Applied Computer Security
Study the theoretical concepts and technical skills — including hacking, ethics, and forensics — to create and maintain secure computer systems and networks.
Learn about:
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 (14 units):
- ITP-125L “From Hackers to CEOs: Introduction to Information Security” (2 units)
- ITP-325 “Ethical Hacking and Systems Defense” (3 units) [prerequisite: ITP-125]
- ITP-357 “Enterprise Network Design” (3 units) [prerequisite: ITP-125]
- ITP-370 “Information Security Management” (3 units) [prerequisite: ITP-125]
- ITP-375 “Digital Forensics” (3 units) [prerequisite: ITP-125]
Elective (4 units):
- ITP-425 “Web Application Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-301 or ITP-325 or ACAD-275]
- ITP-457 “Network Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-357]
- ITP-475 “Advanced Digital Forensics” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-375]
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 (12 units)
Core requirements (8 units):
- ITP-125L “From Hackers to CEOs: Introduction to Information Security” (2 units)
- ITP-325 “Ethical Hacking and Systems Defense” (3 units) [prerequisite: ITP-125]
- ITP-357 “Enterprise Network Design” (3 units) [prerequisite: ITP-125]
Elective (4 units):
- ITP-425 “Web Application Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-301 or ITP-325 or ACAD-275]
- ITP-457 “Network Security” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-357]
- ITP-475 “Advanced Digital Forensics” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-375]
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.
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.
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.
Resources
Advisement
Minors & Specializations
Other Resources
Minors and Specializations
Artificial Intelligence Applications
Blockchain
Cybersecurity
Cyber Governance
Digital Forensics
Computer Programming
Connected Devices and Making
Enterprise Information Systems
Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur
Mobile App Development
Technical Game Art
Video Game Production
Video Game Programming
Web Development