This program offers students dual and complementary expertise in cyber security and privacy. Students develop a solid theoretical foundation and receive hands-on training on how to prevent, detect, and neutralize cyber-attacks. They also learn how to determine privacy compliance and design privacy compliant systems. Exclusive content on the recent advancements in cyber security and privacy are delivered in SAU’s classes.
Learning Goals
- Our graduates communicate effectively.
- Our graduates can make ethical decisions related to the use of technology.
- Our graduates demonstrate the knowledge and principles of computer operating systems, architecture and machine organization to solve problems.
- Our graduates use technology effectively.
- Our graduates demonstrate the knowledge and analytical skills that are required for careers in computer science.
Curriculum
University Requirement (2 hours)
GSTD 1002 – Freshman Seminar
General Education (28 hours)
Note: 7 hours of mathematics and physical science requirements are included in the major.
Computer Science (51-53 hours)
CSCI 2103 – Computer Science I and CSCI 2101 – Computer Science I Lab
CSCI 2113 – Computer Science II and CSCI 2111 – Computer Science II Lab
CSCI 3063 – High Level Language
CSCI 3103 – Data Structures and Algorithms
CSCI 3203 – Assembler and Machine Organization
CSCI 3213 – Computer Networking
CSCI 3233 – Theory of Computation
CSCI 3403 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CSCI 3703 – Computer Architecture
CSCI 4133 – Operating Systems
CSCI 4143 – Programming Languages and Compilers
CSCI 4153 – Software Engineering
CSCI 4203 – Database Design and Implementation
CSCI 4922 – Senior Project I
CSCI 4932 – Senior Project II
9-11 hours of upper-level Computer Science, Data Science, or Mathematics electives
Cyber Security and Privacy (12 hours)
CSCI 3143 – Network Security
CSCI 4213 – Privacy, Security, and Ethics
CSCI 4223 – Cyber Forensics
CSCI 4333 – Cyber Defense
Mathematics (17-19 hours)
MATH 2033 – Discrete Mathematics
MATH 2753 – Linear Algebra
Select 5 hours from the following:
MATH 1525 – Calculus I
MATH 2125 – Applied Calculus
Select 3 hours from the following:
MATH 3043 – Applied Probability and Statistics I
MATH 4073 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Select 3-5 hours from the following:
MATH 1545 – Calculus II
MATH 3143 – Applied Probability and Statistics II
MATH 4233 – Data Science
MATH 4533 – Statistical Methods
Physics (4 hours)
Selection one of the following course combinations:
PHYS 2003 – College Physics I and PHYS 2001 – College Physics I Lab
or
PHYS 2203 – University Physics I and PHYS 2201 – University Physics I Lab
Other Requirements (4 hours)
CSCI 2001 – Information Technology Seminar
ENGL 3023 – Technical Writing
Total Hours – 120
Career Outcomes
What SAU graduates earn
$60,952
Median earnings 4 years after graduation
SAU computer science graduates
- 40% more than the median Arkansas worker ($43,630)
Where this degree leads in Arkansas
| Career | Arkansas pay | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $127,220 | +20.8% |
| Information Security Analysts | $103,490 | +36.0% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $59,460 | +5.1% |
| Computer Network Architects | $110,400 | +15.1% |
| Database Administrators | $82,480 | +2.5% |
| Database Architects | $104,070 | +16.5% |
Earnings: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, median earnings of SAU graduates who received federal student aid and are working, field of study “Computer and Information Sciences, General.” Each point on the graph is a different graduating group. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Arkansas, May 2025. Openings and growth: Arkansas long-term occupational projections 2024–2034. Careers matched to this program by the NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk.
