Manhattan University Offers New Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Degree

RIVERDALE, N.Y. — Manhattan University has established a new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, housed within the Computer Science Department in the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences. The 128-credit program has been approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and is designed to give students a strong technical foundation and hands-on experience protecting information systems in an increasingly complex digital world.

The program’s introduction comes at a moment when the importance of cybersecurity expertise is more visible than ever. As artificial intelligence systems grow more capable and are increasingly tested in real-world security contexts, organizations need professionals who can anticipate, defend against, and respond to emerging digital threats.

The new Cybersecurity major, housed in the Computer Science Department, offers a distinct educational pathway focused on securing networks, information systems, and digital infrastructure. The degree complements offerings in Computer Engineering, where students develop expertise in designing and integrating computer hardware and software systems, with concentrations in applied artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Together, these programs, along with recently launched programs in Data Science and AI, provide students with multiple avenues to pursue careers in rapidly growing technology fields.

"The addition of a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity reflects Manhattan University's commitment to building a strong portfolio of computing and data programs that prepares students for the evolving needs of the technology workforce," said Manhattan University Provost Bridget Chalk, PhD. "As demand for cybersecurity expertise continues to grow across every sector of the economy, this new degree broadens opportunities for our students, whether their interests lie in building the systems that power today's technologies or protecting the systems and data on which society depends."

Through the new program, students will build core programming and mathematical foundations before applying them to real problems in cryptography, web security, blockchain, network security, and cyberlaw and ethics. The curriculum combines theoretical grounding with practical, hands-on lab work, allowing students to study how cryptographic protocols function, analyze real systems in a security lab setting, and explore how attackers exploit vulnerabilities in web applications and networks, along with how to defend against them. Students will also engage with the broader context of digital privacy and cyberlaw, and the ethical considerations that come with technical decision-making.

The program culminates in a one-semester senior capstone, in which students work in small teams to design, build, and evaluate a full cybersecurity solution for a real-world problem or client scenario, practicing the project planning, documentation, and communication skills employers expect from cybersecurity professionals.

The B.S. in Cybersecurity, debuting fall 2026, is open to first-year and transfer applicants, with admissions decisions made holistically by the Office of Admissions in consultation with the Department of Computer Science.

Media Contact:
Robert Cole
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
Manhattan University
Phone: 718-862-7993
Email: rcole01@manhattan.edu