University of Portland Bulletin 2026-2027

Cybersecurity Minor

A minor in Cybersecurity is available for students to learn to build, interpret, and evaluate systems that secure data and computer communications. Applications of Cybersecurity exist in almost any domain, since it is relevant in any situation where computers and data are an essential part of operations. The Cybersecurity minor prepares students for careers in which the understanding of fundamental protocols and techniques for safeguarding data is important.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Design and build systems to secure data across devices or ecosystems
  2. Effectively evaluate and analyze cybersecurity methods and models
 

Minor Prerequisites - 4 credit hours

CS 203Introduction to Computer Science

3

CS 273Computer Science Laboratory

1

Required Courses - 7 credit hours

CS 305Data Structures

3

CS 376Unix/Linux Tools Laboratory

1

CS 448Topics in Cybersecurity

3

Minor Electives - 6 credit hours

Choose two courses from the following list:
CORE 350XIssues in Technology and AI

3

CS 324Analysis of Algorithms

3

CS 350Computer Science Seminar

3

CS 427Internet of Things

3

CS 434Database Management Systems

3

CS 445Computer Networks and Internetworking

3

CS 449Applied Algorithms

3

CS 493Research

1-3

MTH 443Cryptography

3

Students may not take both CORE 350X and CS 350 to fulfill the minor electives.

A maximum of 3 credits of CS 493 is allowed and the research project must be in the field of cybersecurity.

Students who are pursuing a major or minor that includes the courses above are advised to meet with an academic advisor to ensure they meet the degree requirements and the Cybersecurity minor requirements, subject to the 25% overlap rule.