Cybersecurity (CYBR), Bachelor of Science

At Dunwoody College of Technology, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity prepares graduates to work in cybersecurity positions at corporate, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. 

The program prepares students to secure, test, and defend information technology systems. Graduates learn how to recognize various forms of cyberattack, stop them, and repair and mitigate any damage caused by attacks. An emphasis is placed on cybersecurity within the context of business priorities and levels of acceptable risk for organizations.

Coursework includes such topics as security for software and networks, cyber warfare, scripting, forensic investigation, data protection laws, and risk mitigation.

Hawk Core Curriculum courses enhance and support the technical coursework.

Students complete a capstone project that demonstrates their skills as a cybersecurity professional.

Cybersecurity also welcomes transfer students with credits in computer networking and other IT and Computer Science-related programs.

Credential Earned: BS
Length of Program: 4 years (8 semesters)
Classes Offered: Day on Campus or Evening Online Hybrid
Available Starts: Fall Semester only

By the end of this program, students will be able to: 

  • Implement system and network discovery and monitoring solutions in enterprise environments.
  • Apply ethical principles and best practices in cybersecurity operations and decision-making.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive data protection strategies for data both at rest and in transit.
  • Design, implement, secure, and troubleshoot various network architectures in enterprise settings.
  • Analyze operational technology (OT) devices, assessing their value and potential risks to the enterprise.
  • Apply secure coding practices to prevent application-level vulnerabilities in software development.
  • Utilize advance cybersecurity principles to protect enterprise systems, networks, and data from evolving threats.
  • Evaluate the unique vulnerabilities of operational technologies and develop defense strategies tailored to OT environments.
  • Operate Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems for real-time analysis of security alerts and incident response.
  • Assess and implement Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) measures in accordance with relevant laws and industry standards.
  • Conduct ethical hacking and penetration testing to evaluate and improve organizational security postures.
  • Develop comprehensive business continuity and disaster recover (BC/DR) plans to ensure operational resilience against cyber incidents.
General Requirements
MATH1000Algebra & Trigonometry3
MATH1250Boolean Algebra3
MATH2250Statistics3
MATH2830Discrete Math3
Humanities Elective3
Social Science Elective3
Communications Elective3
General Electives9
Technical Requirements
CDEF1110Introduction to Cyber Defense2
CLDE1110Introduction to Cloud Services2
CLDE1231Cloud Systems I4
CLDE2211Cloud Security4
CNTS1112Introduction to Systems and Networking3
CNTS1213Server Systems I4
CNTS1221Network Systems I4
CNTS2121Network Systems II4
CNTS2215Server Systems III4
CWEB1116Application Design I3
CWEB1226Database I3
CWEB2117Data Analytics4
CYBR2130IAM & PKI4
CYBR3111Network Security & Defense4
CYBR3151Scripting for Cyber Professionals4
CYBR3161Business Principles for Cybersecurity3
CYBR3211Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing4
CYBR3251Advance Cyber Threat Intelligence4
CYBR3261Cybersecurity Risk Management3
CYBR4125Incident Response4
CYBR4140ICS/OT I4
CYBR4151Security Operations Center4
CYBR4225Digital Forensics4
CYBR4240ICS/OT II4
CYBR4299Cybersecurity Capstone3
Total Credits120

The following sample academic plan demonstrates how a student's schedule might look on a semester-by-semester basis, including elective courses. Your actual degree plan may differ from this sequence, depending on whether you start in the fall or spring semester, what transfer credits you may have (if any), and which Hawk Core Curriculum courses and electives you take and when you take them.

The sample academic plan is for informational purposes only. To determine your academic plan, please meet with an academic advisor.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CDEF1110 Introduction to Cyber Defense 2
CLDE1110 Introduction to Cloud Services 2
CNTS1112 Introduction to Systems and Networking 3
CWEB1116 Application Design I 3
MATH1250 Boolean Algebra 3
 Credits13
Spring
CNTS1213 Server Systems I 4
CLDE1231 Cloud Systems I 4
CNTS1221 Network Systems I 4
MATH1000 Algebra & Trigonometry 3
 Credits15
Second Year
Fall
CWEB2117 Data Analytics 4
CNTS2121 Network Systems II 4
CYBR2130 IAM & PKI 4
Humanities Elective 3
General Elective 3
 Credits18
Spring
CWEB1226 Database I 3
CNTS2215 Server Systems III 4
CLDE2211 Cloud Security 4
Social Sciences Elective 3
General Elective 3
 Credits17
Third Year
Fall
CYBR3111 Network Security & Defense 4
CYBR3161 Business Principles for Cybersecurity 3
CYBR3151 Scripting for Cyber Professionals 4
MATH2250 Statistics 3
General Elective 3
 Credits17
Spring
CYBR3211 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing 4
CYBR3261 Cybersecurity Risk Management 3
CYBR3251 Advance Cyber Threat Intelligence 4
MATH2830 Discrete Math 3
 Credits14
Fourth Year
Fall
CYBR4125 Incident Response 4
CYBR4140 ICS/OT I 4
CYBR4151 Security Operations Center 4
Communications Elective 3
 Credits15
Spring
CYBR4225 Digital Forensics 4
CYBR4240 ICS/OT II 4
CYBR4299 Cybersecurity Capstone 3
 Credits11
 Total Credits120

