Cybersecurity Minor

Admissions & Aid Shiley School of Engineering
Two University of Portland computer engineering students discuss cyber data.

Cybersecurity Minor

What Will I Learn in the Cybersecurity Minor?

As our world becomes more interconnected, the need to protect digital information and systems from evolving threats has created a significant demand for qualified professionals. With UP’s cybersecurity minor, you will gain hands-on experience assessing computer systems for cybersecurity threats and applying methods to prevent them. You will begin by learning basic programming skills, with which you will learn how to detect and deter a variety of illegal and unethical activities that might be used to attack a computing system or network. You will then apply this knowledge in contexts such as computer algorithms, business policy, database management, computer networks, and cryptography. 

Cybersecurity Minor Courses

A minor in Cybersecurity provides the foundational knowledge and technical skills to secure the digital world. You will gain deep programming expertise in core computer science and data structures, and master essential Unix/Linux tools. Electives use a variety of programming languages like Python, R, and SQL, and offer a choice between focusing on data security or exploring the broader societal impacts of cybercrime. You’ll graduate with highly marketable skills in designing and testing secure software and understanding the capabilities and limits of various cybersecurity techniques. This prepares you to be a critical defender in any industry.

Minor Requirements

University Core 

At University of Portland, the Core Curriculum enhances your technical expertise in cybersecurity with liberal arts courses that sharpen your critical thinking and decision-making skills. You will be prepared to analyze data with precision and purpose. 

The Core

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Careers and Outcomes

The fast-growing demand for cybersecurity professionals has created a wealth of opportunities across multiple industries, including finance, government, healthcare, and retail. With your skills in risk management, threat identification, and data protection strategies, you will be in-demand as a professional who can make informed decisions about privacy and data security. 

Cybersecurity Minor Jobs

With a Cybersecurity Minor, you could pursue careers like: 

 

  • Product Manager – Understanding security concerns in product design
  • SEO Specialist – Safeguarding against cyberattacks that can compromise website integrity and search rankings 
  • Healthcare Administrator – Ensuring patient records remain protected 
  • Engineering – Protecting connected devices from cyber vulnerabilities
  • Content Manager – Securing digital assets from theft 
  • Sociology – Understanding the social impacts of cyber threats on public trust and privacy 
  • Public Policy Analyst – Advising on cybersecurity regulations 
  • IT Support Specialist – Helping employees and customers manage basic security protocols 

Graduate Studies

The cybersecurity expertise gained in the minor program prepares you to study security policies, risk assessments, and legal compliance in organizations. This skillset would enhance graduate degrees in business, criminal justice, healthcare, information systems, and computer engineering. 

Related Degrees

BS in Computer Science (BSCS)

BS in Applied Mathematics

BBA in Operations and Technology Management

Secure Your Future

A cybersecurity minor quips you with the knowledge to protect digital assets, identify vulnerabilities, and respond to cyberattacks — a valuable skillset leading to a stable and lucrative career in any field where computers, data, and computer networks play a major role.  

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