Department of Cybersecurity

Professor
C. Ariel Pinto, Ph.D., University of Virginia

Associate Professor
George Berg, Ph.D., Northwestern University
Unal Tatar, Ph.D., Old Dominion University
Benjamin Yankson, Ph.D., University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Assistant Professors
Nour Alhussien, Ph.D., Augusta University
Sheikh Rabiul Islam, Ph.D., Tennessee Tech University
Omer Keskin, Ph.D., Old Dominion University
Phung Lai, Ph.D., New Jersey Institute of Technology

Visiting Assistant Professor
Edward Ansong, Ph.D., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Catherine Dumas, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Tim Fake, M.S., University at Albany, SUNY
Fred Hintermister, M.B.A., Cornell University

Administrative Manager
Nicole Shepard, M.Ed., Merrimack College

Adjuncts (estimated): 25
Teaching Assistants (estimated): 2

Cybersecurity B.S. Requirements

The B.S in Cybersecurity for all students matriculating this fall adds four concentrations: Cyber Defense; Cyber Risk Management and Policy; and a Self-Guided Concentration - at 57 credits each; the Cyber Operations concentration at 71 credits.

The first three programs have a common foundation of 39 credits (grouped as Foundations of Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity in Practice, Research, Experiential Learning); a 12 credit concentration for each; 6 credits of electives. The 70 credit Cyber Operations Concentration has the same 39 credit core, 6 credits of electives but includes an 18 credit concentration, and a 7 credit Mathematics requirement.

1. Foundations of Cybersecurity (12 credits):

  • CYBR 101 Foundations of Cybersecurity Management and Policy (3)
  • CYBR 102 Technical Foundations of Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 301 Exploring New Horizons in Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 306 Information Systems Security and Assurance (3)

2. Cybersecurity in Practice (18 credits):

  • CYBR 108 Programming Essentials for Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 201 Web Technologies Essentials: Security and Design (3)
  • CYBR 202 Database Fundamentals and Security Principles (3)
  • CYBR 203 Introduction to Systems and Security (3) 
  • CYBR 204 Introduction to Computer Networks and Security (3)
  • CYBR 499W Senior Seminar in Cybersecurity (3)

3. Research (6 credits):

  • AMAT 108 Elementary Statistics (3)
  • CYBR 200 Navigating Cybersecurity Research: Principles and Techniques (3)

4. Experiential Learning (3 credits):

  • CYBR 395 Peer Educator Practicum (3 credits)
  • CYBR 398 Field Experience in Cybersecurity (3 credits)
  • CYBR 464 Internship for Cybersecurity (Fully Online Students) (3 credits)
  • CYBR 465 Senior Capstone Project (3 credits)
  • CYBR 466 Independent Research (3 credits)
  • CYBR 467 Cybersecurity Community Support (3 credits)
  • CYBR 468 Internship for Cybersecurity (3 credits)

5. Concentrations: pick one

Cyber Defense Concentration courses (12 credits):

  • CYBR 340 Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (3)
  • CYBR 403 Advanced Networking and Security (3)
  • CYBR 452 Computer and Network Security (3)
  • CYBR 455 Prevention and Protection Strategies and Technologies in Cybersecurity (3)

Cyber Risk Management and Policy Concentration courses (12 credits):

  • CYBR 436 Information Security Compliance and Audit (3 credits)
  • CYBR 449 Cybersecurity: Long Term Planning and Risk Management (3 credits)
  • CYBR 453 Information Security and Privacy (3 credits)
  • CYBR 469 Cyber Threats and Intelligence (3 credits)

Self-Guided Concentration courses (12 credits):

  • Four courses to be determined in consultation with advisor

Cyber Operations Concentration courses (18 credits):

  • CYBR 340 Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (3)
  • CYBR 351 Data Structures & Systems Programming (3)
  • CYBR 352 Operating Systems (3)
  • CYBR 443 Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis (3)
  • CYBR 444 Wireless Technologies & Security (3)
  • CYBR 455 Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity (3)

and:
Mathematics (7 credits):

  • AMAT 112 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • CYBR 350 Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms (3 credits)

6. Electives - 6 credits from the list below or as advised

  • CINF 305 Digital Project Management (3)
  • CYBR 296 Special Topics in Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 340 Vulnerability Analysis and Penetration Testing (3)
  • CYBR 350 Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms (3 credits)
  • CYBR 351 Data Structures & Systems Programming (3)
  • CYBR 352 Operating Systems (3)
  • CYBR 398 Field Experience in Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 403 Advanced Networking and Security (3)
  • CYBR 420 Data Analytics and AI in Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 421 Generative AI for Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 422 Trustworthy AI (3)
  • CYBR 436 Information Security Compliance and Audit (3)
  • CYBR 440 Advanced Penetration Testing (3)
  • CYBR 441 Secure Software Development & Analysis (3)
  • CYBR 442 Web Application Security (3)
  • CYBR 443 Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis (3)
  • CYBR 444 Wireless Technologies and Security (3)
  • CYBR 445 Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 448 Economics of Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 449 Cybersecurity: Long Term Planning and Risk Mgmt (3)
  • CYBR 450 Cybersecurity Policy, Law, and Institutions (3)
  • CYBR 451 Cyber Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics (3)
  • CYBR 453 Information Security and Privacy (3)
  • CYBR 454 Human Aspects of Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 455 Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 456 Cyber Threats and Intelligence (3)
  • CYBR 457 Policy, Strategy and War in the Cyber Domain (3)
  • CYBR 464 Internship for Cybersecurity (Fully Online Students) (3)
  • CYBR 466 Independent Research (3-6)
  • CYBR 467 Cybersecurity Community Support (3)
  • CYBR 468 Internship for Cybersecurity (3)
  • CYBR 496 Advanced Special Topics in Cybersecurity (3)

7. Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

Undergraduate students at UAlbany with a minimum GPA of 3.0 may be eligible to begin graduate-level coursework as early as their junior year. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, may be applied toward both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements, offering potential savings in both time and cost. Participation in a combined program may allow completion of both degrees within approximately five years, at a lower overall cost than pursuing each program separately.