Descriptions

CDEF1110 | Introduction to Cyber Defense | Lecture/Laboratory (2 Credits)

This course introduces the essential concepts of cybersecurity, including common threats like malware, phishing, and DDoS attacks. Students will learn key principles of secure system design such as least privilege, defense in depth, and fail-safe defaults, along with best practices for strong passwords, software updates, and multi-factor authentication. The course also covers basic incident response steps and explores the legal and ethical responsibilities in cybersecurity. Students will gain the vocabulary, awareness, and foundational skills needed to identify threats and apply basic cyber defense methods.

CLDE1110 | Introduction to Cloud Services | Lecture/Laboratory (2 Credits)

This course provides students with a foundational understanding of cloud computing concepts, core services, and deployment models. Students will explore key topics such as virtualization, cloud storage, networking, security services, and cost management while gaining hands-on experience with major cloud platforms.

CLDE1231 | Cloud Systems I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides comprehensive training in cloud computing technologies with a focus mostly on Azure with elements of AWS. Students will gain hands-on experience in operating and managing cloud resources through Azure Portal and AWS, mastering essential skills in resource deployment and management. The course emphasizes architectural decision-making based on Azure and AWS best practices, enabling students to design scalable and resilient cloud solutions.

Prerequisite(s): CLDE1110

CLDE2211 | Cloud Security | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth understanding of cloud security principles, best practices, and security controls across different cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS). Students will learn how to secure cloud environments, including Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS), through hands-on labs and projects. The course is designed to meet the National Security Agency (NSA) certification requirements for cloud security professionals. It covers topics such as cloud security architecture, identity and access management, data protection, network security, monitoring, compliance, and incident response.

Prerequisite(s): CLDE2121

CNTS1112 | Introduction to Systems and Networking | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Students will explore the core components of modern computing systems, including hardware architecture, operating systems, and network infrastructure. The course covers key concepts such as CPU architecture, memory management, storage systems, and input/output devices. Students will learn about different operating systems, their functions, and basic system administration tasks. The networking portion of the course introduces network topologies, protocols, and the OSI model, with a focus on TCP/IP. Topics include LAN/WAN technologies, IP addressing, subnetting, routing, and basic network security principles. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, and practical exercises, students will gain essential skills in configuring and troubleshooting basic computer systems and networks.

CNTS1213 | Server Systems I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course will provide students with essential skills to configure, manage, and automate enterprise server environments. Students will learn to create and maintain both Linux and Windows servers, including critical network services such as DHCP, DNS, and enterprise-level networking, while enforcing security through group policy, auditing, and permissions management. This course will also incorporate automation through scripting, where students will parse structured data, manipulate system objects, and automate OS and networking tasks. Additionally, the course will provide an understanding of systems at a low-level.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1112

CNTS1221 | Network Systems I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides students with hands-on experience in enterprise networking technologies, digital communications protocols, and security-focused network design methodologies. Students will develop foundational skills in switching, routing, and basic firewall technologies using industry-standard equipment and simulation environments. The course emphasizes secure network architecture principles, implementation of basic access controls, and integration of fundamental network security practices. Through hands-on laboratories and practical scenarios, students will design, configure, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructures that meet basic security requirements and prepare them for advanced networking coursework.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1112

CNTS2121 | Network Systems II | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course builds upon foundational networking concepts to explore enterprise-grade network design, security architecture, and dynamic routing technologies in multi-site environments. Students will deploy dynamic routing protocols, implement sophisticated network security policies, and design resilient network infrastructures that support business continuity. The course emphasizes network troubleshooting methodologies, performance optimization techniques, and integration of wireless and wired networks in secure enterprise environments. Students will gain experience with network automation tools, monitoring systems, and advanced firewall configurations that prepare them for Network Systems III.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1221

CNTS2215 | Server Systems III | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course develops advanced Linux administration skills through comprehensive deployment and management of Open-Source Software (OSS) in enterprise environments. Students deploy web servers, database systems, file services, and automation tools commonly used at enterprise and ISP levels. Strong emphasis on infrastructure-as-code, configuration management, and automation.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1112

CWEB1116 | Application Design I | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to building modern software applications with a focus on web technologies, structured programming, and emerging technologies like AI and data science. Students will be introduced to the methods of developing data-driven web applications using industry-relevant programming languages and will gain exposure to foundational data science and machine learning concepts through hands-on coding exercises.

