Bachelor of Science in
Cyber Intelligence and Security

Embry Riddle students learn to collect and analyze threat intelligence and secure against threats in The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security.

About the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security

Through a unique blend of computer science, engineering, intelligence gathering, security and management, Embry Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence & Security will prepare graduates to lead, manage, administer and even establish organizations focused on cybersecurity. It is one of very few programs accredited by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission and designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense program of study.

The program is in one of the first colleges of Business, Security and Intelligence in the U.S., allowing students to experiment in computer forensics, intrusion detection, computer security and threat analysis. Led by a faculty whose wide range of knowledge and expertise spans government, academia and computer science roles, the Cyber Intelligence & Security program offers a high-tech, hands-on academic experience in the “Cyber Lab” and a makerspace in the brand new Cyber Gym Makerspace.

Student Learning Outcomes

What you will learn while studying in the cyber intelligence program:

Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline
Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline
Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats

Cyber Intelligence and Security Career Opportunities

Careers and Employers

Embry Riddle graduates are set to enter the workforce in top companies, including Amazon, American Express, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Department of Defense, Honeywell, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, MITRE, NASA, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Sandia National Labs and many more public and private sector organizations, with a successful placement rate of 100% within a year of graduation.

Graduates looking to work in cyber security often secure roles such as:

Cyber Defense Technologists
Chief Executive Officers
Cyber Risk Analysts
Cyber Engineers
Cyber Security Systems
Cyber Security Analysts

Cyber Intelligence and Security Salary Information

With growing cybersecurity career opportunities, Embry-Riddle provides the opportunity for competitive salaries, with alumni averaging $74,800 annually one-year post graduation, as of 2022.

DETAILS

About Cyber Intelligence and Security at the Prescott, AZ Campus

The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security program prepares graduates to deal with threats from those who abuse our world’s growing dependency on technology.

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) program and have designated the Prescott Campus as an NSA/DHS CAE-CD institution with its cyber intelligence program meeting their stringent criteria.

Apart from the Cyber Lab and the Cyber Gym Makerspace, students even have access to specialized labs like the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC).

Cyber Intelligence and Security Information

Credits: 120
Online or In-Person: In-Person
Capstone: Thesis, Project or Internship

Professional Accreditation

The Cyber Intelligence and Security program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Helpful Links

Tour our Prescott Campus
Discover the Department's Faculty
Explore the Fields of Study: Security Intelligence and Safety & Computers and Technology
Find Related Clubs & Organizations

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Intelligence and Security requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours and is normally completed in eight semesters. Students choose one of three options as a part of their senior capstone - either a project, a thesis, or internship/co-op program. Some courses may require prerequisite subject knowledge or particular class standing. Course descriptions should be reviewed prior to registration to ensure proper placement.

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) program, and have designated the Prescott Campus as a NSA/DHS CAE-CD institution with its degree programs in Cyber Intelligence and Security meeting their stringent criteria.

Embry-Riddle is a sponsor and mentor for the National Cyber Patriot program and a member of the National CyberWatch Network.

In order to be awarded this degree, a student is required to complete a minimum of 80% of the core in residence or transfer those credits from institutions approved by the Department Chair.

Students should follow the suggested course of study--taking 200, 300, and 400 level courses in sequence--unless otherwise approved by the Department Chair. This will provide the student with the greatest chance of success.

Program Requirements

General Education

Embry-Riddle degree programs require students to complete a minimum of 36 hours of General Education coursework. For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog.

Students may choose other classes outside of their requirements, but doing so can result in the student having to complete more than the degree's 120 credit hours. This will result in additional time and cost to the student.

Communication Theory and Skills		9
Computer Science/Information Technology		3
Mathematics		6
Physical and Life Sciences (Natural Sciences)		6
Humanities and Social Sciences		12
3 hours of Lower-Level Humanities
3 hours of Lower-Level Social Science
3 hours of Lower-Level or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science
3 hours of Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science
Total Credits		36

Cyber Intelligence and Security Core (89 Credits)

The following course of study outlines the quickest and most cost-efficient route for students to earn their B.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security. Students are encouraged to follow the course of study to ensure they complete all program required courses and their prerequisites within four years.

Courses in the core with a # will satisfy your general education requirements.

