
Raymond T. Albert, Ph.D.
Program Details
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Assumption University Cybersecurity program graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of computing and information technologies and use software development and security analysis tools to produce effective designs and solutions for specific cybersecurity problems within a variety of computing platforms and employing an approved secure systems development process model;
- Identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly and professional literature relating to the fields of cybersecurity, information security, or information assurance, to help solve specific problems and to stay abreast of the rapidly changing security context;
- Participate as an active and effective member of a project team engaged in achieving specific computer-based cybersecurity results or solutions;
- Communicate, both orally and in writing, and negotiate with colleagues and other stakeholders including employees, managers, and executives within and between organizations;
- Demonstrate sensitivity to and sound judgment on ethical issues as they arise in cybersecurity and will adhere to accepted norms of professional responsibility;
- Integrate their technical expertise with knowledge from other disciplines, such as computer science, data analytics, economics, management science, psychology and human factors, to arrive at practical cybersecurity solutions that are effective in real organizations; and
- Use appropriate tools to prevent, detect, respond, and recover from cyber-attacks.
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The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity comprises 14 required courses: one course in Statistics; three courses in Computer Science; four Cybersecurity Core courses; and six advanced courses in Cybersecurity including an Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship; the total is 42 semester hours.
The table below lists the major’s required courses, each marked with a double asterisk (**), arranged in a suggested schedule. Program prerequisite courses are labeled with a tilde (~). Recommended courses are labeled with a plus (+).
Assumption University core curriculum courses may be taken in almost any semester; see Assumption’s Undergraduate Catalog for details. The major’s required courses also allow some flexibility of scheduling.
First Year: Fall
MAT 114
~Elementary Functions or follow Math Placement
CSC 117 or CSC 120
**Introduction to Programming, or Statistics Programming
CYB 115
**Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Foundations Course
Foundations Course
First Year: Spring
Statistics Course
**Statistics, ECO 115, or PSY 224, or SOC 300 (in the Fall Semester)
Free Elective
CSC 260
+Command Line Interfaces
Foundations Course
Foundations Course
Second Year: Fall
CSC/CYB 230
**Networking and Data Communications
CYB 265
**Operating Systems Administration
Free Elective
Foundations Course
Foundations Course
Second Year: Spring
CSC/CYB 235
**Securing Wired and Wireless Networks
CSC 303
**Operating Systems
CSC 321
**Database Management Systems
Foundations Course
Foundations Course
Third Year: Fall
CYB 318
**Software and Application Security
CYB 328
**Computer, Network Forensics and Digital Investigations
Free Elective
Foundations Course
Foundations Course
Third Year: Spring
CYB 304
**Cryptography
CYB 401
**Preparing for Cyber Disasters
Free Elective
Foundations Course
Foundations Course
Fourth Year: Fall
CYB 338
**Ethical Hacking
Free Elective
Free Elective
Free Elective
Foundations Course
Fourth Year: Spring
CYB 438
**Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship
Free Elective
Free Elective
Free Elective
Free Elective
**Courses marked with (**) are required for the major
Course Descriptions
-
-
The Cybersecurity Minor consists of six courses, which comprise four required CYB courses, and two courses selected from the Electives list.
Required Courses (4)
CYB 115 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
CSC/CYB 230 Networking and Data Communications
CSC/CYB 235 Securing Wired & Wireless Networks
CYB 265 Operating Systems Administration
Electives (Select 2)
CSC 303 Operating Systems
CYB 304 Cryptography
CYB 318 Software and Application Security
CSC 321 Database Management Systems
CYB 328 Computer, Network Forensics & Digital Investigations
CYB 338 Ethical Hacking
CYB 401 Preparing for Cyber Disasters
CYB 438 Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship
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Assumption University’s cybersecurity program has achieved “Program of Study” validation. This validation is awarded by the National Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program – which is managed by the NSA – and it means the University’s cybersecurity curricula and its B.S. in Cybersecurity degree meets or exceeds NSA standards in articulating cybersecurity education. In addition, the liberal arts foundation of the program directly aligns with and supports the following NCAE-C program core values and guiding principles:
- The Ethical Behavior Core Value: The academic institution must encourage and support ethical behavior by students, faculty, administrators, and professional staff.
- The Share Core Value: The institution enables an environment in which students, faculty, administrators, professional staff, and practitioners can share, interact, and collaborate with others in the cybersecurity field.
- The Lead by Example Core Value: The institution demonstrates a commitment to address, engage, and respond to current and emerging cybersecurity issues in the classroom, the institution itself, and outside the institution.