CWEB1226 | Database I | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Explore system quality attributes, various database models, purposes, and products. Gain proficiency in advanced Structured Query Language (SQL) programming, design and create database schemas, and develop extract-transform-load (ETL) processes. This course also covers a range of database administration tasks and techniques.

CWEB2117 | Data Analytics | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will learn to use popular data analysis tools and programming languages such as Python and R, focusing on libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib. The course explores statistical analysis techniques, including descriptive statistics, probability theory, and inferential statistics. Students will gain hands-on experience with data mining, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modeling. The curriculum also covers data visualization techniques to effectively communicate insights. Ethical considerations in data analysis, including privacy and bias, are discussed. Through practical projects and case studies, students will apply their skills to real-world datasets, learning to extract meaningful insights and make data-driven decisions. The course emphasizes the role of data analytics in software engineering, including its applications in user behavior analysis, performance optimization, and product development.

Prerequisite(s): CWEB1116

CYBR3111 | Network Security & Defense | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This hands-on course provides comprehensive training in network security defense strategies and implementation techniques for enterprise environments. Students will deploy and configure advanced security tools including intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), network monitoring solutions, and secure network architectures. Through extensive laboratory exercises, students will gain practical experience in network threat detection, incident response procedures, and security policy implementation. The course emphasizes real-world scenarios involving wireless security, network segmentation, firewall configurations, and continuous monitoring practices. Students will develop expertise in analyzing network traffic, identifying security vulnerabilities, and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect enterprise network infrastructures against evolving cyber threats.

Prerequisite(s): CDEF1110, CNTS2121, CNTS2215, And CLDE2211

Corequisite(s): CYBR3161

CYBR3151 | Scripting for Cyber Professionals | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Scripting for Cyber Professionals is a hands-on course designed to empower security analysts, penetration testers, and IT professionals with the skills to leverage tools to enhance their scripting capabilities and streamline cybersecurity operations. Students will learn how to use tools to generate, review, and optimize scripts for tasks such as threat detection, log analysis, vulnerability scanning, and reporting. Through practical labs and real-world scenarios, learners will build and automate solutions in Python, PowerShell, and Bash.

Prerequisite(s): CWEB1116

CYBR3161 | Business Principles for Cybersecurity | Lecture (3 Credits)

Examine fundamental business organization structures, management principles, and financial concepts with specific emphasis on cybersecurity risk management frameworks. Students will analyze business decision-making processes, evaluate risk assessment methodologies, and apply financial principles to cybersecurity investments and budget planning. The course integrates traditional business management concepts with cybersecurity governance, compliance requirements, and risk mitigation strategies essential for cybersecurity professionals working within enterprise environments.

Prerequisite(s): CDEF1110

Corequisite(s): CYBR3111

CYBR3211 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This hands-on course introduces learners to ethical hacking and penetration testing methodologies, equipping them with practical skills and theoretical knowledge to identify and exploit system vulnerabilities within legal and ethical frameworks. Students will develop adversarial thinking skills to better understand attacker perspectives and strengthen organizational defenses. The course covers comprehensive penetration testing across multiple domains including networks, web applications, wireless systems, and cloud environments using industry-standard tools and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on structured testing approaches, professional reporting standards, and maintaining strict compliance with legal requirements and ethical guidelines throughout all testing activities.

Prerequisite(s): CYBR3111 And CYBR3151

CYBR3251 | Advance Cyber Threat Intelligence | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in threat intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination within enterprise cybersecurity operations. Building upon scripting foundations, students will develop automated threat intelligence workflows, analyze threat actor behaviors, and create actionable intelligence products for organizational decision-making. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with threat intelligence platforms, OSINT collection techniques, malware analysis, and intelligence sharing frameworks. Students will learn to correlate threat data from multiple sources, assess threat actor capabilities and motivations, and produce strategic, tactical, and operational intelligence reports that support proactive cybersecurity strategies.

Prerequisite(s): CYBR3151

CYBR3261 | Cybersecurity Risk Management | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Participants will explore key concepts such as threat modeling, risk assessment frameworks (NIST, ISO 27005, FAIR), governance structures, compliance obligations, and incident response planning. Real-world case studies and simulations will be used to illustrate best practices and common pitfalls. The course also emphasizes aligning cybersecurity strategy with business objectives and fostering a culture of risk awareness as well as fundamentals of cyber risk and threat landscapes, risk assessment methodologies and tools, regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOX), cybersecurity governance and policy development, third-party and supply chain risk management, incident response and crisis communication, metrics and reporting for risk management, & emerging trends and future challenges in cyber risk.

