Curriculum: Cybersecurity

Core Coursework (24 Credits)

The following courses are 3 credits each and are required to complete the degree:

• Cybersecurity Principles: Explore the foundational principles of cybersecurity, including confidentiality, integrity, availability, and risk management. By the end of this course, students will be able to analyze and apply these core concepts to protect digital environments from evolving threats.
• Network Security: This course equips students with the fundamental understanding and abilities to design secure physical and logical network structures for both wired and wireless networks. Students learn to design, implement, and manage secure network infrastructures to defend against internal and external cyber threats.
• Cryptography and Data Privacy: Delve into the principles of cryptography and strategies for ensuring data privacy in the digital age. Through hands-on activities, students learn to implement cryptographic solutions and develop frameworks to protect sensitive information.
• Defending Critical Infrastructure and Resilience: Examine the unique challenges of securing critical infrastructure and building resilience against cyber threats. Students will be equipped with the skills to assess vulnerabilities and develop defense strategies for essential services like energy and healthcare.
• Cyber Policy and Emerging Threats:This course explores the development and implementation of global cybersecurity policies and strategies, with a focus on international cooperation and diplomacy. You’ll learn to critically evaluate and influence cybersecurity policies that address global threats.
• Cyber-Physical Defense: How can organizations defend their industrial control systems and operational technology from cyber-physical threats? Explore the unique world of operational technology (OT) — the hardware, software, and networks that run critical infrastructure from manufacturing lines to power grids. You’ll gain foundational knowledge of OT terminology, architectures, and components (PLCs, SCADA, historians, sensors/actuators), then dive into the protocols, network designs, and segmentation strategies that keep these environments running—and secure. Along the way, you’ll study real-world attack patterns (Stuxnet, Ukraine grid intrusions), learn to apply MITRE ATT&CK for ICS, and navigate the regulatory and compliance frameworks that govern the electric sector and other process-driven industries.
• Cyber Warfare: Review the latest trends in emerging cyber threats and the dynamics of cyber warfare. Students learn to assess advanced persistent threats and state-sponsored attacks and develop strategies to defend against these sophisticated threats.
• Cybercrime, Risk, and Compliance: Understand the landscape of cybercrime, risk management, and compliance with cybersecurity regulations. This course equips students with the skills to manage cybercrime risks and ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards.

Cyber Defense and Intelligence Track (9 Credits)

Learn to gather and analyze data on cybersecurity threats to safeguard important infrastructure and national assets through these three courses.

• Cyber Threat Intelligence: Master the collection, analysis, and dissemination of cyber threat intelligence to protect against evolving cyber threats. By the end of this course, students will be able to develop threat profiles and intelligence reports that enhance organizational security strategies.
• Security Operations: Gain the skills to manage security operations, detect incidents, and improve an organization’s security posture. This course offers hands-on experience with security information and event management (SIEM) tools and incident response processes to prepare them for the dynamic field of security operations.
• Security Technology Labs: This course provides a platform for students to gain hands-on experience with security technologies through lab-based exercises, focusing on tools like firewalls and vulnerability scanners. The course prepares students to effectively configure and manage security technologies in real-world scenarios.

Practicum

• Cybersecurity Practicum: Apply your cybersecurity knowledge in a real-world setting through project-based work and collaboration with industry professionals. This practicum aims to offer practical experience to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing readiness to work in the cybersecurity field. Eligible students can complete the capstone where they currently work.

Program Structure

The program consists of 12 courses (36 credit hours). Each term (summer, fall, or spring) has two sessions (A and B). You will take one course at a time in each session (7 weeks).

Courses are 100% online and asynchronous (no required live class meetings), but you will have deliverables due each week. You’ll learn in interactive online classes where you virtually meet students from around the world.

You’ll never be without support while pursuing your degree and can expect to meet individually with the program director to discuss your goals and class options. In addition, all faculty members hold open office hours. Throughout the program, you can access Middlebury’s remote library resources, mental and medical health support services, technologies, and more.