Assumption University Cybersecurity program graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of computing and information technologies and use software development and security analysis tools to produce effective designs and solutions for specific cybersecurity problems within a variety of computing platforms and employing an approved secure systems development process model;
- Identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly and professional literature relating to the fields of cybersecurity, information security, or information assurance, to help solve specific problems and to stay abreast of the rapidly changing security context;
- Participate as an active and effective member of a project team engaged in achieving specific computer-based cybersecurity results or solutions;
- Communicate, both orally and in writing, and negotiate with colleagues and other stakeholders including employees, managers, and executives within and between organizations;
- Demonstrate sensitivity to and sound judgment on ethical issues as they arise in cybersecurity and will adhere to accepted norms of professional responsibility;
- Integrate their technical expertise with knowledge from other disciplines, such as computer science, data analytics, economics, management science, psychology and human factors, to arrive at practical cybersecurity solutions that are effective in real organizations; and
- Use appropriate tools to prevent, detect, respond, and recover from cyber-attacks.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity comprises 14 required courses: one course in Statistics; three courses in Computer Science; four Cybersecurity Core courses; and six advanced courses in Cybersecurity including an Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship; the total is 42 semester hours.
The table below lists the major’s required courses, each marked with a double asterisk (**), arranged in a suggested schedule. Program prerequisite courses are labeled with a tilde (~). Recommended courses are labeled with a plus (+).
Assumption University core curriculum courses may be taken in almost any semester; see Assumption’s Undergraduate Catalog for details. The major’s required courses also allow some flexibility of scheduling.
First Year: Fall
| MAT 114 | ~Elementary Functions or follow Math Placement |
| CSC 117 or CSC 120 | **Introduction to Programming, or Statistics Programming |
| CYB 115 | **Cybersecurity Fundamentals |
| Foundations Course | |
| Foundations Course |
First Year: Spring
| Statistics Course | **Statistics, ECO 115, or PSY 224, or SOC 300 (in the Fall Semester) |
| Free Elective | |
| CSC 260 | +Command Line Interfaces |
| Foundations Course | |
| Foundations Course |
Second Year: Fall
| CSC/CYB 230 | **Networking and Data Communications |
| CYB 265 | **Operating Systems Administration |
| Free Elective | |
| Foundations Course | |
| Foundations Course |
Second Year: Spring
| CSC/CYB 235 | **Securing Wired and Wireless Networks |
| CSC 303 | **Operating Systems |
| CSC 321 | **Database Management Systems |
| Foundations Course | |
| Foundations Course |
Third Year: Fall
| CYB 318 | **Software and Application Security |
| CYB 328 | **Computer, Network Forensics and Digital Investigations |
| Free Elective | |
| Foundations Course | |
| Foundations Course |
Third Year: Spring
| CYB 304 | **Cryptography |
| CYB 401 | **Preparing for Cyber Disasters |
| Free Elective | |
| Foundations Course | |
| Foundations Course |
Fourth Year: Fall
| CYB 338 | **Ethical Hacking |
| Free Elective | |
| Free Elective | |
| Free Elective | |
| Foundations Course |
Fourth Year: Spring
| CYB 438 | **Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship |
| Free Elective | |
| Free Elective | |
| Free Elective | |
| Free Elective |
**Courses marked with (**) are required for the major
Course Descriptions
The Cybersecurity Minor consists of six courses, which comprise four required CYB courses, and two courses selected from the Electives list.
Required Courses (4)
CYB 115 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
CSC/CYB 230 Networking and Data Communications
CSC/CYB 235 Securing Wired & Wireless Networks
CYB 265 Operating Systems Administration
Electives (Select 2)
CSC 303 Operating Systems
CYB 304 Cryptography
CYB 318 Software and Application Security
CSC 321 Database Management Systems
CYB 328 Computer, Network Forensics & Digital Investigations
CYB 338 Ethical Hacking
CYB 401 Preparing for Cyber Disasters
CYB 438 Independent Cybersecurity Project or Internship
Assumption University’s cybersecurity program has achieved “Program of Study” validation. This validation is awarded by the National Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program – which is managed by the NSA – and it means the University’s cybersecurity curricula and its B.S. in Cybersecurity degree meets or exceeds NSA standards in articulating cybersecurity education. In addition, the liberal arts foundation of the program directly aligns with and supports the following NCAE-C program core values and guiding principles:
- The Ethical Behavior Core Value: The academic institution must encourage and support ethical behavior by students, faculty, administrators, and professional staff.
- The Share Core Value: The institution enables an environment in which students, faculty, administrators, professional staff, and practitioners can share, interact, and collaborate with others in the cybersecurity field.
- The Lead by Example Core Value: The institution demonstrates a commitment to address, engage, and respond to current and emerging cybersecurity issues in the classroom, the institution itself, and outside the institution.
Faculty
From Assumption to RTX: Michael's Path to Protecting the Digital World
Michael O'Reilly, Principal Cyber Tactician of Threat Defense Operations at RTX
Pathway to Success
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 28-percent growth for information security analyst positions, rating the field with “much faster than average” growth. Sample work roles based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology “NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework” include the following:
Security Architect
Cyber Defense/Forensics Analyst
Cyber Defense Incident Responder
Secure Software Assessor
Threat/Exploitation Analyst
Systems Security Analyst
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
Will Ciesinski
Cybersecurity 2021
Technical Support Engineer, Snyk
“Switching to a cybersecurity major was the best decision I made in my college career. I am very well prepared for my career thanks to the faculty and staff who made sure I had the skills required for future employment. Assumption is the perfect school if you are looking for a small, tight-knit community that constantly has you as the main focus.”
