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Online Cybersecurity Major

BS Online On-Campus Main Campus
DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Undergraduate

LOCATION
Online
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Are you fearless enough to outwit the world’s smartest criminals? We think so.

Cybercriminals can do damage to systems without ever stepping inside a building. Cybersecurity professionals are the ones who stop them by identifying threats, protecting data, and defending critical infrastructure. With the flexibility of studying online, you can get your degree in a field that's not only in demand but essential to national and global security.

Why Major in Cybersecurity at SEMO?

SEMO was the first university in Missouri to offer a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Being first was just the beginning.

Our online cybersecurity degree gives you the flexibility to move forward without putting your life on hold. Whether you’re working full-time, managing family responsibilities, or balancing both, you can complete coursework on your schedule without sacrificing quality or connection.

You’ll still experience the same expert-led curriculum SEMO is known for, designed to be hands-on, relevant, and aligned with industry needs. Our faculty bring real-world experience into every course, helping you build practical skills you can apply immediately.

The cybersecurity program at Southeast Missouri State University is accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission. We’re also recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

And the results speak for themselves. 100% of our graduates report being employed within six months of graduation.

Where Bold Ideas Take Shape as a Cybersecurity Major

As an online cybersecurity major, you’ll develop the skills to secure and defend cyber-enabled systems on a schedule that fits your life. You’ll:

  • Learn from faculty who are industry experts and committed to your success

  • Build real-world skills through applied coursework designed for today’s cybersecurity challenges

  • Gain experience you can take straight into the workforce

  • Explore critical issues in security, privacy, and cyber infrastructure within ethical and legal frameworks

What Can You Do with a Cybersecurity Degree?

With a cybersecurity degree, you’re preparing to take on real threats in a digital world that depends on protection. You could work as a security analyst monitoring and defending networks, a penetration tester identifying vulnerabilities before attackers do, or a digital forensics investigator uncovering evidence after a breach. Whether you're analyzing malware, securing systems, or responding to cyber incidents, your skills will help protect organizations, individuals, and critical infrastructure every day.

Career Opportunities with a Cybersecurity Degree

  • Information Security Crime Investigator/Forensics Expert
  • System, Network and/or Web Penetration Tester
  • Security Architect
  • Malware Analyst
  • Network Security Engineer
  • Vulnerability Researcher/Exploit Developer
  • Security Auditor
  • Embedded Security Engineer
  • Software Security Engineer

Employment and Internship Opportunities of Recent Cybersecurity Major Graduates

  • FireEye Mandiant
  • CrowdStrike
  • Emerson Electric Company
  • Enterprise Holding
  • Accretive Health
  • Big-River Communications
  • MasterCard

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Cybersecurity Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

Cybersecurity Major Outcomes & Careers

Turn Ambition into Action as a Cybersecurity Major

While you are cybersecurity major at SEMO, you’ll learn computer science and software engineering along with information assurance, computer forensics, network security and cryptography. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

Cybersecurity Major – 78 Hours – No Minor Required

Required Courses:
  • BA252 Business Communication (2)
  • CS101 Intro to Computer Programming (3)
  • CS155 Computer Science l (3)
  • CS245 Discrete Structures I (3)
  • CS288 Computer Systems & Assembly Language (3)
  • CS351 C & the Posix Environment (3)
  • CS380 Computer Operating Systems (3)
  • CS440 Database (3)
  • CS445 Software Engineering I (3)
  • CS499 Capstone Experience (3)
  • CS533 Mobile Computing (3)
  • CY201 introduction to Cybersecurity (3)
  • CY310 Information Security & Assurance (3)
  • CY320 Access Control (3)
  • CY410 Web Application Security (3)
  • CY420 Computer Forensics (3)
  • CY440 Cloud Computing (3)
  • CY450 Introduction to Cyber Operations (3)
  • CY530 Computer Network Security & Defense (3)
  • IS245 Web Development & Security (3)
  • IS299 Security in Data Protocols (3)
  • MA223 Elementary Probability & Statistics (3)
  • MA464 Mathematical Cryptography (3)
  • TN275 Introduction to Networks (3)
Choose 7 Hours:
  • CS480 Data Communications (3)
  • CS485 Internship in Computer Science (3)
  • CS491 Independent Study (1)
  • CS495 Senior Seminar (1)
  • CY453 Special Topics in Cybersecurity (3)
  • TN375 Routing & Switching Essentials (3)

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

First Year 

Fall Semester (13 Hours) 
  • UI100 (1) 
  • EN100 (3) 
  • CS101 (3) 
  • MA116* (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (14 Hours) 
  • BA252 (2) 
  • CS155 (3) 
  • CS245 (3) 
  • IS245 (3) 
  • MA223 (3) 

Second Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours)
  • CS288 (3) 
  • CS351 (3) 
  • TN275 (3) 
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester (15 Hours) 
  • CS380 (3) 
  • CY201 (3) 
  • IS299 (3) 
  • MA464 (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
Summer courses are encouraged to avoid 18-hour semesters.

Third Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 
  • CS/TN Elective (4) 
  • CY310 (3) 
  • CY320 (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (15-16 Hours) 
  • CS440 (3) 
  • CS533 (3) 
  • CY420 (3) 
  • General Education (3-4) 
  • General Education (3) 

 FourthYear 

Fall Semester (15-16 Hours)
  • CS445 (3) 
  • CY410 (3) 
  • CY440 (3)
  • CY530 (3)
  • General Education (3-4) 
Spring Semester (15-16 Hours) 
  • CS/TN Elective (3) 
  • CS499
  • CY450 (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3-4) 

*MA116 is a prerequisite to MA223.

Stamp Cyber Command Center

Build real-world cybersecurity skills through experience-driven cyberattack simulations in the first Cyber Command Center west of the Mississippi. Through SEMO's collaboration with IBM, experience immersive simulations that replicate cyber threats, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to respond to the evolving cybercrime landscape.
A student works with code at at computer console in the new cyber security facility, a full-scale cyber command center

 

Get Funding for Your Education

Missouri has opened the door to a more educated workforce and we want to help you walk through it. If you're an adult-learner and a Missouri resident returning to college, learn about the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. It's a statewide financial aid program that can be used to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in a high-need area in Missouri. This major is eligible for the Fast Track grant.
Logo for Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Accreditations and Designations

Accreditation Information for SEMO's Cybersecurity Degree

The Cybersecurity major is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Cybersecurity Program Criteria.

Location

Office

Dempster Hall, 021A

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 5950
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701