Build In-Demand Cyber Skills.
UNC Pembroke’s BS in Cybersecurity prepares you for one of the fastest-growing, most in-demand careers in technology. Through a blend of computer science, hands-on labs, case studies and research opportunities, you’ll develop the skills to identify threats, defend systems and lead in today’s evolving digital landscape.
A BS in Cybersecurity is a great investment in your future. The global workforce needs to grow by 145% to meet rising demand.
In North Carolina, the need for information security analysts is 32% higher than that of the trained professionals available.
Our program combines theory with practical experience, giving you a strong foundation in cybersecurity tools, strategies and best practices. You'll graduate ready to protect digital assets and tackle security challenges across industries.
UNCP is shaping the next generation of cyber professionals — right here in rural North Carolina.
fastest growing occupation in the U.S.
total cybersecurity jobs in the U.S.
cybersecurity workforce gap globally
I’m currently working as a SOC analyst for the university, and the cybersecurity program at UNCP has given me hands-on experience with industry-standard tools that put me ahead of other recruits. The education here isn’t limited by the university’s size — in fact, the smaller class sizes have allowed for a more personal, focused learning experience. That individual attention has helped me truly understand and apply what I’ve learned throughout my journey at UNCP.
Collin Oxendine
Cybersecurity, '2X 
UNCP is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by
the National Security Agency (NSA) — a mark of distinction held by top cybersecurity
programs nationwide.
This prestigious recognition means our program meets the NSA’s rigorous standards for academic quality, expert instruction and workforce readiness. As a CAE-CD institution, UNCP is committed to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to help protect our nation’s digital infrastructure and reduce global cyber threats.
Learn About CAE-CDMake the most of your time while getting your cybersecurity degree at UNCP. Our Cyber
Defense Education Center offers additional resources for research, internships, scholarships
and more.
The center serves as a hub for advancing cybersecurity education, research and workforce
readiness. We connect UNCP with industry, government and research partners — equipping
our community with competencies to drive cybersecurity innovation and strengthen national
security.
By the end of this program you will be able to:
Below is a sample pathway plan for UNCP’s cybersecurity degree program.
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| UNV 1000 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| ENG 1050 (GE) | Composition I (must score C or better) | 3 |
| MAT 1090 (GE) | Precalculus | 4 |
| General Education | Fine Art | 3 |
| General Education | Social Science | 3 |
| General Education | Physical Education | 2 |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1060 (GE) | Composition II (must score C or better) | 3 |
| CSC 1750 | Intro to Algorithms (must score C or better)
|
3 |
| CSC 1760 | Intro to Programming (must score C or better) | 3 |
| MAT 2210 | Calculus I | 4 |
| General Education | Literature | 3 (WE) |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 1850 | Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
| CSC 2150 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CSC 2260 | Operating Systems and Networking | 3 |
| General Education | Social Science | 3 |
| General Education | Philosophy/Religion | 3 |
| Mary | 15 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 2920 | Software Dev. & Professional Practice | 3 (WD) |
| ITC 2080 | Sys. Admin & Shell Scripting | 3 |
| CSC 2250 | Fundamentals of Computer Systems | 3 |
| General Education | Natural Science | 3 |
| General Education | Elective | 3 (WE) |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAT 2100 | Intro to Statistics | 3 |
| CSC 3360 | Network Protocols | 3 |
| CYB 3020 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 3 |
| General Education |
Natural Science |
3 |
| General Education | Social Science | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CYB 4020 | Network Security | 3 |
| CSC 2850 | Data Structures | 3 |
| MAT 3150 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| General Education | History | 3 |
| General Education | Electives | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course TItle | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CYB-Elective-1 | *See below | 3 |
| CYB Elective-2 | *See below | 3 |
| CYB Elective-3 | *See below | 3 |
| General Education | Electives | 3 |
| University-Wide Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Column Header Seven |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 4900 | 4 | |
| CYB Elective-4 | *See below | 3 |
| CYB Elective-5 | *See below | 3 |
| University-Wide Elective | 3 | |
| University-Wide Elective | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 17 |
Students should choose 12 hours of CSC-Cybersecurity electives. There must be 4000-level courses.
*Usually offered in fall:
**Usually offered in spring:
Cybersecurity majors who have completed the required prerequisites and are in senior standing (with at least a 2.5 GPA) are eligible for internships. You can choose from business, industry or government entities. This is a pass/fail course.
We accept transfers from other programs. Please contact UNCP's Registrar Office at registrar@uncp.edu with questions regarding transfer of credits.
You may also contact Computer Science Department Chair, Dr. Selvarajah Mohanarajah, with the transfer course syllabus.
Most students prefer a Windows-OS machine. They find it more convenient to install and run several open-source software. Netbooks, iPads or other tablets are not recommended.
Additional Windows Specs:
Mac Specs and Requirements:
I was selected for the NCEC'24 research apprenticeship, elected president of UNCP’s ACM Student Chapter and most recently honored with the Undergraduate Student in Cybersecurity Award. Throughout my journey, Dr. BusiReddyGari has been a constant source of encouragement and mentorship. His belief in me never wavered, even when I struggled to believe in myself. Inspired by his guidance, I’ve decided to pursue a PhD in Computer Science and become a professor and mentor to the next generation of computer scientists.
Allyson Taylor
or call us at 910.521.6262
Send us a message and one of our counselors will get back to you
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
prashanth.busireddygari@uncp.edu
