Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity

Our Master of Science in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance is accepting admissions applications. The B.S. in Computer Science Composite is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Computer Science Program Criteria. Visit the ABET website for more information. The Cybersecurity degree is designated a Center of Academic Excellence by the CAE-C.

Mission Statement

The Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity (CSCY) supports the mission of the University by providing high quality graduate and undergraduate education to students through certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and master degree programs.

The mission of the CSCY Department is to provide a learning-centered environment that enables students, faculty, and staff to achieve their goals and to empower our students to compete on a global level for careers in government, industry, secondary education, and acceptance to graduate school.

The Department provides programs in computer science and cybersecurity. The curricula are rich with opportunities for students to develop a sound understanding of fundamentals as well as specialized theories, practices, and ethics that enhance their learning.

The CSCY faculty are committed to providing high-quality education, individual guidance and assistance to students, helping them to develop the attributes of critical thinking, effective communication, lifelong learning, and individual integrity while pursuing their academic goals as well as engaging in scholarly activities to enhance our classes, involve students and, to assist in the economic development of the region through partnerships with industry, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

Vision Statement

The Southern Utah University (SUU), Computer Science and Cybersecurity Department (CSCY) will be globally renowned for its excellence in education and scholarship within all of its comprehensive programs, ultimately becoming a role model for other institutions.

The Goals of the CSCY Department that Support the Mission

1. Provide excellent programs in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Cybersecurity.
2. Prepare graduates for careers enabling them to compete on a global level in government, industry, secondary education, and graduate school acceptance.
3. Provide excellent General Education and service to the degree programs of other Departments and the University community.
4. Engage in research and other scholarly activities that enhance, promote, and support degree programs, instructional activities, and intellectual and professional growth of students and faculty. Contribute to the body of knowledge in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Cybersecurity.
5. Provide an environment that promotes collegiality, collaboration, and the joy of learning.
6. Recruit and retain highly qualified students to the Computer Science and Cybersecurity programs.

Educational Objectives for the CSCY Programs

Computer Science/Cybersecurity Educational Objectives

1. Increased software development and project management skills to solve large-scale, complex problems
2. Grow professionally through continuing education, research and development, and involvement in professional activities.
3. Contribute to society by modeling ethical and responsible behavior.
4. Refined effective oral and written communication through new and developing modes of media.
5. Assume a variety of leadership roles in teams of diverse membership.

Program Outcomes provide students with the necessary skills to obtain the Education Objectives after graduation. Program Outcomes are divided into General criteria and Program criteria. The following are the Program Outcomes for the Computer Science and Cybersecurity degrees. The General criteria is followed by the program-specific criteria for each of the degrees.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will have the ability to:

Common Program Outcomes for Computer Science and Cybersecurity

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and
   other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set
   of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in
   computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities
   appropriate to the program’s discipline.

Additional Computer Science Program Criteria

6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to
   produce computing-based solutions.

Additional Information Systems Program Criteria

7. Support the delivery, use, and management of information systems within an
   information systems environment