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

Total Credit Hours

Program Duration:

Typically 2–4 semesters

Program Delivery:

On-campus

Courses

Admissions Requirements

To apply for a minor in the iSchool, fill out the Registrar’s Declaration of Minor form.

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

Cybersecurity minor students gain access to a robust network of industry 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

Students in the CSM program will be able to:

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

If you're interested in pursuing your undergraduate studies on campus, follow the steps below to ensure a smooth and successful application.

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

International Students

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.

Fastest-Growing
Skill Category Globally

World Economic Forum

Median pay for
Information security analysts

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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 Cybersecurity Studies Minor requires 18 credits and can typically be completed in as little as one year, depending on your academic schedule. The curriculum combines a strong foundational core in cybersecurity concepts and policy with electives that allow you to tailor the experience to your interests—whether you’re drawn to digital forensics, network security, enterprise risk, or hands-on fieldwork.

Required Courses (12 credits)

Introduction to Information Security

IST323 – Introduction to Information Security

Leading Issues in Information Security

IST336 – Leading Issues in Information Security

Information Security Policy

IST342 – Information Security Policy

Applied Machine Learning

IST476 – Applied Information Security

Elective Courses (6 credits): Choose 2 courses from

Digital Forensics

IST402 – Digital Forensics

Enterprise Risk Management

IST425 – Enterprise Risk Management

Security in Networked Environments

IST431 – Security in Networked Environments

Selected Topics in Cybersecurity

IST300/400 – Selected Topics in Cybersecurity

Cybercrime Investigation and Forensics

IST3xx – Cybercrime Investigation and Forensics (under development)

Internship (in Cybersecurity)

IST471 – Internship (in Cybersecurity)

Independent Study (in Cybersecurity)

IST490 – Independent Study (in Cybersecurity)

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

Dr. Carlos Caicedo

Director of the Center for Emerging Network Technologies

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.