Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

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Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Critical National Need: Protect systems from hackers and cyber threats.

02

Excellent Job Security: Cybersecurity professionals are in constant demand.

03

High Salaries: Specialized skills lead to strong compensation.

04

Fast-Paced and Challenging: Always learning as threats evolve.

05

Protect People and Organizations: Help safeguard data, privacy, and infrastructure.

Core
Skills

  • Network Security
  • Programming and Scripting
  • Incident Response
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
  • Ethical Judgment

Sample
Jobs

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Cyber Operations Technician
  • Cybersecurity Engineer
  • Security Operations Center Analyst

Successful Career Outcomes

100% of Mississippi State cybersecurity graduates reported a successful career outcome within six months after finishing their degree.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Healthcare Systems
  • Government Agencies and Defense Contractors
  • Financial Institutions
  • Tech Industry

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Co-ops and Internships

Co-ops and internships allow you to alternate semesters of paid, full-time work with academic study, giving you extended, hands-on experience before you graduate. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to real engineering projects, build professional skills, and often graduate with a stronger resume, industry connections, and a clearer sense of your career goals.

Spotlight

Thrive in Five

Academically talented juniors may apply for the Thrive in Five program, which allows you, as an undergraduate, to take classes at the graduate level for dual credit in both your undergraduate program and for graduate credit. A maximum of nine credit hours may be applied. 

Cybersecurity

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Building Your Foundation

Your first year is all about building a strong base for everything that comes next. You’ll begin developing your programming skills while strengthening your math and science background with courses like CSE 1284: Intro to Computer Programming, CSE 1384: Intermediate Computer Programming, CH 1213/1211: Chemistry I and Lab, MA 1713: Calculus I, and MA 1723: Calculus II.

In your second semester, you’ll have the opportunity to take CSE 3713: Intro to Cybersecurity, giving you an early look at what this major is all about. You’ll also take CSE 1011: Intro to Computer Science and Engineering, where you’ll meet faculty, learn about career paths, and start working on hands-on projects that show how cybersecurity connects to the real world.

2nd Year

Expanding Your Knowledge

By your second year, you’ll start connecting programming, systems, and data in meaningful ways. You’ll take CSE 2383: Data Structures to deepen your programming skills, CSE 2213: Methods & Tools to work with databases and SQL, and CSE 3724: Computer Hardware to understand how systems function at a deeper level.

You’ll also wrap up your required math and science courses while mixing in general education electives that add balance and perspective to your schedule. This year helps you see how cybersecurity fits into the broader computing landscape.

3rd Year

Craft Your Expertise

This is the year you really step into cybersecurity. Your coursework focuses almost entirely on the major, with classes like CSE 4383: Network Security, CSE 4243: Information and Computer Security, CSE 4153: Data Communications and Networks, and CSE 4733: Operating Systems.

You’ll also explore the professional side of the field through CSE 3763: Ethical and Legal Issues and sharpen your communication skills in GE 3513: Professional Communication for Engineers. By now, you’ll have a clear sense of your interests and where you want your cybersecurity degree to take you.

4th Year

Knowledge Meets Experience

Your final year brings everything together. You’ll complete your remaining cybersecurity and technical electives, such as CSE 4363: Software Reverse Engineering and CSE 4253: Secure Software Engineering, while applying what you’ve learned in advanced coursework and projects.

By graduation, you’ll have the technical foundation, practical experience, and confidence to enter the cybersecurity workforce or continue on to graduate school.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

The Journey Begins

This is the year to start exploring and getting involved. Join student organizations like the Cybersecurity Club or the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) to meet classmates who share your interests. Volunteering, on or off campus, is also a great way to build teamwork and leadership skills while giving back to the community.

2nd Year

Additional Experience

As you get more comfortable, you can take on a bigger role in organizations and outreach efforts. This is also a great time to talk with faculty about undergraduate research opportunities or explore options through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Discovery. Getting involved early helps you build experience one step at a time.

3rd Year

Lead

By your third year, you’re ready to lead. You might step into leadership roles within student organizations, present undergraduate research at MSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, or explore summer internships. Any hands-on experience, whether in industry or research, helps you build real-world skills.

4th Year

Master and Launch

This year is about pulling everything together. You’ll review your resume to make sure it reflects a wide range of experiences, practice talking about your projects in interviews, and connect your capstone work directly to your career goals. You’ll graduate with experience you can confidently talk about with employers.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Get Involved

Before you even start classes, you might explore MSU summer programs like Bagley’s Summer Bridge, College Ready, or New Maroon Camp. Once on campus, joining service-focused organizations or clubs through Cowbell Connect helps you build connections and feel at home quickly.

2nd Year

Grow Your Network

This is a great time to think about ambassador roles, such as becoming a Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Ambassador or joining Bagley Ambassadors to help recruit and welcome new students. You can also get involved with the student branch of the ACM to grow your leadership and professional network.

3rd Year

Mentor and Inspire

By now, you’re ready to give back. You might serve in leadership roles across campus, mentor younger students, or join engineering and computing honor societies if invited. Opportunities like being a Supplemental Instruction leader or Co-op Ambassador let you support others while strengthening your own skills.

4th Year

Professional Pathways

Your final year is about refining your leadership story. You’ll reflect on your experiences, identify any gaps you want to fill, and practice explaining how your involvement prepared you for a career in cybersecurity. These connections and experiences become powerful tools in job interviews.

Explore the World

1st Year

Discover

If you’re interested in the Global Engineering Leadership (GENL) minor, this is the time to start foreign language coursework. Attending the International Fiesta helps you explore global opportunities both on campus and beyond.

2nd Year

Plan and Explore

This is the year to start planning seriously. Attend the Study Abroad Fair and meet with Bagley’s Director of International Programs to explore faculty-led trips or exchange programs. You can also begin mapping out how study abroad fits into your degree plan.

3rd Year

Experience and Lead

You may choose to study abroad, continue GENL coursework, or serve as an ambassador for study abroad or the GENL program. These experiences broaden your perspective and strengthen your resume.

4th Year

Showcase and Expand

You’ll complete any remaining minor requirements and learn how to highlight your global experiences in interviews. Employers value graduates who understand cybersecurity in a global context.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Chart Your Course

Your career journey starts early. You’ll explore possibilities by attending Career Expos and Career Center workshops while beginning your resume. If you’re unsure about your direction, your advisor and the Career Center are there to help you explore options like internships or undergraduate research.

2nd Year

Gain Real Experience

This is the year to take action. You’ll update your resume and create a Connections account through the Career Center to find internships and co-ops. Career Expos and Co-op/Internship Days help you connect directly with employers.

3rd Year

Target Your Path

With experience under your belt, you’ll focus your strategy. You’ll attend recruiting events with a polished resume, join LinkedIn, and research employers and graduate school options. Programs like Thrive in Five and graduate school info sessions can help clarify your next steps.

4th Year

Make Your Move

Your final year is about execution. You’ll apply for jobs and graduate programs with support from the Career Center, strengthen your professional network, and showcase your projects and experience. If applicable, you may also take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. You’ll graduate ready to launch into cybersecurity or continue your education.

Learn More

Curriculum Guide (effective Fall 2025)Apply NowBagley College of EngineeringDepartment of Computer Science and Engineering