Build In-Demand Cyber Skills.
UNC Pembroke鈥檚 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鈥檒l develop the skills to identify threats, defend systems and lead in today鈥檚 evolving digital landscape.
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.
51吃瓜网 is shaping the next generation of cyber professionals 鈥� right here in rural North Carolina.
fastest growing occupation in the U.S.
total cybersecurity jobs in the U.S.
cybersecurity workforce gap globally
I鈥檓 currently working as a SOC analyst for the university, and the cybersecurity program at 51吃瓜网 has given me hands-on experience with industry-standard tools that put me ahead of other recruits. The education here isn鈥檛 limited by the university鈥檚 size 鈥� 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鈥檝e learned throughout my journey at 51吃瓜网.
Collin Oxendine
Cybersecurity, '2X 
51吃瓜网 is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by
the National Security Agency (NSA) 鈥� a mark of distinction held by top cybersecurity
programs nationwide.
This prestigious recognition means our program meets the NSA鈥檚 rigorous standards for academic quality, expert instruction and workforce readiness. As a CAE-CD institution, 51吃瓜网 is committed to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to help protect our nation鈥檚 digital infrastructure and reduce global cyber threats.
Make the most of your time while getting your cybersecurity degree at 51吃瓜网. 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 51吃瓜网 with industry, government and research partners 鈥� equipping
our community with competencies to drive cybersecurity innovation and strengthen national
security.
Whether you鈥檙e aiming for a career as a security analyst, digital forensics expert, or secure software developer 鈥� or planning to pursue graduate school 鈥� this program sets you up for success. You鈥檒l start with core courses in computer science, cybersecurity, and math to build a strong foundation, then dive into advanced topics during your junior and senior years. From day one, you鈥檒l be preparing for a future that鈥檚 full of opportunity.
Below is a sample pathway plan for 51吃瓜网鈥檚 cybersecurity degree program.
Jump to: FRESHMAN > SOPHOMORE > JUNIOR > SENIOR
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| Freshman Seminar (1 credit) | |
| (GE) | Composition I (3 credits) - must score C or better |
| (GE) | Precalculus (4 credits) |
| General Education | Fine Art (3 credits) |
| General Education | Social Science (3 credits) |
| General Education | Physical Education (2 credits) |
| Total Credits | Total Credits 16 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| (GE) |
Composition II (3 credits) |
| Intro to Algorithms (3 credits)
- must score C or better |
|
| Intro to Programming (3 credits)
- must score C or better |
|
| Calculus I (4 credits) | |
| General Education |
Literature (3 credits) |
| Total Credits 16 |
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| Object-Oriented Programming (3 credits) | |
| Discrete Structures (3 credits) | |
| Operating Systems and Networking (3 credits) | |
| General Education | Social Science (3 credits) |
| General Education | Philosophy/Religion (3 credits) |
| Total Credits 15 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| Software Dev. & Professional Practice
(3 credits) |
|
| Sys. Admin & Shell Scripting (3 credits) | |
| Fundamentals of Computer Systems (3 credits) | |
| General Education | Natural Science (3 credits) |
| General Education | Elective (3 credits) - Writing Enriched |
| Total Credits | Total Credits 15 |
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| Intro to Statistics (3 credits) | |
| Network Protocols (3 credits) | |
| Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 credits) | |
| General Education |
Natural Science (3 credits) |
| General Education | Social Science (3 credits) |
| Total Credits | Total Credits 15 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| Network Security (3 credits) | |
| Data Structures (3 credits) | |
| Linear Algebra (3 credits) | |
| General Education | History (3 credits) |
| General Education | Electives (3 credits) |
| Total Credits | Total Credits 15 |
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course TItle |
|---|---|
| CYB-Elective-1 | *See below (3 credits) |
| CYB Elective-2 | *See below (3 credits) |
| CYB Elective-3 | *See below (3 credits) |
| General Education | Electives (3 credits) |
| University-Wide Elective | (3 credits) |
| Total Credits | Total Credits 15 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| (4 credits) | |
| CYB Elective-4 | *See below (3 credits) |
| CYB Elective-5 | *See below (3 credits) |
| University-Wide Elective | (3 credits) |
| University-Wide Elective | (4 credits) |
| Total Credits | Total Credits 17 |
Students should choose 12 hours of CSC-Cybersecurity electives. There must be 4000-level courses.
*Usually offered in fall:
**Usually offered in spring:
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 51吃瓜网'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:
Mac Specs and Requirements:
I was selected for the NCEC'24 research apprenticeship, elected president of 51吃瓜网鈥檚 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鈥檝e decided to pursue a PhD in Computer Science and become a professor and mentor to the next generation of computer scientists.
Allyson Taylor
or call us at 910.521.6262
Send us a message and one of our counselors will get back to you
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
prashanth.busireddygari@uncp.edu
