Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity emphasizes a broad foundation of computer science, mathematics and cybersecurity courses together with electives that focus on some aspect or application of computers.

Note: This page gives the curriculum requirements effective for Fall 2026. Students entering the Cybersecurity program prior to Fall 2026 should refer to the Fall 2024 curriculum requirements.

Curriculum requirements (120 hours)

A grade of C or better is required for prerequisites to all CIS courses taken.
Math and technical electives must have departmental approval if not already on the approved list.
Students who satisfy all or part of K-State Core Electives with courses that satisfy other degree requirements may use additional unrestricted electives to meet the degree requirement of 120 credit hours.

Kansas State University Core (34-36 hours)

Each of the 7 K-State Core areas is listed in what follows. For specific courses available in each area, see the K-State Core Course List.
- KSC-1: English (Written Communication Outcomes) 6 hours
- KSC-2: Communication (Oral Communication Outcomes) 3 hours
- KSC-3: Math & Statistics (Quantitative Literacy Outcomes) 3-4 hours
- KSC-4: Natural & Physical Sciences (Natural & Physical Sciences Outcomes) 4-5 hours
- KSC-5: Social & Behavioral Sciences (Social & Behavioral Sciences Outcomes) 6 hours
- KSC-6: Arts & Humanities (Arts & Humanities Outcomes) 6 hours
- KSC-7: Free Electives (Institutionally Designated Area) 6 hours

Math Requirements (17 - 18 credit hours)

MATH 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (4 hours, counted under KSC-3 above)
MATH 221 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4 hours)
MATH 510 Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
STAT 510 Introductory Probability and Statistics I (3 hours)
Math Elective: Choose one of the following:
- MATH 222 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (4 hours)
- MATH 340 Elementary Differential Equations (4 hours)
- MATH 506 Introduction to Number Theory (3 hours)
- MATH 511 Introduction to Algebraic Systems (3 hours)
- MATH 512 Introduction to Modern Algebra (3 hours)
- MATH 515 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 hours)
- MATH 551 Applied Matrix Theory (3 hours)
- MATH 572 Foundations of Geometry (3 hours)
- MATH 633 Advanced Calculus I (3 hours)
- STAT 511 Introductory Probability and Statistics II (3 hours)

Writing and Communication: (6 credit hours)

Technical Writing
- Choose one of the following:
  - ENGL 415 - Written Communication for Engineers (3 hours)
  - ENGL 516 - Written Communication for the Sciences (3 hours)
Required Communications Elective
- Choose one of the following:
  - COMM 323 - Nonverbal Communication (3 hours)
  - COMM 326 - Group Communication (3 hours)
  - MANGT 220 - Principles of Management (3 hours)
  - THTRE 171 - Fundamentals of Acting (3 hours)
    - Note: Taking THTRE 171 also satisfies KSC 060 (core communication requirement)
  - THTRE 265 – Fundamentals of Improvisation (3 hours)

Cybersecurity Requirements (56 credit hours)

CIS 115 - Introduction to Computing Science Credits: 2
CIS 116 - Introduction to Programming Credits: 1
CIS 200 - Programming Fundamentals Credits: 4
CIS 300 - Data and Program Structures Credits: 3
CIS 301 - Logical Foundations of Programming Credits: 3
CIS 308 - C Language Laboratory Credits: 1
CIS 400 - Object-Oriented Design, Implementation, and Testing Credits: 3
CIS 415 - Ethics and Conduct for Computing Professionals Credits: 3
CIS 450 - Computer Architecture and Operations Credits: 3
CIS 501 - Software Architecture and Design Credits: 3
CIS 505 - Introduction to Programming Languages Credits: 3
CIS 525 - Introduction to Network Programming Credits: 3
CIS 551 - Fundamentals of Computer and Information Security Credits: 3
CIS 553 - Fundamentals of Cryptography Credits: 3
CIS 560 - Database System Concepts Credits: 3
CIS 575 - Introduction to Algorithm Analysis Credits: 3
CIS 599 - Cybersecurity Project Credits: 3
CRIM 550 - Cybercrime, Security, and Society Credits: 3
- Note: Taking CRIM 550 also satisfies KSC 050 (core social/behavioral requirement)
ECE 241 - Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering Credits: 3
SOCIO 211 - Introduction to Sociology (KSC #5) Credits: 3

Restricted Electives (3 credit hours)

Unrestricted Electives (up to 6 credit hours)