"Cyber threats pose one of the gravest national security dangers that the United States
faces... it's clear that much more work needs to be done to enhance our cybersecurity."
—Former President Barack Obama
An increasingly connected world economy and the growing virtual existence for almost
all existing organizations makes cybersecurity as relevant as local or national security
for our society. A stable world and a safe virtual environment are essential elements
for a peaceful world. This program leverages the powerful resources of Duquesne University
in Mathematics, Computer Science and Security Studies to meet the needs of students
and of society at large.
As a Cybersecurity Studies major at Duquesne, you will learn how to:
evaluate the cybersecurity needs of an organization.
assess and develop risk management policies in order to protect the confidentiality,
integrity, and accessibility of an organization's information and assets.
support and secure information and assets to facilitate an organization's mission.
research, learn, and apply new cybersecurity technology in order to keep your skills
current.
apply these skills in a professional manner, including documenting your work, communicating
clearly and appropriately, and following ethical and professional standards of conduct.
You will also enjoy the following benefits:
A program that combines policy studies and technological information to help you develop expertise in human analytic skills as well as technical security
measures
Courses taught by internationally recognized Ph.D faculty
A Capstone course that features a major project to help develop a portfolio of visible skills
The opportunity to participate in faculty research projects, publish findings and present work nationally and internationally
A faculty mentor to advise you on curriculum, independent study, internships, and career plans
The opportunity to double major in computer science, data science, international studies and international relations
Program Information
Our dynamic Cybersecurity Studies program combines computer science and international
relations courses to prepare students to assess the cybersecurity needs of any organization
or entity.
Throughout my coursework, I learned to identify cyberattacks and safeguard online
data effectively. My classes helped me become more aware of what goes on in the cyber
world and how it might affect me as an end user of different platforms.
Monica Kirabo, A'24Software engineer, Salesforce
My favorite part about being a cybersecurity major is the professors. The dedicated
CS / IR professors for this course have left a lasting impact on how I view learning.
Kristen DeFlorio, A'27, a cybersecurity studies and computer science major from Thornwood,
New York, studies how scammers operate to help protect people and organizations. Inspired
by her father, a police officer, and guided by her brother, a cybersecurity major,
Kristen discovered her passion for coding and security early on.
She chose Duquesne for its city setting and scenic campus. Kristen enjoys hands-on
coursework, from lab simulations to AI ethics, which lets her explore both the risks
and benefits of emerging technology. “My professors push me to think critically and
solve problems I didn’t know I could handle,” she said.
Internships at Central Hudson and with the national fitness group CHAARG have strengthened
Kristen’s skills in cybersecurity, communication and leadership. She’s even designed
and run phishing campaigns, gaining experience that prepares her for complex digital
challenges.
On campus, Kristen is president of the Computer Science Club and active in Duquesne
Panhellenic Council. With support from faculty mentors and her extracurricular involvement,
she is building the expertise and confidence to pursue a career as a cybersecurity
analyst.
Students must also take 9 credit hours from the International Security Studies Cyber
courses:
IR 404 Introduction to Information Awareness
IR 432 Network Situational Awareness
IR 462 Applied Threat Systems
IR 470 Cybersecurity Leadership and Strategy
Students are also required to take one three-credit course from the ISS requirements
or Security courses:
IR 296 Intelligence Operations
IR 405 Transnational Organized Crime
IR 406 Homeland Security
IR 407 Terrorism
IR 415 Twenty-First Century Terrorism
IR 417 Armed Groups
IR 422W American Defense Policy
IR 423W Comparative Intelligence Agencies
IR 498 Global Security Problems
Minor in Cybersecurity Studies (15 credits)
For the Cybersecurity Studies minor, students are required to take four of the following
classes:
IR 404 Introduction to Information Awareness
IR 432 Network Situational Awareness
IR 462 Applied Threat Systems
IR 470 Cybersecurity Leadership and Strategy
COSC 160 Computer Programming: Java
COSC 215 Data Structures in Java
In addition, students are required to take one of the following ten 3-credit courses: COSC 300, IR 296, IR 405, IR 406, IR 407, IR 415, IR 417, IR 422W, IR 423W, IR 498. Students with CSS minors are not allowed to count more than three minor courses
towards degrees in Computer Science, International Relations, or International Security
Studies.
