Cyber Systems

CYBR 101 – Computer Science I: Introduction to Programming     3 credit hours

This course introduces programming fundamentals while emphasizing problem-solving for data-driven contexts. Students learn core coding constructs, data structures, functions, and algorithmic thinking alongside mathematical concepts to build, analyze, and interpret computational solutions for applications.
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 101 or higher

CYBR 105 – Introduction to Cyber Systems     2 credit hours

This course orients students to Cyber Systems programs and academic planning. Students will create a degree completion plan, assess personal strengths, and explore career pathways. The course emphasizes skill development, professional growth, and ethical awareness to prepare students for success in computing, information technology, and cybersecurity fields.

CYBR 126 – First Year Seminar     1 credit hour

The First-Year Seminar provides students with a multidisciplinary experience in which they approach an issue or problem from the perspective of three different academic differences. The First-Year Seminar will consist of three 1-credit hour courses taken as co-requisites in a single semester. The successful completion of all three courses satisfies the General Studies LOPER 1 course requirement. Students may take the First-Year Seminar in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Students admitted as readmit students or transfer students who transfer 18 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are exempt from taking a LOPER 1 course.

CYBR 140 – The Internet Explained     3 credit hours

This course explores the internet as a powerful force, which continues to shape culture, politics, and economies worldwide. Through historical analysis and critical exploration, students identify public issues, evaluate information, and assess civic consequences. Students will become informed digital citizens ready to address challenges in today's interconnected world.

CYBR 150 – Computer Science II: Object Oriented Programming     3 credit hours

This course provides a comprehensive study of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles, requirements, best practices, and applications.
Prerequisite: CYBR 101

CYBR 151 – Linux Fundamentals     1 credit hour

This course introduces the Linux operating system and its core concepts. Students will gain hands-on experience working with Linux in a virtual environment. Topics include basic Linux commands, file system navigation, file and directory management, shell scripting, process management, networking, and file permissions.

CYBR 158 – Introduction to Information Security     3 credit hours

This course provides the basic concepts and principles of information security and the fundamental approaches to secure and protect computers, networks, and data. The main topics include: security concepts and principles, security risk management, software security, information security controls, cryptography, mobile security, legal and ethical issues, and privacy.
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in CYBR 101

CYBR 180 – Discrete Structures     3 credit hours

This course introduces students to a variety of discrete mathematical topics. These are covered with a focus on their impact in modern Computer Science.
Prerequisite: CYBR 101.
Corequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 115 or MATH 123.

CYBR 280H – Special Topics     3 credit hours

A General Studies course for Honors students. Interdisciplinary course that examines the connections between disciplines.

CYBR 304 – Foundation of Computational Mathematics     3 credit hours

This course introduces linear algebra concepts and computational mathematics that are essential for machine learning. Students explore vectors, matrices, linear systems, eigenvalues, and factorizations, applying algorithms like principal component analysis, single value decomposition, and PageRank to real-world computational problems.
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 115.

CYBR 305 – Healthcare Informatics & Technology     3 credit hours

This course explores how technology shapes modern healthcare, from electronic health records to cybersecurity to patient privacy. Students will examine real-world challenges to find solutions through interactive discussions and hands-on projects.

CYBR 306 – Data Analytics & Predictive Modeling     3 credit hours

This course equips students with advanced data analytics and predictive modeling skills to extract actionable insights from complex and real-time datasets using statistical and analytical techniques to support informed decision-making and business strategy.

CYBR 325 – Database Systems     3 credit hours

This course introduces the design and implementation of database management. Topics include database systems concepts and database types, data models, normalization, query languages, transaction management and concurrency controls, emerging database technologies, and cloud databases.
Prerequisite: CYBR 101

CYBR 330 – Algorithms and Data Structures     3 credit hours

This course provides an in-depth study of data structures and algorithms, covering both fundamental and advanced concepts such as trees, graphs, hashing, sorting, and dynamic programming. Emphasis is placed on problem analysis and implementation using an object-oriented programming approach.
Prerequisite: CYBR 180 and CYBR 150

CYBR 335 – Fundamentals of Networking & Systems     3 credit hours

This course is the first technical networking & systems course. A layered approach is used with discussion centered around physical connectivity, switching, routing, protocol discovery and application layer. Technical network design is introduced with a focus on hands-on labs.
Prerequisite: CYBR 101
Additional Course Fee Required