Interested individuals are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor to determine eligibility and explore available combined degree program options.

Combined BS Cybersecurity with Master of Science in Strategic Game Design and Applied Development

Undergraduate students can complete a Master of Science in Strategic Game Design and Applied Development within five years.  Students will have the opportunity to take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework as an undergraduate student. These 12 credits will double count for both undergraduate and graduate school at undergraduate costs. The combined program is designed to prepare students for advanced careers within the game design industry. 

Requirements for the B.S./M.S. program are:

  • GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application
  • Completion of at least 56 credits at the undergraduate level while pursuing the Cybersecurity BS degree

Applications should be submitted in the first semester of the junior year. Required elements include two letters of recommendation, and a statement of goals. The GRE is not required for admission, and applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with a financial aid counselor to ensure that acceptance into the program will not affect their financial aid.

Students in the combined-degree program must complete all requirements for the M.S. SGDAD and may substitute:

  • Any two M.S. SGDAD courses for Cybersecurity BS major elective credit
  • Any one M.S. SGDAD course for undergraduate elective credit
  • Depending on the Cybersecurity BS concentration:
    • For the Cyber Defense concentration, CYBR 555 would substitute for CYBR 455 which is required.
    • For the Cyber Risk Management and Policy concentration, CYBR 536 would substitute for CYBR 436 which is required.
    • For the Cyber Operations concentration, CYBR 555 would substitute for CYBR 455 which is required.

Working with graduate and undergraduate faculty advisors, students will assemble a set of M.S. SGDAD courses that make the most sense for their individual career goals.

While we expect students may gravitate toward the Cybersecurity in Games concentration within the M.S. in SGDAD, students are not required to select that and can use CYBR 555, 536, or 555 as their elective classes in the graduate degree and apply as outlined above.

Combined B.S. Cybersecurity and MS Information Science Program

The combined B.S. Cybersecurity and M.S. Information Science (MSIS) provides a unique opportunity for capable, highly motivated students to receive a graduate degree at an accelerated pace. One of the unique and central elements of the combined program is the ability to count 12 graduate credits toward the requirements of the undergraduate degree.

Graduates will be prepared for employment in a wide variety of public and private sector settings within business, industry, law, humanities, health and human services, and education where they will function as librarians, archivists, records managers, information systems specialists, information analysts, or information officers and managers.

The program is especially strong in: (1) artificial intelligence and data analytics, (2) library & information science, (3) archives & records administration, and (4) information management & technology.

Students may be admitted to the combined program at the beginning of their junior year or after successful completion of 56 credits. A carefully designed program can enable the student to earn the B.S. and M.S.I.S. within 10 semesters. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, statement of goals, and two supportive letters of recommendation are required. The Graduate Record Exam is not required for admission. In qualifying for the baccalaureate, students will meet all University and school requirements, including existing major and minor requirements, general education requirements, minimum liberal arts and sciences requirements, and residency requirements.

Combined BS with Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Risk

The combined B.S. Cybersecurity and M.S. Cybersecurity and Risk program provides qualified undergraduate students with an opportunity to begin graduate study while completing their bachelor's degree. A central feature of the combined program is the ability to apply up to 12 graduate credits toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. 

Students may be admitted to the combined program at the beginning of their junior year or after successful completion of 56 undergraduate credits. A carefully designed program can enable students to complete the B.S. and M.S. degrees within approximately five years.

A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher at the time of application, a statement of goals, and two letters of recommendation are required. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission. Students are encouraged to apply during the first semester of their junior year to allow sufficient time for graduate coursework to be incorporated into their undergraduate degree plan.

Students admitted to the combined program may complete up to 12 credits of graduate coursework while enrolled as undergraduates. These credits may be applied toward the requirements of both the B.S. in Cybersecurity and the M.S. in Cybersecurity and Risk, subject to approval by the undergraduate and graduate program directors.

Students in the combined-degree program must complete all requirements for the M.S. in Cybersecurity and Risk and may substitute:

Cyber Defense Concentration (12 credits)

  • CYBR 503 would substitute for CYBR 403 – Advanced Networking and Security (3 credits).
  • CYBR 552 would substitute for CYBR 452 – Computer and Network Security (3 credits).
  • CYBR 555 would substitute for CYBR 455 – Prevention and Protection Strategies and Technologies in Cybersecurity (3 credits).
  • Any one M.S. Cybersecurity and Risk course for undergraduate elective credit.

Cyber Risk Management and Policy Concentration (12 credits)

  • CYBR 536 would substitutes for CYBR 436 – Information Security Compliance and Audit (3 credits).
  • CYBR 549 – would substitute for 449- Cybersecurity: Long Term Planning and Risk Management (3 credits)
  • CYBR 553 would substitute for CYBR 453 – Information Security and Privacy (3 credits).
  • CYBR 569 would substitute for CYBR 469 – Cyber Threats and Intelligence (3 credits).

Cyber Operations Concentration (12 credits)

  • CYBR 555 would substitute for CYBR 455 – Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity (3 credits).
  • CYBR 540 would substitute for CYBR 340 Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (3)
  • Any two M.S. Cybersecurity and Risk course for undergraduate elective credit. 

In qualifying for the bachelor's degree, students must satisfy all University and program requirements, including general education requirements, major requirements, minimum liberal arts and sciences requirements, and residency requirements. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor and the Graduate Program Director regarding eligibility, course selection, and degree planning.