Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Cyber Science Department
teamcyber.

Cyber Operations Major (SCY)

Cyber Science Logo

 

Cyber Operations program granted NSA CAE-CO designation

The Cyber Operations program was recently granted the National Security Agency (NSA) designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO).  The Naval Academy’s cyber operations program is the only program to receive this designation for 2020 and is the 22nd program in the United States to hold such a designation since the program was created in 2012.

 

Cyber Accreditation

The B.S. in Cyber Operations program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.


The Discipline and the Major

Per existing National Security directives, Cyberspace is “a global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent network of information technology infrastructures, including the internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers …common usage of the term also refers to the virtual environment of information and interactions between people.” Cyber Operations is an interdisciplinary major that covers the entire scope of cyberspace and related operations, both technical and non-technical. As such, the Cyber Operations major provides a basic foundation in computer architecture, programming, data structures, networks, internet, database systems, information assurance, cryptography, and forensics. The technical aspects of the program are balanced with additional courses and electives emphasizing applications in areas such as policy, law, ethics, and social engineering. After completing the Cyber Operations program at the Naval Academy, future officers can go on to advanced study or possibly assignments with the various military Cyber-related Cyber forces in support of national security.

Midshipmen will participate in hands-on cyber operations beginning third class year and the program culminates in fully immersed cyber operations studies and simulations in the first class year.

 

Opportunities

Upper class Cyber Operations majors may engage in independent study, or participate in summer internships with the National Security Agency, the Defense Information Systems Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, or the Naval Research Labs. Annually, a select group of Cyber Operations majors participate with midshipmen from the Computer Science and Information Technology majors in the Service Academy Cyber Defense Exercise. Foreign travel designed to expand awareness of international cyber operations and cyber security may also be possible.

Cyber Operations graduates may be selected, depending on billet availability and competitiveness, into the Information Professional (IP) and Cryptologic Warfare Officer (CW) career options. IP officers harness technology, information and knowledge to ensure battlespace dominance and CW officers conduct a wide range of cyber warfare operations. Cyber Security and Cyber Operations are one of the fastest growing industries and fields in the United States. A degree in Cyber Operations can lead to a highly successful career in the Navy and Marine Corps, or in the government and private sectors.


Considerations 

Midshipmen considering the Cyber Operations major should have a strong interest in computer and information technology as it applies to cyberspace, networks, and the use of the internet; performance and aptitude in mathematics, sciences, and in Cyber Security I (SY110) are among the indicators for success in the major. Students will receive a strong foundation working with computers, servers, routers, and other computer equipment, but will also gain awareness of the politics, ethics, legalities of cyber operations, as well as what drives the social aspect of cyber operations. Students who enjoy working with systems of computers, who have an interest in the technical foundation for computer and network security, or who have a systematic way of thinking, have the greatest success in the major. No prior computer programming experience is required to be successful in this major.

 

Diversity Statement

The Cyber Science Department strives to provide a safe, respectful learning environment for all students. Our students can rely on us to sustain a generative space for creativity, rhetorical and civic deliberation, scholarly inquiry, and an openness to new ideas. We oppose harassment or bullying of any sort, particularly that based on race, gender, gender identity, religion (or none), national origin, geographic background, neurological make up (neurodiversity), political and ideological perspectives, LGBTQ+ status, immigration status, social and economic status, veteran status, age or disability.


Center for Cyber Security Studies
go to Top