Cybersecurity - BAS

Cybersecurity - BAS

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Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Career-Focused Degree: Designed for immediate entry into the workforce.

02

Hands-On Learning: Emphasizes practical skills employers want.

03

Strong Job Demand: Cybersecurity roles continue to grow rapidly.

04

Real-World Impact: Protect systems, networks, and sensitive information.

05

Meaningful and Ethical Contribution: Apply skills directly to real-world problems that affect people, communities, and organizations.

Core
Skills

  • Network security
  • Threat intelligence and analysis
  • Risk management
  • Ethical decision making
  • Problem solving

Sample
Jobs

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

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 undergraduates to take classes at the graduate level for dual credit in both their undergraduate program and for graduate credit. A maximum of nine credit hours may be applied. 

Cybersecurity - BAS

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Completed at a community college

2nd Year

Completed at a community college

3rd Year

After completing an AAS at a community college, you’ll jump directly into junior-level coursework focused on cybersecurity and professional preparation. Classes like CSE 3763: Ethical and Legal Issues and GE 3513: Professional Communication for Engineers help you understand the broader responsibilities of the field while sharpening your communication skills.

You’ll also take advanced technical courses such as CSE 4623: Cyber Risk Analysis, CIS 3613: Cybersecurity Assessment, Authorization, and Operations, and CIS 4783: Cloud Computing and Security. These classes help you connect theory to real-world cybersecurity challenges and begin shaping your professional focus.

4th Year

In your final year, you’ll complete the BAS in cybersecurity with upper-level courses like CSE 4383: Network Security, CSE 4773: Introduction to CyberOperations, and CSE 4363: Software Reverse Engineering.

You’ll also complete the two major capstone courses, CIS 4813 and CSE 4823, where you’ll apply everything you’ve learned to complex, real-world problems. By graduation, you’ll be ready to enter the cybersecurity workforce or continue on to graduate study.

Hands-On Learning

3rd Year

Once at Mississippi State, this is the year to get involved. You can join student organizations, take on increasing responsibility in group projects, and explore undergraduate research opportunities. Presenting research at MSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium or pursuing summer internships can help you build confidence and experience.

4th Year

Your final year is about showcasing what you can do. You’ll review your resume, reflect on your experiences, and practice explaining your capstone work in interviews. By graduation, you’ll have hands-on projects and real-world experience you can confidently share with employers.

Connect with Community

3rd Year

At Mississippi State, you can step into leadership roles within campus, college, or department organizations. If invited, you may also join honor societies such as the engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi; the IEEE honor society, Eta Kappa Nu; or the computing honor society, Upsilon Pi Epsilon. Opportunities such as serving as a supplemental instruction leader or Co-op Ambassador allow you to support others while strengthening your skills.

4th Year

Your final year is about refining your leadership story. You’ll reflect on your involvement, identify any areas you want to strengthen, and learn how to talk about your experiences in job interviews with confidence.

Explore the World

3rd Year

Once at Mississippi State, you may consider study abroad opportunities or serving as an ambassador for the Office of Study Abroad or the Global Engineering Leadership minor.

4th Year

During your final year, you'll want to leverage any global experiences during job interviews and show employers how those experiences strengthened your perspective and problem-solving skills.

Launch Your Career

3rd Year

This is the year to focus your strategy. You’ll attend Career Expos, recruiting events, and industry sessions while researching employers and graduate school options. Creating a LinkedIn profile and aligning coursework with your interests can help clarify your next steps.

4th Year

Your final year is about action. You’ll apply for jobs or graduate programs, strengthen your professional network, and showcase your capstone projects. With a BAS in cybersecurity from Mississippi State, you’ll be prepared to move confidently into the workforce or continue your education.

Learn More

Curriculum GuideApply NowBagley College of EngineeringDepartment of Computer Science and Engineering