Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Science
Fall
- CSCI 170: Computer Science I............ 3cr.
- CSCI 160 (unless MATH 105 or ADV)............ 3cr.
- Second Language I............ 3cr.
- ENGL 101/115: Composition/Rhetoric (............ 3cr.
- CORE 100: First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: GOA I ............ 0cr.
Spring
- CSCI 180: Computer Science II............ 3cr.
- MATH 225: Foundations of Higher Mathematics............ 3cr.
- CSCI 190: Computer Systems and Security............ 3cr.
- Second Language II............ 3cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- CORE 102: GOA II............ 0cr.
Fall
- CSCI 220: Data Structures & Algorithmss............ 3cr.
- MATH 156/256: General Statistics/ Intro to Probability & Stats............ 3cr.
- PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy
- Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspectives or Second Language III............ 3cr.
Spring
- CSCI 250: Languages & Automatation............ 3cr.
- CSCI 260: Software Engineering 1............ 3cr.
- CSCI 340: Networking............ 3cr.
- ENG 205: Literature and Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- CSCI 210: Machine Organization............ 3cr.
- CSCI 360: Systems Security Fundamentals............ 3cr.
- CSCI 362: Sys Admin & Script for Cyber............ 3cr.
- Natural Science Elective Lecture & Lab............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.
Spring
- CSCI 365: Penetration Testing............ 3cr.
- CSCI 381: Cyber Defense............ 3cr.
- Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Scientific Perspectives Lecture & Lab............ 3cr.
- ERS Focus Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- CSCI 320: Operating Systems............ 3cr.
- CSCI 382: Reverse Engineering............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspectives or General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- CSCI 392: Cybersecurity Capstone............ 3cr.
- CSCI 335: Databases............ 3cr.
- DCR............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- CORE 499............ 0cr.
Cyber Defense (CSCI 381)
Learn to design and secure networks while creating strong security policies. Master network architectures, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Use SIEM tools for monitoring and detecting anomalies. Equip yourself with essential techniques to defend against cyber threats. Example: Analyze a real-world cyber attack on a major corporation and develop strategies to prevent similar breaches.
Reverse Engineering (CSCI 382)
Dive into software reverse engineering. Use tools like disassemblers, binary utilities, and decompilers to understand and analyze software. Example: Reverse engineer a piece of malware to understand its behavior and develop countermeasures.
Penetration Testing (CSCI 365)
Explore various cyber-attacks and exploits. Engage in hands-on labs to practice reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation techniques. Learn about the legal, ethical, and compliance aspects of cybersecurity. Example: Conduct a simulated penetration test on a company’s network to identify vulnerabilities and recommend security improvements.
Computer Science Club
From game nights to hackathons and coding classes, these technology enthusiasts love all things digital. Members meet to discuss the latest in computer science and connect with each other.
Xavier University Gaming Club
Members of this club meet weekly to hang out and play games together. The club holds tournaments, gaming sessions and charity livestreams.
Minorities in STEM Succeeding Together
Become part of a supportive community dedicated to empowering minority STEM majors. Discover a space where you can thrive, connect with peers and build confidence in your identity while pursuing excellence in STEM.
Program Features
Hone your skills through cyber defense competitions and real-world penetration testing exercises with the student-led Cybersecurity Team.
Connect with inspiring mentors who are cybersecurity and computer science experts, providing real-world insights and shaping your future career path.
Experience the real-world applications of cybersecurity in some of the nation’s leading tech companies and organizations, based right here in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Beyond technical skills, our program emphasizes ethical responsibility, critical thinking and a commitment to serving others – core Jesuit values that set Xavier graduates apart.
Turbulent times in his home country of Sri Lanka inspired Deep Ramanayke to pursue education in the U.S. As the director of Xavier’s cybersecurity program, he’s teaching ethical cybersecurity.
Hear what cybersecurity student Oma Ugwu loves most about the Xavier community, her classes and living in Cincinnati, Ohio.
FAQ
Prepare for a successful career in the field of cybersecurity by earning your BS in Cybersecurity at Xavier. Discover more.Career opportunities for cybersecurity majors include:
- Information Security Analyst: Analyze networks, systems and software for vulnerabilities and threats.
- Cybersecurity Engineer: Design, implement and maintain security systems and controls.
- Penetration Tester: Identify security weaknesses in systems and networks by simulating attacks.
- Security Architect: Develop and oversee an organization's security strategy and architecture.
- Incident Responder: Investigate and address security breaches and cyberattacks.
- Cybersecurity Consultant: Provide expert advice and guidance on cybersecurity best practices.
- Digital Forensics Analyst: Examine digital evidence to investigate crimes or incidents.
- Risk Analyst: Assess and manage cybersecurity risks within an organization.
- Cybersecurity Manager: Oversee an organization's cybersecurity operations and team.
- Cybersecurity Sales Specialist: Sell cybersecurity products and services to businesses and organizations.
The job outlook for cybersecurity professionals is excellent. With the increasing reliance on technology and the growing number of cyber threats, demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is expected to remain high.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing need to protect businesses, organizations, and individuals from cyberattacks.
With a median annual earning of $120,360 for 2023 (BLS), salaries for cybersecurity professionals are competitive and tend to be higher than the average for all occupations.
Xavier University's cybersecurity and computer science programs offer a strong foundation in computer science principles, but they have distinct focuses:
Computer Science
- Broader scope: Covers a wider range of computer science topics, including programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering and operating systems.
- Foundation for various careers: Prepares students for roles in software development, systems analysis, database management and other IT-related fields.
- Flexibility: Allows students to explore different areas of computer science and specialize in a particular area of interest.
Cybersecurity
- Specialized focus: Emphasizes the security aspects of computer systems and networks, including threat analysis, risk assessment and incident response.
- Practical skills: Equips students with hands-on experience in ethical hacking, penetration testing and digital forensics.
- Career-oriented: Prepares students for careers in cybersecurity, such as information security analyst, cybersecurity engineer and penetration tester.
Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers students in the cybersecurity major a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Cybersecurity Program at Xavier University
Xavier’s Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science program provides the fundamentals of cybersecurity at the hardware, systems, and compliance levels. Students will graduate from the program ready to plan and execute security measures to protect computer networks.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."