Cybersecurity Studies
Minor

Earn Your Minor in Cybersecurity Studies at iSchool

Cybersecurity is an essential component of modern digital infrastructure, impacting every industry. The Cybersecurity Studies Minor (CSM) at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool) – structured to offer a holistic foundation in cybersecurity concepts, technologies, policies, and emergent issues – gives students from any major the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to navigate today’s digital threats and tomorrow’s evolving security challenges.

Whether you’re majoring in business, political science, computer science, or communications, this minor will give you an edge in any career path where data security and digital trust matter.

  • Open to all majors — no prior technical experience required
  • Gain practical, policy, and technical knowledge
  • Learn from nationally recognized cybersecurity experts and practitioners
  • Access internship and networking opportunities with leading employers in cybersecurity
Program Info

18

Total Credit Hours

Graduate

Program Duration:

Typically 2–4 semesters

Laptop

Program Delivery: 

On-campus

6

Courses

 
Admissions Requirements

Registrar’s Declaration of Minor form

  • Complete the top half of the form. Everything above “I WISH TO DECLARE MINOR IN:”
  • Under, “I WISH TO DECLARE MINOR IN”
  • Information Management & Technology, minor code INF10MIN
  • Information Technology, Design & Startups, minor code INF35MIN
  • Input the name of the iSchool minor and the accompanying minor code
  • Sign/type your name in line #3.
  • Save the file using the following naming convention: “Last Name_iSchool Minor_date”
  • Email the completed form to iUndergrad@syr.edu

After you complete this process, the iSchool Office of Student Services will obtain the necessary signatures for you and forward them to your home college or school for full processing. Process times vary for different schools and colleges. We recommend you reach out to your academic advisor with any questions or concerns.

Feel free to reach out to our academic advisor with any questions.

 
Internships & Professional Connections

Optional internship or independent study experiences can be taken for credit. Some of our faculty members have worked with:

  • FBI
  • Lockheed Martin
  • NYS Office of the Attorney General
  • Syracuse University’s own IT and security teams

Career Services and academic advisors will work with you to find the right fit based on your goals.

 
Program Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and analyze key cybersecurity technologies, policies, and current issues
  • Examine real-world vulnerabilities and recommend countermeasures
  • Communicate security challenges and solutions in a professional context
 
How to Apply

  • Gather Required Documents
  • Complete the Undergraduate Program Application:
  • Visit the Undergraduate Program Application portal on the Syracuse University website.
  • Create an account and fill out your personal information, educational background, and program-specific details.
  • Submit Supporting Documents
  • Pay the Application Fee
  • Track Your Application
  • If you have any questions or need assistance throughout the process, feel free to reach out to our Enrollment Management team at iGrad@syr.edu. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to receiving your application!

 

What Can You Do with a Minor in Cybersecurity Studies?

A minor in cybersecurity can expand your career options across industries—from law and government to healthcare and finance. You’ll gain skills that employers are actively seeking, and be equipped to protect data, manage risk, and lead in digital environments.

Career Opportunities
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Consultant
  • Digital Forensics Specialist
  • SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst
  • Risk & Compliance Analyst
  • Cyber Policy Analyst
  • IT Auditor
  • Network Security Specialist

The MS in Applied Data Science is designated as a STEM program. This designation allows international students maintaining F-1 status to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. Additionally, the program qualifies for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension, as recognized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). With qualifying employment, students can apply for an extension, granting them a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

#0
Fastest-Growing
Skill Category Globally
World Economic Forum
Median pay for
Information security analysts
Bureau of Labor Statistics
$0
0%
Expected Growth of
Cybersecurity Jobs
Much faster than average, BLS

Syracuse University is accredited by
the Middle States Commission
on Higher Education Accreditation.

Courses & Curriculum

The minor Cybersecurity is 18 credits and combines core course with the choice of 6 credits worth of electives to give you a strong cybersecurity foundation with the opportunity to combine your studies with internship experience.

