Cybersecurity & Networking
The B.S. in Cybersecurity & Networking program is a four (4) year undergraduate Bachelor of Science program designed to meet the increasing professional needs of the Cybersecurity and Cyberdefense industries. Our program of study (PoS) is validated by the National Security Agency (NSA).
Cutting-Edge Technology
In the Forensics and Networking Security (FANS) lab, students work with cutting-edge technology to learn how to solve issues around hacking and cyberattacks and discover how to acquire, analyze and manage evidence collected from computers or mobile devices.
CAE-C Designation
Roger Williams University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) for the validated program of study, Cybersecurity & Networking B.S., through the academic year 2028.
CARDS
The Center for Cybersecurity, Applications, Research, and Cyber-Defense Strategies (CARDS) at Roger Williams University (RWU) is an interdisciplinary and intercollegiate center for education, research, training, and community outreach.
The CARDS provides the cybersecurity workforce with requisite knowledge and skills, as well as a learning platform in various aspects of cybersecurity and privacy through degree programs, professional certificates, training opportunities, research, and community outreach. CARDS is housed in RWU’s School of Justice Studies, which is committed to interdisciplinary and intercollegiate education.
Hands-On Approach to Cybersecurity
This program, designed by faculty experts and industry professionals, provides students with the opportunity to study aspects of computing and technology related to TCP/IP networking, Digital Forensics, Penetration Testing, Cryptography, and Cybersecurity. In particular, this program allows for a broad background in both information technology security as well as networking skills during the first three years of study, and then allows the students to practice and develop those skills over the course of a semester-long internship and additional senior-level coursework.
Instruction focuses on a hands-on approach to computers, routers, switches and other technologies as a basis for study, and adds a security focus to provide insight into the security needs of modern corporations who deal with sensitive data and hacking attempts from both internal and external threats. This hands-on experience is offered in a variety of ways, including in-person physical hardware and software explorations, simulation packages such as Cisco’s Packettracer and Labsim, and segmented virtual environments to explore and practice in.
The program is IT-oriented but security driven and will provide students with a diverse set of necessary skills suitable for jobs in such areas as network administration, IT security specialist, firewalling support, penetration testing, packet analysis, and other IT support roles within the networking, security, or IT departments of organizations. Furthermore, many of the courses are built around industry-standard exams (e.g. A+, N+, S+, CCNA, GPEN, CISSP, etc…) should the student wish to pursue these valued credentials during the program or at a later date to demonstrate ability and skillset relevance.
Get a Great Internship
Internships allow our students to put their knowledge and skills to the test in hands-on learning situations. Some recent internships include:
- Dell SecureWorks
- FM Global
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center
- Charles Stark Draper Laboratory
- Raytheon Technologies
- Fidelity Investments
- Mass General Brigham Hospital
Success By The Numbers
Real-World Experience
SJS students have guaranteed opportunities for internships or co-op experiences at various agencies.
Average Starting Salary
of our 2021 graduates.
Placement of 2021 Grads
Even with the challenges of the pandemic, our 2021 SJS graduates found success in employment or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.
Degree Requirements
Internship Certainty
Every Cybersecurity & Networking major completes a guaranteed internship. You’ll implement classroom theory in real-time practice and experience what it’s like to work in the industry.
Often, these internships lead to full-time job offers. Internship placements include Dell SecureWorks, Raytheon, Security Weekly, MediTech, FM Global, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and Police Crime Lab.
Learn from Faculty Experts
Shakour Abuzneid, Ph.D.
Professor and Director of Cybersecurity and Networking
Shakour Abuzneid's expertise includes the fields of computer science and engineering, computer communications, networks, computer and network security, cybersecurity, wireless and mobile communications, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). His current research interests include IoT design, wireless sensor networks, cloud security, wireless/mobile communications, and intrusion detection systems using machine learning.
"I believe in integrating what the industry needs with the curriculum. We should be after the technology trends to place our students in a good position when they graduate and enter the labor market," he said. "In our program, students will be well-versed in both theory and practice.”
Graduates Shares Their Success
"Because it’s a newer branch, cyber can be very competitive. RWU prepared me to compete and get that slot for cyber. I attribute it to the program Doug White has cultivated, as well as some of the extracurricular groups we have on campus."
Kasey Litchford '22
Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Cyber Branch
Major: Cybersecurity & Networking
More: Cybersecurity Program Helped Honors Student Land Competitive Position in U.S. Army
“Courses such as Advanced Networking and Advanced Python Programming allowed me to strengthen my skills through creating and designing computer networks and solving programming problems with creative freedom.”
Nicole Black '24
Cyber Analyst, Raytheon Technologies (RTX)
Major: Cybersecurity & Networking
Juris Doctor/Bachelor's 3+3 Accelerated Program (J.D.)
Earn your bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees in six years through RWU’s Three-Plus-Three Law program. You’ll get a jump-start on your J.D. by integrating law courses into your undergraduate studies and completing undergraduate requirements in your first year of law school. Accepted students will take first-year courses in the School of Law along with legal electives to fulfill undergraduate fourth-year requirements. Interested students must indicate their intent to pursue a 3+3 pathway early in their undergraduate studies for curriculum planning and advising.