Your Future in Cybersecurity

Charleston Southern’s major in cybersecurity combines coursework in computer science, network security, criminal justice and mathematics and is targeted toward students wishing to enter the fields of network security, computer forensics and information analysis. This exciting and growing field will equip you for careers involving cybersecurity. Students in this major will be in small classes and prepared for multiple job opportunities postgraduation. 

CSU offers three types of degrees in cybersecurity:

Program Information

Within three to five years after graduation, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity program at CSU are expected to achieve the following:

  • Apply their knowledge and skills to succeed in a cybersecurity-related career and/or obtain an advanced degree.
  • Exhibit effective communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Practice their profession ethically and recognize societal and global needs from a Christian worldview perspective.
  • Pursue lifelong learning, leading and serving to include participation in professional organizations.

Graduates of all programs will have an ability to:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

    Additionally, for the Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity degree:
  6. Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

Year        Enrollment     Graduates

2024-25    43                         TBD
2023-24    35                          5
2022-23    27                          6
2021-22    28                          4
2020-21    25                          4
2019-20    36                          0
2018-19    25                          3
2017-18    15                          N/A
2016-17    N/A                       N/A

Accreditation:

Charleston Southern University’s accreditation can be found here.

The BS in cybersecurity is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Cybersecurity

CSU’s Cybersecurity Club travels to competitions such as Capture the Flag and defensive competitions like Palmetto Cyber Defense (PCDC) or Southeastern Colleges Cyber Defense Competition (SECCDC).

As a Cybersecurity major, you’ll take courses like…

  • Network Penetration & Ethical Hacking
  • Cyber Defense
  • Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity
  • Network Security

Graduates are equipped for a variety of career paths.

  • Network Analyst
  • Computer Forensics
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Students talk and laugh in a science classroom.

College of Science and Mathematics

Charleston Southern’s College of Science and Mathematics ensures through its curricula and course offerings that students in all majors demonstrate an understanding of the continuing role of science and mathematics in human progress. In addition, it provides majors in science and science related fields with the necessary skills for successful careers in their chosen major or for further study in graduate school or professional programs.

Three students in the CSU Cyber Security room looking at a computer screen together.
explore our facilities

Cybersecurity Labs

Ashby Hall houses classrooms, labs, computer labs, an auditorium and faculty offices for math and computer science. Named for H. E. Ashby.

Students will not only learn about programming but also practice it each week in their labs. They will team with other students and professors to further explore topics and gain valuable real world experience. 

I am encouraged to see focus placed on developing industry-prepared, qualified graduates in the area of Cybersecurity. As a technology innovator, security is a key differentiator for Blackbaud. Our customers trust us to provide secure solutions for them as well as ourselves. This degree program is an important step in developing critical talent to support the growth of competitive businesses in our region.

Todd Lant,Vice President of IT, Blackbaud

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