We live connected and increasingly digital lives, and cybersecurity majors and minors at RMC become part of an essential group of professionals who help us protect against digital threats. Create, analyze and test secure systems, networks, and applications as part of your in-depth study of one of the fastest growing career sectors in the world. Based on nationally recognized standards, Randolph-Macons’s cybersecurity curriculum focuses on four main areas of cybersecurity – data security, network security; computer security; and security policy. With state-of-the-art computer facilities, hands-on learning, and an emphasis on effective communication skills, cybersecurity graduates leave RMC ready for a successful and important career.
Major/Minor Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
up close In and Beyond the Classroom
Facilities
Typically only found at large research universities, RMC’s impressive facilities provide students the opportunity to experience a real-life situation using actual computers and networks. Randolph-Macon cybersecurity students have access to three state-of-the-art computer labs 24/7 powered with both Windows and Linux systems. While some cybersecurity programs rely on virtual computers and networks for teaching security courses, at Randolph-Macon, the learning is truly hands-on.
Hands-on Research
Cybersecurity students are encouraged to pursue their research areas of interest through a senior capstone project and with the support of the Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) summer program.
In summer 2022, cybersecurity student Ethan Olmsted worked with Dr. Rance Necaise to determine whether security-related smart home devices could withstand a denial of service (DOS) cyberattack. His multiple simulated network attacks found the scary truth that all were in fact susceptible to network attacks to varying degrees.
High-Impact Internships
Start making a difference in the real-word while you’re completing your cybersecurity degree at RMC. Recent Randolph-Macon internships include opportunities to work alongside cybersecurity professionals at web hosting, cybersecurity and other companies including:
- Sentara Hospital Systems
- MAD Security
- MKA Cyber
- Richweb
advising and mentorship
At RMC, we believe in learning by doing. But we don’t expect you to do everything on your own. All faculty are dedicated to student learning, making your educational journey their most important priority. Cybersecurity faculty cultivate a friendly environment that invites the asking of questions and seeking help when needed. With this strong support system, some cybersecurity students choose to participate in faculty research projects, with opportunities for recognition at conference presentations and in publications.
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70dedicated Linux workstations are available for use 24/7
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$102,600median annual salary for an information security analyst
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35%anticipated growth rate for cybersecurity-related jobs in the next 10 years (vs. 5% for all others)
Cybersecurity
in full Courses You Won’t Want to Miss
(A very small sample)
CSEC 121
Privacy and Security
Explore how the concepts of privacy and security have changed with the emergence of personal computers, tablets, and smartphones. Study the ethical issues related to emerging technologies and social media applications and research issues related to personal privacy, freedom of expression, and respecting and protecting intellectual property.
CSEC 322
Computer and Internet Security
Explore techniques and best practices for securing hardware and software systems and detecting and recovering from digital attacks. Learn about authentication and authorization models, access control, monitoring, penetration testing, intrusion detection, attacks and defenses, malware, system recovery, and tools for assessing system vulnerabilities.
CSCI 330
Computer Networks and Security
Learn the concepts and protocols of modern computer networks with emphasis on the Internet. Study network architecture and layering, routing and switching, commonly used network protocols (Ethernet, IP, TCP, HTTP, SMTP, POP), and client-server network application development.
Opportunities Worth Grabbing
Popular activities and programs among cybersecurity majors
Student chapter of The Association of Computing Machinery (ACM),
The professional educational society of the computer science discipline
ESports
Teams compete in several conferences in games like League of Legends, Hearthstone, Madden and more.
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