Department of Computer Science Cybersecurity Focal Path

Department of Computer Science Cybersecurity Focal Path

The University of Virginia Department of Computer Science offers the opportunity for to complete a rigorous focal path in cybersecurity. A focal path is a selection of courses that covers the cybersecurity  Knowledge Units (KUs) specified by the NCAE program office. The Department of Computer Science Cybersecurity Focal Path requires ten courses. Once you have completed these courses, you can apply for a Letter of Completion (linked below).

The Department of Computer Science Cybersecurity Focal Path has the following learning outcomes. Students completing the Department of Computer Science Cybersecurity Focal path will be able to:

1. Analyze a program/computing system and apply principles of computing, principles of cybersecurity, and software analysis fundamentals to identify potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
2. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions to identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities.
3. Apply basic principles and practices for secure computing.
4. Demonstrate strategies and techniques that are commonly used in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions to defend computing systems and to exploit common vulnerabilities in computing systems.
5. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments when analyzing computing systems for vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

Required Courses (New Curriculum Fall 2019 and onward)

The ten courses in the Department of Computer Science Cybersecurity Focal Path are:

• CS 2100 – Data Structures and Algorithms 1

• CS 2130 – Computer Systems & Organization 1

• CS 3100 – Data Structures and Algorithms 2

• CS 3120  – Discrete Math and Theory 2

• CS 3130 – Computer Systems and Organization 2

• CS 3140 – Software Development Essentials

• CS 3710 – Introduction to Cybersecurity

• CS 4457 – Computer Networks

• CS 4630 –  Defense Against the Dark Arts

• CS 4750 – Database Systems

Obtaining the Letter of Completion

Once you have completed these courses, you can apply for a Letter of Completion of UVA Computer Science Cybersecurity Focal Path by filling out this Application.

Previous Focal Path (Old Curriculum)

The ten courses in the previous B. S. Computer Science Cybersecurity Focal Path which was a validated program of study. A focal path is a selection of courses that covers the cybersecurity  Knowledge Units (KUs) specified by the NCAE program office. The Department of Computer Science Cybersecurity Focal Path requires ten courses. Once you have completed these courses, you can apply for a Letter of Completion (linked below).  Because of an extensvie curriculum revision, this program of study is no longer offered.  Students interest in obtaining a focal path certificate of completion are encouraged to consider the new focal path.

• APMA/STAT 3120 Statistics

• CS 111x Introduction to Programming

• CS 2150 Program and Data Representation

• CS 3102 Theory of Computation

• CS 4102 Algorithms

• CS 4414 Operating Systems

• CS/ECE 4457 Computer Networks

• CS 4630 Defense Against the Dark Arts

• CS 4750 Database Systems

• CS 4760 Network Security