Nicole Gomez
Cybersecurity 2021
Security Analyst & Pentester, TJX
“Assumption’s cybersecurity program has prepared me for success and helped me grow in my career path. I’ve learned so much from my professors and received a lot of support along the way. I had the opportunity to participate in a Cybersecurity mentorship, representing the university in my last year of the program.”
Samuel Malone
Cybersecurity 2021
Information Security Analyst, Cambridge Savings Bank
“Hands-on experiences and real-world learning allowed me to simulate the future work I want to do. Through working on a variety of different and distinct projects assigned by multiple professors, I gained insight into how the information security world functions and learned the necessary skills to obtain important certifications.”
Frederick J. Anim-Amofa
Cybersecurity 2022
Security Engineer, TJX
“Assumption’s Cybersecurity program prepared and equipped me for success and great achievement. After transferring to Assumption, not only was the transition process a smooth one but great as well. All assignments and projects prepared me to gain knowledge that enabled me to succeed in two internships and helped me get a full-time offer even before graduating.”
Colin Orleman
Cybersecurity 2022
Commercial Account Executive, Datadog
“The Cybersecurity Program at Assumption taught me the knowledge and skills I need to be successful. My commitments to the Cybersecurity program and Men’s Lacrosse team taught me valuable time management skills, and through class assignments I have used several tools in the professional field. This experience will give me a head start over my competition in the workplace.”
Joshua Nixdorf
Cybersecurity 2024
“ The amount of time and effort put in by both the students and the staff for the success of the program has been nothing short of monumental. The Assumption Cybersecurity program has given me the tools necessary to make great advancements in the ever-changing modern world. Being able to work using various technologies on actual real-world problems not only helped to solidify my faith in the program, but also helps to promote student creativity on how to approach problems in a not-so cookie cutter world.”
Vincent Loria
Cybersecurity 2024
Engineering Development Program Intern at Travelers Insurance
“ Double majoring with Cybersecurity and Computer Science has given me all the necessary skills to be able pursue any career in the industry. Getting convinced to double major during my freshman orientation was one of the best decisions I made. It allowed me to gain a well-rounded knowledge of computer systems and prepared me for any path I decided to go down.”
Andrew Ellis
Cybersecurity 2023
Compliance Analyst at RTX
“ Assumption’s curriculum and cybersecurity program allowed me to hone my skills and become a more well-rounded individual. I am extremely grateful to be graduating from Assumption. The professors are very passionate about teaching and want all their students to achieve success. The variety of courses has helped me discover new interests and passions for subjects I may not have otherwise. The cybersecurity program has prepared me for the future in whichever area of the field I pursue. ”
Matthew McNaughton
Cybersecurity 2023
Cybersecurity & Technology Auditor, Liberty Mutual Insurance
“ Assumption University allowed me to grow in all aspects of my life. While pursuing a Cybersecurity degree at Assumption University, I have taken a wide variety of courses that have allowed me to learn and hone valuable skills in the field. Through a plethora of hands-on projects and lectures, I have gained remarkable insight in Cybersecurity that have prepared me to enter the workforce and thrive in the occupation.”
Cameron Carpenter
Cybersecurity 2023
Digital Trust & Privacy Consultant, Deloitte
“ The knowledge I gained from the Cybersecurity Program at Assumption built a strong foundation for a successful career. Majoring in both Cybersecurity and Computer Science allowed me to gain a broad understanding of many areas within my career path. My experience at Assumption helped me earn an internship that turned into a full-time position.”
Michael O'Reilly
Cybersecurity 2021
Cybersecurity, RTX GCIH, Security+
“ The curriculum and professors at Assumption have helped me grow as a versatile young professional. The program gave me that foundation to get into my first internship, to get my first job, and it also gave me a network of other people in cybersecurity.”
Christian Buckley
Cybersecurity 2023
Information Security/Technical Development Officer, U.S. DoD
“Graduating from Assumption’s Cybersecurity program allowed me to be prepared for the Cybersecurity field. Through club meetings, Cybersecurity conferences, and in class discussions my knowledge of Cybersecurity has grown exponentially. I am honored to be a part of an accredited program and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.”
Brett Dufault
Cybersecurity 2024
Security Analyst I, Sturdy Health
“Pursuing a Cybersecurity degree at Assumption has been a very transformative journey. Graduating from Assumption University's challenging cybersecurity program has taught me many lessons and provided me many experiences to help me in pursuing a career in this field. The professors in the Cybersecurity program have been very helpful in guiding us in the right path to become successful. It is an honor to be a part of such a prestigious program.”
Janil Patel
Cybersecurity 2024
Enterprise Cybersecurity Analyst, Insulet Corp.
“ The Cyber Security programs infrastructure, student professor understanding, environment and self-confidence giving vibes has meant the world to me. Graduating from the Cyber Security program designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense has prepared me quite well for the Cyber security work field. ”
Patrick D'Eufemia
Cybersecurity 2025
MDR Threat Analyst, Sophos
“Assumption University's Cybersecurity program has transformed me into a professional. The Cybersecurity program has reinforced, filled in gaps and built upon my preexisting knowledge which has set me up for success and created many opportunities for me.”
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