Dec 05, 2025

Ohio University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Cybersecurity Operations Major (B.S.)

Major code BS5388

Scripps College of Communication
J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies
360 Schoonover Center
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4890
www.ohio.edu/scripps-college/mcclure

Charles P. (“Chip”) Linscott, contact person
linscoc2@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The ability to protect data, information, and infrastructure from cybersecurity related attacks is a critical need in numerous industries. This degree provides students with the knowledge and skills to contribute and lead in the field of cybersecurity operations. The degree’s blend of theoretical and practical studies in information security, information networks, management of information systems, and business analytics will enable students to work in the cybersecurity operations centers at companies in the insurance, banking, consumer product, industrial, government, or retail sectors, as well as in consulting.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Any student admitted to Ohio University is eligible to enter the major. However, depending on availability of spaces in the program, factors such as high school class rank, test scores, and professional activities might be taken into account.

Change of Program Policy

A minimum GPA of 2.5 will be required for consideration. Transfer admission to the Cybersecurity Operations program will depend upon availability of openings within the program. Application materials should include: transfer form, application for Update of Academic Program, and current DARS or transcript.

External Transfer Admission

Any student admitted to Ohio University is eligible to transfer into the Cybersecurity Operations major as long as they meet these two requirements:

Transfer students must have completed more than 9 semester hours or 12 quarter hours from a regionally-accredited institution after graduating from high school (including Ohio University regional campuses).
Transfer students must have an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or above at the time of admission.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Graduates from the McClure School that work in cybersecurity operations have found employment at major companies like Nationwide, Progressive, Microsoft, AT&T, Cisco or in the healthcare and finance sectors. Graduates from this program have the skills to handle cybersecurity operations of information and networked systems following industry standards with a solid understanding of ethical and data privacy principles.

Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements

Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the Graduation Requirements – University-wide page.

Core Program Requirements

Complete the following courses. A minimum GPA average of 2.5 is required.

ITS 1034 - Introduction to Cybersecurity Credit Hours: 3
-OR-
SEC 1034 - Introduction to Cybersecurity Credit Hours: 3
ITS 2300 - Data Networking Credit Hours: 4
ITS 3100 - Internet Applications and Network Systems Credit Hours: 4
ITS 4310 - Privacy in the Internet Age Credit Hours: 3
ITS 4330 - IT Compliance and Planning Credit Hours: 3
ITS 4440 - Lifecycle Management in Emerging Communication Systems Credit Hours: 3
ITS 4510 - Cybersecurity for Network and Information Systems Credit Hours: 3
MIS 2200 - Systems Analysis and Design Credit Hours: 3
MIS 2800 - Business Intelligence and Information Management Credit Hours: 3
MIS 3800 - Cybersecurity for Business Information Systems Credit Hours: 3

Complete five of the following courses:

CS 4770 - Introduction to Computer Software Security for Engineering Credit Hours: 3
ITS 4020 - Strategic Decision Making in Information and Telecommunication Industries Credit Hours: 3
ITS 4530 - Encrypted Communication Credit Hours: 3
ITS 4750 - Internet Engineering Credit Hours: 4
ITS 4900 - Topical Seminar Credit Hours: 1 - 3
ITS 4920 - Practicum in Communication Systems Credit Hours: 1 - 3
ITS 4930 - Special Studies Credit Hours: 1 - 3
MIS 2021 - Business Information Systems Nonmajor Credit Hours: 3
MIS 3200 - Systems Development Credit Hours: 3

Non-CSO Requirements for the Major

General Courses

Complete the following courses:

BUSL 2000 - Law and Society Credit Hours: 3
COMS 1030 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking Credit Hours: 3
ITS 2801 - Scripting Projects Credit Hours: 3

Communication Course

Complete one of the following courses:

COMS 2020 - Communication and Persuasion Credit Hours: 3
COMS 2500 - Organizational Communication for Nonmajors Credit Hours: 3

Area of Concentration

With approval of your advisor, complete five related courses outside of CS, ITS, and MIS. At least 6 credit hours of these courses should be at the 3000/4000 level.

Business Analytics Minor

Students must declare the minor for it to appear on their transcripts. Complete the following courses:

QBA 1720 - Business Analytics I Credit Hours: 3
QBA 2720 - Business Analytics II Credit Hours: 3
And complete two of the following courses:
MIS 4580 - Advanced Business Intelligence Credit Hours: 3
QBA 3720 - Predictive Analytics Credit Hours: 3
QBA 4720 - Prescriptive Analytics Credit Hours: 3

BRICKS

The following BRICKS general education categories are required of Ohio University students:

Foundations - 11 hours
Pillars - 12 hours
Arches - 9 hours
Bridges - 4 hours
Capstone - 2 hours

Cybersecurity Operations students will find at least 9 BRICKS hours within their major required courses:

Foundations: QBA 2720 - Business Analytics II (3 hours)
Bridges: COMS 1030 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 hours) or ITS 4310 - Privacy in the Internet Age (3 hours)
Capstone: ITS 4440 - Lifecycle Management in Emerging Communication Systems (3 hours)

Additional Credits/Electives

Students require a total of 120 credits to graduate from the Cybersecurity Operations major. After completing the major requirements and remaining BRICKS requirements, students may fulfill this credit hour requirement with elective courses from inside or outside of the major.

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