CYBR 340 – Cyber Preceptorial     3 credit hours

Explore enterprise networks and the skills network managers use to secure, maintain, and optimize mission critical digital infrastructure.
Prerequisite: CYBR 335

CYBR 345 – Intricacies of Advanced Networks & Systems     3 credit hours

This second technical networking & systems course looks in-depth at routing and switching protocols in a hands-on environment. Students with a strong command of the concepts will be prepared for specific industry certification exams.
Prerequisite: CYBR 335
Additional Course Fee Required

CYBR 348 – Systems Administration     3 credit hours

This course provides an overview of modern information technology infrastructure and focuses on system administration in Linux, Windows, and cloud environments.
Prerequisite: CYBR 335

CYBR 399 – Independent Study in Cyber Systems     1-6 credit hours

This course provides the opportunity for students to conduct independent study on any cyber systems topic not covered by other regularly offered courses. The topic will be selected in consultation with and the study will be supervised by a cyber systems faculty member. The project should be focused on an area of interest to the student. Upon completion of the project a formal presentation will be given by the student to all interested parties. A written contract specifying the topic and requirements must be submitted and approved by the department before registering for the course.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and permission of department chair

CYBR 400 – Exploring Computer Science Principles     3 credit hours

This course takes a broad approach to computer science, exploring the fundamentals of programming, data, and computer networks and systems. The course places an emphasis on creative and design thinking, which is central to computer innovation. This course is intended for students majoring in business and education, as well as any other student with an interest in computer science.

CYBR 401 – Operating Systems     3 credit hours

This course introduces and explores modern operating system concepts, designs, and implementations. Students gain hands-on experience by using the C programming language to implement common operating system mechanisms.

CYBR 402 – Computer Organization     3 credit hours

This course covers computer organization, computer architecture, and assembly languages. Students gain hands-on experience by programming in both x86 and ARM assembly languages.
Prerequisite: CYBR 401
Additional Course Fee Required

CYBR 404 – Systems and Software Engineering     3 credit hours

This covers the core principles of systems and software engineering, from specification and design to validation, maintenance, and quality assurance. Students will gain practical experience applying agile methods, design patterns, and modern tools to build real-world systems.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing

CYBR 405 – Interactive Web Application Development     3 credit hours

This course covers a wide range of relevant computer technologies for interactive web application development. Students will learn how to write both static and dynamic web pages.
Prerequisite: CYBR 101

CYBR 408 – Principles of Programming Languages & Automata     3 credit hours

This course studies the fundamental concepts of finite automata, grammars, languages, Turing machines, compilers, interpreters, and programming language design. Students gain hands-on experience using C, Java, Python, and Rust to design and implement computer theory concepts.
Prerequisite: CYBR 402

CYBR 410 – Big Data Visualization     3 credit hours

This course covers analytic and machine learning techniques for extracting information from large data sets. Students will prepare, analyze, and communicate information using these techniques.
Prerequisite: CYBR 306

CYBR 412 – Wireless and Mobile Security     3 credit hours

This course introduces security concepts for wireless networks and mobile devices, covering wireless technologies, threats, vulnerabilities, mobile communication challenges, and basic security measures and protocols to secure wireless communications and mobile environments.
Prerequisite: CYBR 158 and CYBR 335

CYBR 422 – Human Computer Interaction     3 credit hours

This course explores how humans interact with technology through design, evaluation, and adaptation. Students learn principles of perception, digital representation, and user-centered design while examining accessibility, ethics, and societal impacts.
Prerequisite: CYBR 101

CYBR 430 – Defending & Protecting Cyber Systems     3 credit hours

This course explores security with a defense-in-depth approach (blue team). All aspects of security are examined through hands-on labs, including secure programming, network security, and systems security.
Prerequisite: CYBR 335
Additional Course Fee Required

CYBR 434 – Information Technology Teaching Methods     3 credit hours

This course will assist future and current K-12 teachers in developing computer science and information technology curriculum. Intended only for students in education fields.
Prerequisite: CYBR 400

