Undergraduate

Computer Information Technology: Cybersecurity

Explore a comprehensive curriculum covering programming, network systems, systems analysis, and software tools, preparing students with practical skills relevant to the cybersecurity industry.

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Online

Courses

25*

Credit

120 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

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College of Professional Studies

The University of New Hampshire offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology with a Cybersecurity option, focusing on safeguarding digital assets against unauthorized access and cyber threats. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum covering programming, network systems, systems analysis, and software tools, preparing students with practical skills relevant to the cybersecurity industry.

Graduates are prepared for various careers, including roles such as cybersecurity analyst, network security engineer, and digital forensics analyst.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is the Cybersecurity Option in Computer Information Technology?

The major in B.S. Computer Information Technology: Cybersecurity option focuses prepares students to protect systems, networks, and data from evolving digital threats. Courses in cryptography, security risk assessment, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity law provide both technical and strategic perspectives on safeguarding information assets. Students gain hands-on experience identifying vulnerabilities, responding to incidents, and applying legal and ethical frameworks that govern the field. Graduates are prepared for roles such as security analyst, digital forensics specialist, penetration tester, or compliance officer, ensuring organizations remain resilient against cyber-attacks and data breaches.

Why study the Cybersecurity Option in Computer Information Technology at UNH CPS?

Studying Cybersecurity at the University of New Hampshire's College of Professional Studies (CPS) offers several unique advantages:

Comprehensive Curriculum: UNH CPS provides a thorough and up-to-date curriculum that covers the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity. This ensures that students gain a strong foundation in essential cybersecurity principles as well as practical skills in protecting against cyber threats.

Experienced Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. Many instructors are practicing cybersecurity professionals who bring real-world insights and experiences into the classroom, offering students a practical perspective on what they are learning.

Industry-Relevant Skills: The Cybersecurity option is designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills that are highly valued by employers. This includes hands-on experience with cutting-edge security tools and technologies, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the cybersecurity workforce.

Career Opportunities: With the demand for cybersecurity professionals outpacing the supply, graduates of the Cybersecurity program have a wide range of career opportunities available to them.

Supportive Community: UNH CPS fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Students have access to academic advising, tutoring services, and a community of peers and faculty who are dedicated to their success.

Potential Careers

Cybersecurity Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Network Security Engineer
Security Systems Administrator
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
Cybersecurity Consultant
Digital Forensics Analyst
Incident Responder
Security Software Developer
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Compliance Analyst
IT Project Manager

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The major in Computer Information Technology (CIT) with an option in Cybersecurity prepares students to protect systems, networks, and data from evolving digital threats. Courses in cryptography, security risk assessment, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity law provide both technical and strategic perspectives on safeguarding information assets. Students gain hands-on experience identifying vulnerabilities, responding to incidents, and applying legal and ethical frameworks that govern the field. Graduates are prepared for roles such as security analyst, security engineer, digital forensics specialist, penetration tester, or compliance officer, ensuring organizations remain resilient against cyberattacks and data breaches.

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
CMPL 415	Programming Fundamentals	4
CMPL 525	Foundations of Cybersecurity	4
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
CMPL 512	Advanced Software Tools	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510	Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus	4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
CMPL 614	Computer and Network Systems	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
CMPL 622	Human Computer Interaction	4
MTH 504	Statistics	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Third Year
Fall
CMPL 564	Introduction to Cryptography	4
CMPL 566	Security Risk Assessment	4
CMPL 637	Python Programming II	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
CMPL 641	Database Management Systems	4
CMPL 640	Digital Forensics	4
CMPL 645	Ethical Hacking	4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
	Credits	16
Fourth Year
Fall
CMPL 642	Systems Analysis and Design	4
CMPL 744	Cybersecurity Law	4
IDIS 601A or IDIS 601B or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
CMPL 795 or CMPL 797	Integrative Capstone: Internship in Computer Information Tech and Tech Management or Integrative Capstone: Best Practices in Information Technology	4
Elective		4
	Credits	8
	Total Credits	120

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 120 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 30 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0 is required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.

*GPA: Major and any state certification GPA requirements may be higher and are indicated in program details.

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major coursework. Some programs may have higher grade requirements for Major coursework as noted in the Major requirements section below. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor, and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor. Please note that Option requirements are considered part of the Major. Students must complete 16 upper-level credits in majors within the College of Professional Studies, Online.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.

All General Education requirements must be taken prior to the capstone.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
IDIS 601A	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy	4
or IDIS 601B	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer
or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities
Total Credits		40

Writing Program Requirements

All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process
One Writing Intensive course in the Major
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above
One Additional Writing Intensive Course

Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in Computer Information Technology
Foundation Courses
CMPL 415	Programming Fundamentals	4
CMPL 512	Advanced Software Tools	4
CMPL 525	Foundations of Cybersecurity	4
Intermediate Courses
CMPL 614	Computer and Network Systems	4
CMPL 622	Human Computer Interaction	4
MTH 504	Statistics	4
Advanced Courses
CMPL 620	Virtualization and Cloud Computing	4
CMPL 641	Database Management Systems	4
CMPL 642	Systems Analysis and Design	4
Option in Cybersecurity
CMPL 564	Introduction to Cryptography	4
CMPL 566	Security Risk Assessment	4
CMPL 640	Digital Forensics	4
CMPL 645	Ethical Hacking	4
CMPL 744	Cybersecurity Law	4
Integrative Capstone
CMPL 795	Integrative Capstone: Internship in Computer Information Tech and Tech Management	4
or CMPL 797	Integrative Capstone: Best Practices in Information Technology

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Address the needs of organizational IT challenges using software programming fundamentals, network systems design, machine learning techniques, database management, code libraries, and web-based interface and application development.
Develop solutions to IT challenges according to process models that align with information technology theories and industry-based strategies.
Use applied analysis and evaluation strategies to plan, gather information, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot hardware, software, and network systems.
Assess the needs of IT system end-users and develop strategies to fulfill them through hardware- and software-based design solutions.
Develop cybersecurity strategies for the legal and ethical use of cryptography to protect IT assets from criminal threats.

Course Highlights

Advanced Software Tools
Computer and Network Systems
Statistics
Systems Analysis and Design
Foundations of Cybersecurity
Programming with Python
Mobile Application Development
…and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Transfer Pathway

Whether you completed your associate degree or took a few courses, we have experience working with community college students nationwide and we are experts at maximizing your transfer credits. We are proud of our formal partnerships to support community college graduates through our Transfer Pathways.

Students pursuing an associate degree at a New Hampshire community college are encouraged to explore our Transfer Pathway below.

B.S. Computer Information Technology CCSNH Transfer Pathway

Admissions Requirements

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.

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