Prerequisite(s): CYBR3161

CYBR4125 | Incident Response | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity incident management, investigation, and recovery operations. Building upon ethical hacking foundations, students will learn to respond to security incidents from detection through recovery, applying structured incident response methodologies and frameworks. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with incident containment, evidence preservation, threat analysis, and coordination with cross-functional teams during active security incidents. Students will develop proficiency in incident response tools, communication protocols, and legal considerations while learning to conduct tabletop exercises, manage crisis situations, and implement lessons learned processes. The course prepares students for advanced digital forensics investigations and enterprise incident response team operations.

Prerequisite(s): CYBR3211

CYBR4140 | ICS/OT I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity strategies for protecting Industrial Control System (ICS) / Operational Technology (OT) environments. Students will explore IT-OT convergence, the Purdue model, SCADA systems, and other ICS/OT elements, including those used in critical infrastructure. The course covers risk assessment, secure architecture design, threat detection, incident response, and business continuity planning specific to IT/OT ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the unique vulnerabilities of OT devices, implementing layered defenses, and applying cybersecurity principles to ensure the availability, integrity, and safety of interconnected systems. Legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations unique to OT are also addressed.

Prerequisite(s): CYBR3111

CYBR4151 | Security Operations Center | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides students with comprehensive hands-on experience in enterprise cybersecurity monitoring, threat detection, and incident coordination. Students will learn to operate as Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts within a team-based environment, utilizing SIEM platforms, threat intelligence feeds, and security orchestration tools to detect, analyze, and respond to security events. The course emphasizes real-time threat hunting, alert triage, incident escalation procedures, and cross-functional collaboration within enterprise security operations. Students will develop proficiency with a variety of SOC tools while learning workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and communication protocols essential for 24/7 operations.

Prerequisite(s): CYBR3251

CYBR4225 | Digital Forensics | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides comprehensive hands-on experience with digital forensic analysis across multiple IT platforms and environments. Building upon incident response foundations, students master advanced techniques for memory forensics, file system analysis, registry examination, and mobile device investigation. The course emphasizes practical skills in timeline analysis, artifact correlation, and evidence reconstruction using industry-standard forensic tools and methodologies. Students investigate complex scenarios involving anti-forensics techniques, encrypted systems, and sophisticated malware persistence mechanisms while maintaining strict adherence to legal and procedural requirements. Students will also be introduced to operational technology (OT) forensic concepts to provide awareness of industrial control system (ICS) environments.

Prerequisite(s): CYBR4125 And CYBR4151

CYBR4240 | ICS/OT II | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Building on ISC/OT I, this advanced course focuses on the implementation and operationalization of cybersecurity controls within critical infrastructure environments. Students will engage in hands-on activities simulating real-world threats against industrial systems, including advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware targeting OT, and supply chain compromises. The course emphasizes security monitoring, incident response, digital forensics, and the integration of IT/OT threat intelligence. Students will also design and evaluate resilient architectures, develop mitigation strategies aligned with frameworks like ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST CSF, and assess the impact of cyber incidents on safety and operations. Strategic planning for regulatory compliance, risk management, and business continuity in complex OT ecosystems will be a key focus.

Prerequisite(s): CYBR4140

CYBR4299 | Cybersecurity Capstone | Capstone (3 Credits)

Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of cybersecurity program outcomes through a hands-on, real-world scenario. Participants will tackle a complex cybersecurity challenge, applying skills across multiple domains, as well as develop and implement strategic solutions to protect digital assets and present their project, articulating the essential skills and methodologies employed by cybersecurity professionals. This capstone experience serves as a bridge between academic learning and professional practice, preparing students for the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

MATH1000 | Algebra & Trigonometry | Lecture (3 Credits)

Real numbers and polynomials, exponents and radicals, fractional equations; proportions and linear equations; trigonometric functions, solutions of triangles, radians, trig functions graphs, vectors, and basic identities.

General Education: Mathematics

MATH1250 | Boolean Algebra | Lecture (3 Credits)

Binary, octal and hexadecimal number systems. Boolean algebra and mapping.

General Education: Mathematics

MATH2250 | Statistics | Lecture (3 Credits)

Descriptive and inferential statistics, frequency distributions, probability theory, and issues related to gathering data; computer spreadsheets facilitate the organization, analysis and display of data.

General Education: Mathematics

MATH2830 | Discrete Math | Lecture (3 Credits)

Examine a set of branches of math that all have in common the feature that they are “discrete” rather than “continuous”.

General Education: Mathematics