As cyber threats grow more complex, so does the demand for professionals who can think critically, act ethically and respond decisively. The Prescott Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security equips students with the tools to lead in one of the world’s fastest-evolving arenas.
Whether you're countering threats to national infrastructure, securing aviation networks or building predictive models to detect intrusions before they happen, you'll graduate prepared to safeguard critical systems across sectors. By joining our real-world makerspace, designing the world’s only aviation-focused Capture the Flag, building skills in our cyber lab and engaging with faculty with deep industry and government experience, you’ll gain more than technical skills — you’ll develop the judgment and resilience needed to thrive in high-stakes environments.
Both the bachelor’s and master’s programs are designed to meet industry and government needs. Our Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security is one of only eight in the nation to be accredited by the ABET-CAC under the new cybersecurity criteria and established as an NSA National Center of Academic Excellence.
Degrees and Programs
Results
Understand how digital threats affect aviation, aerospace and national security. You’ll study network defense, threat analysis and system vulnerabilities to support safe, resilient operations across connected systems and infrastructure.
Our labs and facilities, such as our Cyber Lab, Global Security and Operations Center and Cyber Gym Makerspace, offer dynamic, hands-on environments where students practice real-world skills in cyber intelligence, threat analysis and security operations.
At the College of Business, Security and Intelligence, students thrive in a dynamic research environment, mentored by faculty who actively drive innovation.
Faculty at the College of Business, Security and Intelligence stand apart due to their diverse backgrounds, industry experience and research with a commitment to a comprehensive perspective on education.
Smaller classes, professors who’ve worked at places like the CIA, FBI, DOD and NASA, and classmates who are just as driven. It pushes you to take things seriously."
Brett Theuerkauf ('27), B.S. Cyber Intelligence and Security
Cybersecurity at Embry‑Riddle
Embry‑Riddle has spent more than a decade preparing students for careers in security, intelligence and safety — fields that demand sharp thinking and real-world readiness. See how expert faculty and immersive learning environments equip students to step into fast-moving, high-stakes careers.
Activities and Events
The College of Business, Security and Intelligence makes cyber defense a priority. There are many ways for students, faculty and others to learn more about cyber defense and how to apply it in our increasingly digital lives. Here you will find up-to-date information on cyber defense activities happening on or around our Prescott Campus, catch up on cyber defense news inside the College of Business, Security and Intelligence and around the globe, as well as find a comprehensive list of Community Resources available to everyone to help keep ahead of the curve on cyber defense.
Overview
The CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) program recruits and prepares the next generation of information technology professionals, industrial control system security professionals and security managers to support the cybersecurity missions of federal, state, local and tribal governments.
Funded through grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the program provides up to two years of support for undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity education. In return, recipients agree to work after graduation in a cybersecurity-related position with the U.S. government for a period equal to the length of the scholarship. SFS scholars are prepared for careers in the government cybersecurity workforce.
Students selected as SFS scholars will receive a full scholarship for an academic year, including:
An annual stipend of $27,000 for undergraduate students or $37,000 for graduate students
Tuition and education-related fees, excluding expenses such as housing, meal plans and parking
A $6,000 professional allowance for travel to the SFS Job Fair and other events, professional certifications and related expenses
Participation in virtual and in-person job fairs in Washington, D.C.
Scholarship Recipient Obligations
SFS scholars must agree to:
Work immediately after graduation for the federal government or a state, local or tribal government in the United States in a cybersecurity-related position for a period equal to the length of the scholarship
Complete a government internship during each summer of scholarship study
Participate in SFS activities, including weekly individual meetings, monthly group meetings, cyber competitions, conferences and workshops
Complete all additional SFS requirements, including signing Service Agreement Forms and maintaining good academic standing
Scholars are responsible for applying for and securing an eligible position. Embry-Riddle will assist scholars in identifying employment opportunities.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is not currently employed by the U.S. government and meets federal employment requirements
Be enrolled full time in an SFS-eligible undergraduate or graduate program at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus
Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense based on the cyber-related programs offered and supported by the Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security. The B.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security is one of the few ABET-accredited cybersecurity programs in the world. Embry-Riddle also participates in the RSA Security Scholars Program.
Contact Us
Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya
Email:sampiger@erau.edu Phone: 928-777-3404
RSACTM Conference is one of the world’s largest information security conferences, bringing together more than 45,000 cybersecurity professionals, 600 exhibitors and 550 sessions. The conference provides a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, discussing national and international policies and examining emerging cybersecurity threats.
Held during RSAC Conference, the RSAC Security Scholar program connects promising cybersecurity students with industry experts, sponsoring organizations, peers and conference attendees. The program helps students build knowledge, gain experience and establish professional connections while contributing to conversations about the future of cybersecurity.
Embry-Riddle Prescott's Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security selects one student to represent the university as an RSAC Security Scholar.
