Cyber Operations (B.S.)
Cyber Operations is an interdisciplinary major encompassing the entire scope of cyberspace and related operations that are both technical and non-technical (i.e., ethical, legal, human-centered, etc.) in nature. Cyber Operations is a complementary discipline to Cybersecurity. Cyber Operations places a particular emphasis on technologies and techniques applicable to all operational and system levels. Coursework in Cyber Operations balances theory, practice and hands-on labs inspired by real-life scenarios. Skills and competencies emphasized are in system attack, infiltration, exploitation, defense, mitigation, and recovery.
Cyber Operations (B.S.)
Description
What is Cyber Operations at ODU like?
Cyber Operations is an interdisciplinary major encompassing the entire scope of cyberspace and related operations that are both technical and non-technical (i.e., ethical, legal, human-centered, etc.) in nature. Cyber Operations is a complementary discipline to Cybersecurity. Cyber Operations places a particular emphasis on technologies and techniques applicable to all operational and system levels. Coursework in Cyber Operations balances theory, practice and hands-on labs inspired by real-life scenarios. Skills and competencies emphasized are in system attack, infiltration, exploitation, defense, mitigation, and recovery.
Program Highlights
What makes Cyber Operations at ODU unique?
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This major is one of only two programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the only truly interdisciplinary one, that is designated by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence.
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Graduates from this program will have the skills and proficiencies that are critical to intelligence, military and law enforcement organizations authorized to perform these specialized operations.
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ODU’s Cyber Operations major program is firmly grounded in the computer science, computer engineering, and/or electrical engineering disciplines, with extensive opportunities for hands-on applications via labs and exercises.
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
Major:
Cyber Operations
Degree Level:
Undergraduate
Delivery Mode(s):
On-Campus
Degree Earned:
Bachelor of Science
Department:
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Information Security Analysts
$99,690
MEDIAN SALARY
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Computer Systems Analysts
$92,740
MEDIAN SALARY
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
$86,340
MEDIAN SALARY
Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.
Security Management Specialists
$75,740
MEDIAN SALARY
Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security, personnel security, and information security. May work in fields such as health care, banking, gaming, security engineering, or manufacturing.
Courses
What are some courses offered in Cyber Operations at ODU?
CYSE 250:
Basic Cybersecurity Programming and Networking
This course introduces the cybersecurity-centric programming and networking concepts. Students will develop problem solving skills by using low-level programming languages |including C and assembly) and learn fundamentals of network protocols. This course is the technical base for students to take cybersecurity major courses. No prior knowledge of programming and networking is assumed. Prerequisite: MATH 162M or higher.
CYSE 301:
Cybersecurity Techniques and Operations
This course introduces tools and techniques used to secure and analyze large computer networks and systems. Students will explore and map networks using a variety of diagnostic software tools, learn advanced packet analysis, configure firewalls, write intrusion detection rules, perform forensic investigation, and practice techniques for penetration testing. Prerequisite: MATH 162M or permission of the instructor.
CRJS 405:
Cybercrime and Cybersecurity
This course will provide students with an overview of computer-related crimes and how law enforcement officials investigate them. The course begins by describing the environment that has been created through information and communication technologies, and how this new environment facilitates different types of behavior. The course then moves into defining and describing the different types of computer-related crimes, the techniques used by officials, and the legal issues inherent in combating cybercrime. Prerequisites: CRJS 215S.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Cyber Operations at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Cyber Operations should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
Because the curriculum requires calculus and physics, as well as a number of computer engineering and computer science courses, it is highly recommended that prospective students feel confident in their skills in high school math and science. Information about AP, IB and Cambridge Advances A/AS exams and scores that are accepted can be found here.
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 374
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,039
Active Duty Military Rate
Per Credit:
$ 250
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 407
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Scholarships
ODU Center for Cybersecurity Education and Research is pleased to announce a new scholarship program for students who are majoring in Cybersecurity. These are four year scholarships ($8,888 per year, total: $35,552) available to talented students with demonstrated financial need. Besides the scholarship, students also receive strong academic support, including faculty mentoring, peer tutoring, acceptance to the ODU Cybersecurity Learning Community, opportunities to join the Cyberhacking Competition Team, and access to the Cybersecurity Virtual Lab. They will also have access to summer research internships and assistance with job placement, as well as other support provided by ODU such as the Student Success Center, Math & Science Resource Center, Writing Center, and Career Development Services.
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
Enrollment Coordinator
Name:
Hongyi Wu
Location:
2115C MONARCH HALL, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-4586
Undergraduate Admissions
Location:
1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-3255
Email:
admissions@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Transfer
I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
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