Studying Cybersecurity at USF
Every day, cyber threats put people, businesses and even governments at risk. Cybersecurity is about protecting information, systems and networks so that society can function safely and securely. As a cybersecurity major at USF, you鈥檒l learn how to defend against cyberattacks, safeguard sensitive data and anticipate the strategies of adversaries.
USF鈥檚 location in a rapidly growing tech hub combined with the resources of the new Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing gives students access to hands-on labs, internships and partnerships with industry and government. By the time you graduate, you鈥檒l be prepared to protect organizations from digital threats and play a critical role in one of today鈥檚 most high-demand fields.
Did you know? The cybersecurity program is accredited by the , ensuring your degree meets the highest standards recognized by employers, graduate schools and professional licensure bodies worldwide.
What You鈥檒l Learn
As a cybersecurity major at USF, you鈥檒l build a strong foundation in programming, databases, networks and statistics. You鈥檒l also explore the ethical, policy and risk management dimensions of the field, preparing you to approach cybersecurity from both a technical and organizational perspective. Electives allow you to dive deeper into areas such as cryptography, cyber forensics and cloud computing, while internships and labs give you the chance to apply your skills in real-world environments.
Did you know? USF has a BS to MS pathway that allows students to earn a master鈥檚 degree on an accelerated schedule by completing undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework simultaneously. Talk to an advisor about how to apply.
Careers and Outcomes
Tampa Bay鈥檚 tech sector has grown 28.5% over the past five years, with companies like Apple, Lockheed Martin, Meta, Jabil, Reliaquest and Rapid7 recruiting from USF鈥檚 talent pool. Cybersecurity graduates excel in roles such as:
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Cybersecurity Risk Analyst
- Information Technology Security Specialist
Job market highlights ():
- 29% job growth projected for information security analysts (2024鈥�2034)
- $124,910 median national salary
- Projected increase in information security analyst employment by 52,100 (2024-2034)
Beyond the Classroom
Gain real-world experience and build your resume through opportunities such as:
- Internships: Many students take part in internships starting as early as their sophomore year. With Tampa Bay鈥檚 growing tech community and connections to major national companies, you鈥檒l have the chance to work on real projects, build professional skills, and network with future employers. Learn more about internships in the college.
- Cooperative Education (Co-Op): Through the USF Center for Career and Professional Development, co-op integrates paid career-related work experience with your academic program on a part- or full-time basis.
- Undergraduate Research: From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, students can get involved in faculty-led research projects that tackle real-world challenges. Research experiences can appear on your official transcript and give you a competitive edge for graduate school or industry careers.
Student Spotlights
From Criminology to Cybersecurity
When Eduarda Koop was growing up in Brazil, she used to joke that she wanted to be a hacker. She never imagined that it could actually become a career path.
Koop started at USF as a criminology major, drawn to the investigative side of law enforcement. But after just one semester in that program, she pivoted to cybersecurity because of the opportunities it brings beyond law enforcement, everything from designing programs to protect data to responding to threats, to stopping nefarious behavior in its tracks.
It All Started with Unlimited Lives
As a middle schooler, Grant Stevens wanted unlimited lives for some video games. 鈥淢y first foray into cybersecurity was as a little kid, hacking to gain advantages in a game. Now, I am gaining the education needed to prevent serious malicious hacking and safeguard systems."