Benefits
Selected scholars will receive:
Paid travel and hotel expenses
Economy airfare up to $900 for students traveling more than 50 miles, with exceptions considered upon review
Four nights of hotel accommodations booked by RSAC at the preferred Security Scholar hotel
Opportunities to meet corporate organizations and industry leaders in several settings
Complimentary Full Conference Passes for future RSAC Conferences while enrolled as a student, for up to two additional years after attending RSAC 2026
Access to the private RSAC Security Scholars LinkedIn group
Scholar Activities
RSAC Security Scholars will:
Attend two dinners, including a formal dinner with industry experts and an informal dinner with program alumni
Participate in roundtable discussions on timely topics with sponsors, academics and students from other institutions
Have the option to present their work to conference attendees, potential employers and fellow students during the Security Scholar Poster Session
Meet Industry Leaders: Participate in private events and meet influential cybersecurity professionals.
Expand Your Knowledge: Learn about industry research, emerging threats and new developments through conference sessions and keynote presentations.
Build Lasting Connections: Meet cybersecurity students from universities across the country who may become valuable colleagues throughout your career.
Connect With Employers: Engage with potential employers and learn about the challenges organizations are working to solve.
Share Your Knowledge: Present your research to fellow students, conference attendees and potential employers during the Security Scholar Poster Session.
Contact Us
Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya Email:sampiger@erau.edu Phone: 928-777-3404
The Department of War Cyber Service Academy (DoW CSA) prepares students for civilian cybersecurity careers supporting U.S. national security. The program provides scholarship funding, internship opportunities and a pathway to employment with a participating DoW agency. Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus participates as a designated National Center of Academic Excellence.
Selected students are matched with agency sponsors who help guide them through the scholarship, internship and employment process.
Benefits
Students selected are expected to receive:
Full tuition and required textbooks
Required university fees
A $29,000 undergraduate stipend or $34,000 graduate stipend for living expenses
A laptop valued at up to $1,650, if funding allows
Paid internship opportunities
Employment with a DoW agency after graduation, contingent on meeting employment and security clearance requirements
The opportunity to begin the security clearance process while enrolled
Funding may also be available for scholars to attend one U.S.-based cybersecurity conference
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen
Be at least 18 years old
Be enrolled or accepted full time at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 as an undergraduate student or 3.5 as a graduate student
Be able to obtain the security clearance required for employment
Not be employed full time by the DoW or another federal agency
Not hold another scholarship with a postgraduation service obligation
Service Commitment
Scholarship recipients must agree to work as civilian employees of the DoW for one calendar year for each year of scholarship support received.
Scholars may also be required to complete a paid internship with a participating DoW organization. Continued funding depends on satisfactory academic progress, internship performance and available funding.
Students who do not complete their degree or service commitment may be required to repay all or part of the scholarship funding received.
How to Apply
Complete the application through the DoW CSA online portal. Applicants should allow enough time to complete both sections in one sitting and follow all instructions provided in the portal.
Contact Us
Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya Email:sampiger@erau.edu Phone: 928-777-3404
Embry-Riddle is a Silver Sponsor of CyberPatriot and offers CyberPatriot scholarship opportunities for incoming cyber program students at the Prescott and Daytona Beach campuses.
The Air Force Association (AFA) CyberPatriot program is a national youth cyber education program that now provides opportunities for K-12. The annual high school competition reaches thousands of schools and tens of thousands of qualified student prospects through their website and newsletters.
The Embry-Riddle-NASA-NSF Aerospace Cybersecurity Workshop is an annual convening that brings together industry, government, academia and students to advance research, education and workforce development in aviation and space cybersecurity. Building on prior workshops, the event focuses on cyber-physical resilience, operational realities and collaborative solutions for securing aircraft, air traffic control, airports, airlines, advanced air mobility and space
systems — while providing hands-on engagement opportunities for students, particularly NSF CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) scholars.
The workshop objectives include:
Convene aerospace stakeholders to share insights, lessons learned and advances in aviation and space cybersecurity
Identify priority research, technology and development directions, including education and workforce needs that cut across academia, industry and government
Deliver immersive, hands-on learning experiences, particularly for SFS scholars and students, through an aerospace-focused Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competition and interactive exercises
Strengthen understanding of emerging cyber and cyber-physical threats, their operational consequences and practical strategies for mitigation and resilience
Each year, the workshop evolves to reflect emerging threats, technologies and workforce realities, with increasing emphasis on cyber resilience, operational integration and translation of research into practice. A defining feature of the workshop is the integration of students alongside professionals through panels, research posters, collaboration exercises and a unique aviation-focused cybersecurity CTF.
Since 2019, the CIS department has been offering multiple unique capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions to local high school students called CyberAero on the Prescott Campus.
Since 2020, we have been offering the one-and-only aviation cyber CTF competition in the world at well-known international conferences such as AIAA, ACI Cyber Rodeo, Aviation ISAC and DEF CON events.
These competitions increase participants' cyber intelligence and security knowledge (e.g., password cracking, log analysis, computer forensics and much more) as well as knowledge about cybersecurity problems, solutions and challenges in aviation and aerospace!
The CIS department continuously offers CyberPatriot camps over the summer. These camps are open to students ages 14-18 (rising sophomore, junior or senior in high school) who are interested in learning about cybersecurity. During this week-long non-residential program you will:
Explore the many aspects of cybersecurity
Experience hands-on activities on the computer and network (real and virtual)
Attend mini lectures on the latest in cybersecurity
Meet other local students with interests in this area
Participate in a cyber "capture the flag" competition
Each week will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch on campus. Cost includes: a Cyber Patriot Summer Camp T-shirt, lunch each day and access to software and computers.