CYBR 435 – Reverse Engineering: Thinking like an Adversary     3 credit hours

This course will cover all the concepts necessary to think like an adversary (red team). Different approaches and techniques will be used for comprehension and evaluation of sandboxing, obfuscation, with both static and dynamic analysis of software, comprehensively reverse engineering the offensive playbook.
Prerequisite: CYBR 335
Additional Course Fee Required

CYBR 441 – Artificial Intelligence     3 credit hours

This course introduces students to various concepts, applications, and algorithms of classical and modern artificial intelligence. Students will also receive a light introduction to selected machine learning techniques.
Prerequisite: CYBR 330

CYBR 442 – Cryptography     3 credit hours

This course explores the principles and applications of cryptography, including emerging techniques such as quantum cryptography. Students will gain hands-on experience applying these methods to secure software and communication systems.
Prerequisite: CYBR 330

CYBR 460 – Virtualization & Cloud Computing     3 credit hours

This course explores the essentials of virtualization, cloud computing, and cloud security. Students will gain practical understanding of hypervisors, software-defined networking, and cloud architectures applicable to enterprises of all sizes.
Prerequisite: CYBR 101
Additional Course Fee Required

CYBR 475 – Internship in Cyber Systems     1-12 credit hours

An internship is a professional or technical position in a professional environment that provides a student with sufficient practical work experience for a limited period of time, allows for career decision-making, and provides the employer valuable skills to accelerate business objectives. Internships are mutually beneficial for all involved. The student gains the opportunity to apply classroom learning to a workplace environment; the employer has the chance to work with students eager to learn and apply skills; and the university benefits from connections with business and industry, which provide potential for program development and enhancement. The learning experience is organized and supervised by the academic department, the CBT Career Center, and personnel of selected industries. All internships must be approved by the CBT Career Center and students must have a major or minor in the Cyber Systems department. The course will be evaluated on a credit/no credit basis.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 12.00
Prerequisite: CYBR 401 or CYBR 430 and Junior Standing

CYBR 478 – Cybersecurity for Managers & Leaders     3 credit hours

This course equips organizational leaders and managers with the knowledge to design and enhance enterprise-level cybersecurity risk programs. Students will gain skills in risk assessment, compliance, and business continuity to effectively prepare their organizations against current and future cyber threats.

CYBR 479 – Cyber Risk and Threat Modeling     3 credit hours

This course covers the scientific concepts cyber risk and threat modeling. In contrast to popular cybersecurity management courses covering best practices, this course equips the students with the scientific mindset and tools needed to understand dynamic networks and security that exceeds the limitations of static networks. This course opens a window into the future of strategic cybersecurity.
Prerequisite: CYBR 478

CYBR 486 – Machine Learning     3 credit hours

This class will cover various relevant machine learning algorithms. Students will develop, evaluate, and properly apply ML models in a variety of circumstances.
Prerequisite: CYBR 304 and CYBR 441

CYBR 490 – Information Networking Law and Public Policy     3 credit hours

Learn how laws and policies drive today's cybersecurity landscape. This course covers industry security requirements, breach notification rules, and NIST frameworks that employers expect you to know. Gain practical insight into how regulations shape real-world network security and prepare for careers at the intersection of technology, law, and policy.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.

CYBR 492 – Natural Language Processing     3 credit hours

This course covers the core concepts of Natural Language Processing. Students will learn details and methods of NLP and will also develop NLP-based applications.
Prerequisite: CYBR 486

CYBR 494 – Directed Research in Cyber Systems     1-6 credit hours

Independent original research in a Cyber Systems area, under the direction of a Cyber Systems faculty member. A written contract specifying the topic and requirements must be submitted and approved by the department before registering for the course. Upon completion of the project a formal presentation will be given by the student to all interested parties.
Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and permission of department

CYBR 495 – Cyber Systems Capstone     3 credit hours

This course immerses students in the disciplines of cyber systems through team-based projects and hands-on use of project management tools. Students will sharpen their research, communication, and collaboration skills while applying prior knowledge to real-world, discipline-appropriate projects.
Prerequisite: CYBR 401 or CYBR 430 and Senior standing
Additional Course Fee Required

CYBR 498 – Special Topics in Cyber Systems     3 credit hours

Course is designed to enable students to become knowledgeable of recent trends and issues in cyber systems. The course format varies depending on subject matter, instructor and student needs.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00