ACC 210	Financial Accounting ^*	3
ACC 329	Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination ^*	3
BA 201	Principles of Management	3
CI 120	Introduction to Cyber Security Majors	3
CI 201	Introduction to Linux, Unix, Windows, and Scripting	3
CI 320	Ethical Hacker - Pen Testing ^*	3
CI 330	Software Security ^*	3
CI 340	Database System Security ^**	3
CI 410	Malware Analysis ^**	3
CI 460	Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning	3
COM 122	English Composition ^#	3
COM 219	Speech ^#	3
COM 223	Intelligence Writing ^#	3
CS 118	Fundamentals of Computer Programming ^#	3
CS 125	Computer Science I	4
CS 213	Introduction to Computer Networks ^*	3
CS 304	Introduction to Computer Forensics ^*	3
CS 315	Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms ^*	3
CS 420	Operating Systems ^*	3
General Education - Humanities Lower-Level Elective ^#		3
General Education - Humanities or Social Science Lower-Level Elective ^#		3
General Education - Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective ^#		3
General Education - Natural Science Elective (One must include a lab) ^#		7
General Education - Social Science Lower-Level Elective ^#		3
MA 111	Pre-Calculus for Aviation ^#	3
MA 112	Applied Calculus for Aviation ^#	3
MA 225	Introduction to Discrete Structures	3
MA 314	Applied Linear Algebra & Statistics	3

Intelligence and Security Concentration (21 Credits)

CI 310	Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance ^**	3
CI 311	Securing Computer Networks ^**	3
CI 450	Computer Forensics II ^**	3
CS 303	Cryptography and Network Security ^**	3
CS 432	Information and Computer Security ^**	3
SIS 210	Security Fundamentals	3
SIS 315	Studies in Global Intelligence I	3

Senior Capstone (3 Credits)

Choose one of the following:
CI 475	Cyber Senior Thesis ^**	3
CI 490	Cyber Capstone Project ^**	3
CECIS 497	Senior Capstone Option	3

Open Electives (7 Credits)

Open Electives

Total Credits

120

*: Offered in Fall Only
**: Offered in Spring Only
#: General Education Course

All Army ROTC students are required to complete SS 321 - U.S. Military History 1900-Present (3 credits) in order to commission.

Cyber Intelligence and Security - General

Freshman Year
Fall		Credits
CI 120	Introduction to Cyber Security Majors	3
COM 122	English Composition	3
CS 118	Fundamentals of Computer Programming	3
MA 111	Pre-Calculus for Aviation	3
	Social Science Lower-Level Elective	3
UNIV 101	College Success	(1)
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Spring
BA 201	Principles of Management	3
CI 201	Introduction to Linux, Unix, Windows, and Scripting	3
CS 125	Computer Science I	4
	Humanities Lower-Level Elective	3
MA 112	Applied Calculus for Aviation	3
	Credits Subtotal	16.0
Sophomore Year
Fall
COM 223	Intelligence Writing	3
CS 213	Introduction to Computer Networks	3
CS 315	Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms	3
MA 225	Introduction to Discrete Structures	3
	Natural Science Elective	3
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Spring
ACC 210	Financial Accounting	3
CI 311	Securing Computer Networks	3
CS 303	Cryptography and Network Security	3
MA 314	Applied Linear Algebra & Statistics	3
	Natural Science Elective with Lab	4
	Credits Subtotal	16.0
Junior Year
Fall
CI 320	Ethical Hacker - Pen Testing	3
CI 330	Software Security	3
CS 304	Introduction to Computer Forensics	3
	Humanities or Social Science Lower-Level Elective	3
SIS 210	Security Fundamentals	3
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Spring
CI 340	Database System Security	3
CI 450	Computer Forensics II	3
COM 219	Speech	3
	Open Elective	3
SIS 315	Studies in Global Intelligence I	3
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Senior Year
Fall
ACC 329	Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination	3
CI 460	Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning	3
CS 420	Operating Systems	3
	Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective	3
	Open Elective	4
	Credits Subtotal	16.0
Spring
CI 310	Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance	3
CI 410	Malware Analysis	3
CS 432	Information and Computer Security	3
	Senior Capstone	3
	Credits Subtotal	12.0
	Credits Total:	120.0

For course descriptions, education requirements, curriculum, and suggested plan of study, please see the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security in the Prescott Catalog.