Note: The "Applied Computer Security" minor is being updated effective Fall 2022. The new minor is called "Cybersecurity", and will have adjusted requirements. If you have declared an Applied Computer Security minor prior to Fall 2022, please reach out to itpadvising@usc.edu for your remaining requirements, or if you have any questions or concerns.

Cybersecurity

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

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 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):

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

Elective (8 units):

ACC-380 “Introduction to Enterprise Risk Management” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-125]
ITP-370 “Cybersecurity Management and Operations” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-125]
ITP-375 “Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Investigations” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-125]

ITP-425 “Web Application Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-301 or ITP-325 or ACAD-275]
ITP-445 “Apple Forensics & Security (macOS and iOS)” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-375]
ITP-447 “Mobile Device Forensics & Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-375]
ITP-457 “Network Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-357]
ITP-471 “Consultancy Skills for Cyber Risk Management” (4 units)
ITP-475 “Advanced Digital Forensics and Incident Response” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-375]
ITP-479 “Cyber Law and Privacy” (4 units)

Substitutions:

The following courses are also pre-approved electives for the minor. If you enroll in one of the following courses, please email our academic advisors so that they can update your STARS report. Substitution courses are not automatically applied to your minor requirements, so you will need to ask our academic advisors to make the change for you.

ITP-499 “Advanced Risk Management for Cyber Security" (4 units)
ITP-499 “Open Source Intelligence Collection and Analysis" (2 units)

Specialization (10 units)

Core requirements (10 units):

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

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 >

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 >