Cybersecurity

Study the theoretical concepts and technical skills — including hacking, ethics, and forensics — to create and maintain secure computer systems and networks.

Learn about:

Skills and Careers
Requirements
Course Plan
Resources

Skills

Hacking
Ethics
Security management
Network design
Encryption
Investigation techniques

Careers

Security manager
Network architect
Consultant
Threat investigator

Requirements

All minors at USC need 16 units that only meet minor requirements and do not meet any other major, minor, or GE requirement.
All TAC specializations need at least 4 TAC units that only meet specialization requirements and do not meet any other major, minor, or GE requirement.
All courses completed for your minor or specialization must be completed for a letter grade.
You must earn a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA in the courses completed for your minor or specialization.

Minor (18 units)

Core requirements (10 units):

TAC-125L “From Hackers to CEOs: Introduction to Information Security” (2 units)
TAC-325 “Ethical Hacking” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-125]
TAC-357 “Enterprise Network Design” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-125]

Elective (8 units):

TAC-370 “Cybersecurity Management and Operations” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-125]
TAC-375 “Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Investigations” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-125]
TAC-425 “Web Application Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-301 or TAC-325 or ACAD-275]
TAC-443 “Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-325 and TAC-375] Spring only
TAC-445 “Apple Forensics & Security (macOS and iOS)” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-375] Fall only
TAC-447 “Mobile Device Forensics & Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-375]
TAC-457 “Network Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-357]
TAC-458 “Defending and Investigating Compromised Networks” [Capstone] (4 units) [prerequisite: at least 2 of the following: TAC-325, TAC-357, TAC-370, TAC-375]
TAC-479 “Cyber Law and Privacy” (4 units)

Substitutions:

INCO BA Students: A minor requires 16 unique units. You can earn the Cyber Security minor by substituting TAC 325 for an additional Elective. Please email our academic advisors so that they can update your STARS report. Substitution courses are not automatically applied to your minor requirements.

Specialization (10 units)

Core requirements (10 units):

TAC-125L “From Hackers to CEOs: Introduction to Information Security” (2 units)
TAC-325 “Ethical Hacking” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-125]
TAC-357 “Enterprise Network Design” (4 units) [prerequisite: TAC-125]

Course Plan

Use the chart below to plan your course schedule to complete your minor. Pay careful attention to prerequisites. Make sure you consult with your major advisor about how best to incorporate the requirements for your minor with your major and general education requirements.

Please contact our academic advisors with questions about course sequencing, departmental clearance and course substitutions.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

"I completely changed my mindset on how to problem solve both theoretically and practically. Since the classes I took were very small and focused, I made a lot of great connections and new approaches to technology problems. After I graduated my first job was through my old ITP professor where he recruited me to work with him at a new tech security start up."

-Eric Bittner, Economics

Class of 2018

What our students and alumni say

Next steps

How can I add this program?

Apply online

Current USC students can use our online application to declare a minor or specialization. Your application will be processed within 4 to 9 business days, and you will be notified at your official USC email address of your admission to the program of your choice.

Complete your application >

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Contact us with questions

If you have a question about the program, you're welcome to write to us or schedule an advisement appointment. We can help you navigate our program requirements and resources and refer you to other offices as needed.

Contact our advisors >