- Degree Level
- Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Science
- Department
- Computer Science and Mathematics
- school/college
- College of Arts and Sciences
Designed for Real-World Skills and Job-Readiness
Arcadia’s Cybersecurity major* prepares students to protect digital systems, investigate cyber threats, and build secure, resilient technology for a rapidly evolving world. As the first program of its kind to embed five industry certifications directly into the degree, Arcadia integrates classroom learning with hands-on training, expert guidance, and professional mentorship from day one.
In this small, mentorship-driven program, students learn how and why modern information systems are designed, how attackers exploit vulnerabilities, and how cybersecurity professionals defend against real-world threats. Through a blend of theory, simulations, research opportunities, and applied security work, students strengthen both technical and analytical skills—supported by close faculty interaction and a collaborative academic environment.
* Following approval by the full faculty and Board of Trustees early February 2026.
What Makes Arcadia’s Program Different?
Students participate in a range of academic and experiential activities, including:
- Five embedded certifications from CompTIA and ISC², including Security+, CySA+, Network+, A+, and CISSP prep, integrated directly into the cybersecurity major.
- Mentor-supported learning with Arcadia faculty and industry professionals that strengthens hands-on cybersecurity training and real-world readiness.
- A residential, supportive, liberal-arts-rooted environment that offers something online cybersecurity programs cannot provide: genuine human connection and close faculty engagement.
- Access to cybersecurity competitions, labs, and global study opportunities. At Arcadia, students can study abroad and still graduate on time with a cybersecurity degree.
- A curriculum designed for today’s cybersecurity jobs and tomorrow’s leadership roles, supported by a projected 29% job growth rate in the cybersecurity field.
Arcadia’s Cybersecurity degree is ideal for students who want to apply analytical thinking to real-world digital security challenges and pursue a career where human expertise remains essential. Graduates are prepared for roles such as cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst, penetration tester, security engineer, digital forensics specialist, or cloud and IT security administrator, with strong pathways toward advanced positions supported by the program’s integrated certifications. With hands-on experience, global opportunities, faculty and industry mentorship, and five embedded credentials, students gain the technical depth, practical skills, and professional readiness needed to stand out in one of today’s fastest-growing fields.
Certification Courses
CS 290A: CompTIA A+
Foundational certification covering core IT support skills, hardware, software, troubleshooting, and entry-level tech competencies.
CS 290N: CompTIA Network+
Certification focused on essential networking concepts, including network design, configuration, management, and troubleshooting.
CS 290S: CompTIA Security+
Baseline cybersecurity certification emphasizing system protection, risk management, secure practices, and threat awareness.
CS 290C: CompTIA CySA+
Cybersecurity analytics certification centered on threat detection, incident response, monitoring, and defensive security operations.
CS 290P1/CS 290P2: ISC2 CISSP
Advanced security certification demonstrating mastery of designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive enterprise security programs.
Featured Courses
Problem-Solving with Algorithms and Programming I
Required course
This course is an introduction to the understanding of computer systems, the use of structured programming concepts, algorithm development, debugging, and data analysis. It is taught with a high-level programming language. Currently, the language is Java.
Introduction to Network Security
Required course
This course will present the theory, methodology, and hands-on labs necessary for students to acquire fundamental knowledge of Network Security. Topics covered will include Attacks and Malicious Software, Email Security, Remote Access, Web Security, Wireless Security, Cryptography, Infrastructure Security, Intrusion Detection Systems, and Security Baselines. This is a technical course that is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in the field of Network Security. No knowledge of networking or security is required.
Introduction to Cryptography
Required course
Cryptography is a mathematical tool for secure communication. This course explains the inner workings of cryptographic primitives and how to use them correctly. In addition to learning about the theory that underlies cryptography and how to write security proofs, students will implement some cryptographic primitives and attacks in Python. (Prior Python experience is not required.)
Who Arcadia’s Cybersecurity Degree Is For
- Future forward-thinkers.
- Digital problem-solvers.
- Students who want a high-demand career where every day matters.
- Our world needs more people like you.
Start Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Arcadia’s Cybersecurity major unique?
Arcadia’s cybersecurity program is distinctive because it integrates five industry certifications directly into the cybersecurity degree while pairing them with hands-on training, close faculty mentorship, and a supportive residential learning environment, an uncommon combination in undergraduate cybersecurity education.
Are the certification costs included in tuition?
Yes. Training, practice labs, and exam vouchers for A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, and CISSP prep are all included.
Can I study abroad as a Cybersecurity major?
Absolutely. Arcadia’s program is designed so students can study abroad and still graduate on time, with scholarships and tuition following them overseas.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?
Graduates are prepared for roles such as cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst, penetration tester, security engineer, digital forensics specialist, and cloud or IT security administrator.
Is prior coding experience required?
No. Students begin with foundational courses that build the programming, systems, and security knowledge needed for advanced work.
Will I have access to internships and hands-on experience?
Yes. Students participate in labs, competitions, research, and internships supported by the Computer Science & Math Department and the Office of Career Education.