View Full Course Catalog

Required Courses – 12 Credits

IST 323 | 3 CREDITS

Basic concepts and technologies of information security, including security properties, vulnerabilities, cryptography, security policies, access control, authentication, firewalls, wireless security, internet security protocols, real life cases, hands on labs, and other related topics.

IST 336 | 3 CREDITS

Today’s leading issues and challenges in cybersecurity, considering global perspectives that are related to current technology trends.  Students will also have research opportunities in the topic area and hands on experiences in information security.

IST 342 | 3 CREDITS

Students are introduced to the necessary skills for developing, reviewing and implementing information security policies.  Learn the fundamentals of effective policy writing, awareness and training, as well as information security frameworks important to building a successful information security policy.
PREREQ IST323

IST 476 | 3 CREDITS

This course is intended to explore how to apply information security technologies and approaches to real-life systems and services.
PREREQ IST 323

Electives – 6 credits

IST 300/400 | 3 CREDITS

If a selected topics course (IST300/IST400), internship (IST471) or independent study (IST490) is selected, it must have a focus in cybersecurity in order to count towards the minor. Other relevant cybersecurity courses offered at SU may be counted as electives for the minor, and students must have the course approved by petition prior to registration.

IST 402 | 3 CREDITS
Topics include the basic concepts, ethics/codes, procedures, forensic techniques, analysis, example cases, hands on labs, and applications to existing environments such as e-mail, social media, mobile devices, IoT, and others.

IST 425 | 3 CREDITS
A multidisciplinary perspective of risk assessment, modeling, and management. Topics include: concepts of personal accountability versus governance and policy; how organizations define and measure risk and loss; and plan for contingencies.

IST 431 | 3 CREDITS
This course addresses key concepts, technologies, and management strategies associated with securing enterprise digital computer networks and related devices and applications.  Students will gain an understanding of the major threats and vulnerabilities as well as technologies and strategies for protection.
PREREQ IST233 and IST323

IST 471 | 3 CREDITS

If a selected topics course (IST300/IST400), internship (IST471) or independent study (IST490) is selected, it must have a focus in cybersecurity in order to count towards the minor. Other relevant cybersecurity courses offered at SU may be counted as electives for the minor, and students must have the course approved by petition prior to registration.

IST 490 | 3 CREDITS

If a selected topics course (IST300/IST400), internship (IST471) or independent study (IST490) is selected, it must have a focus in cybersecurity in order to count towards the minor. Other relevant cybersecurity courses offered at SU may be counted as electives for the minor, and students must have the course approved by petition prior to registration.

Student Success Stories
Meet Our Alumni

Our students have gone on to pursue cybersecurity careers at leading companies, federal agencies, and non-profits. Our alumni frequently return to mentor, guest lecture, and help students build their professional networks. 

Sophia Davis combined her creative and technical skills learned through her studies at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies to excel in cybersecurity content development at IBM. Inspired by an introduction to information security, she now designs engaging technical materials that highlight cybersecurity solutions. Learn more here.

Dr. Joon Park

NSA CAE-C PoC, Program Director

Dr. MD Tariqul Islam

Expert in secure systems and data privacy

Carlos Caicedo

Dr. Carlos Caicedo

Director of the Center for Emerging Network Technologies

lee mcknight

Dr. Lee McKnight

Affiliate of the Autonomous Systems Policy Lab (ASPL) and the Internet Governance Policy Lab (ISPL).

Faculty Experts

You’ll learn from world-class cybersecurity researchers and experienced professionals including

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 2-year cybersecurity degree worth it?
Yes—cybersecurity roles are in high demand. While this is a minor, pairing it with your major enhances your versatility and hiring potential in any industry.

Can I take an internship for credit?
Yes! IST 471 (Internship in Cybersecurity) is an approved elective. Internships must focus on cybersecurity to count toward the minor.

Do I need a technical background to enroll?
Not at all. The program is designed for students of all academic backgrounds and requires no prior coding or technical experience.