The B.S. in Cybersecurity Engineering prepares engineers to be cybersecurity professionals
with the knowledge, skills, and ability to conceptualize, design, engineer, and implement
all components of a cyber-physical, network system. Graduates with this degree will
be valuable in government, military, and private sector, and will have a solid foundation
to pursue advanced study in computer science, or electrical, computer, or cybersecurity
engineering at the graduate level.
Cybersecurity is a national security issue and an economic concern for Florida and
the United States. As more industrial equipment and processes rely on computer-based,
remotely controlled systems, such as autonomous vehicles and smart grids, their secure
operation is important. Nationwide, demand is growing for engineering jobs, especially
in cyber-physical security, and ABET has responded by developing accreditation standards
that articulate industry expectations and requirements associated with the broad field
of cybersecurity, both software and hardware systems.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Data, the employment of information
security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than
the average for all occupations.
About 16,800 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on
average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need
to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force,
such as to retire.
Salary Ranges
The median annual wage for information security analysts was $120,360 in May 2023.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more
than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $69,210,
and the highest 10 percent earned more than $182,370.
Curriculum
Cybersecurity Engineering is a high-quality program focused on education, professional
development, and research to prepare outstanding cybersecurity engineering graduates
and to provide service to the community. The program is interdisciplinary and encompasses
a range of disciplines including computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer
science, engineering, science, and mathematics. The program educates students in the
fundamental core of Cybersecurity Engineering of physical systems and its cutting-edge,
high-impact areas focusing on industrial plans, smart-grid and hardware security.
At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education.
Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based
learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech
industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped
with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in
the rapidly advancing tech landscape.
At Florida Poly, internships aren't just encouraged—they're a fundamental part of
the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide
direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only
provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry,
frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates.
Florida Poly's capstone design course is the pinnacle of each students' academic journey,
consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior
year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle
real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary
approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience,
preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields.
Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships
and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries.
These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling
our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the
trajectory of technology.
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates are expected to be prepared with a solid and competitive foundation focusing
on the state-of-the art advances in the specialized concentration area. Graduates
are expected to be known for their accomplishments and attain the following within
a few years of graduation.
Demonstrate competency in developing solutions in a specialized area of computer engineering
either individually or through interdisciplinary teams.
Demonstrate success in technical or business activities through engineering ability,
communication, professional and ethical skills, and knowledge.
Be distinguished high-in demand engineering professionals as innovators and entrepreneurs.
Demonstrate professional growth through post-graduate education, continuing education,
or professional activity.
Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the cybersecurity engineering degree, students will possess:
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying
principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that met specified needs
with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural,
social, environmental, and economic factors
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations
and make informal judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions
in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership,
create a collaborative environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret
data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning
strategies.
Get Involved Outside the Classroom
We have an active student organization community with more than 35 clubs that vary
based on specific academic interests, professional development, and activities just
for fun.
Dive into the thrilling campus life at Florida Poly. From Florida PolyCon (a comic-con
like event), Purple Fire Week, poolside grill-outs and movie nights, to an annual
5K Pie Run, an epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf gun war, and so much more. At Florida
Poly, there is something for everyone and the small campus vibe makes it easy to get
involved.
Join Florida Poly's University Teams for next-level competition and camaraderie! Whether
you're into esports, soccer, weightlifting, robotics, or lacrosse, there's a team
for you. Pursue excellence alongside like-minded teammates and take your skills to
the next level. With a diverse range of options, there's something for everyone to
enjoy while striving for victory!
At Florida Poly, campus engagement is key to fostering lifelong connections, teamwork,
and leadership. With over 35 student-run clubs, there's ample opportunity to explore
passions and forge friendships beyond lectures and labs. Joining clubs empowers students
to pursue interests, develop skills, and create lasting memories with like-minded
peers, enriching the college experience and shaping futures.
