Cyber Defense
Bachelor of Applied Science
Quick Facts
One of only 24 NSA-designated programs nationwide
#1
Online Bachelor's
in Cybersecurity
- Academic Influence
As technology continues to evolve, organizations across every industry need professionals who can protect critical systems, respond to emerging threats, and strengthen digital security. Arizona Online’s STEM-designated Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Defense prepares students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience to succeed in this rapidly growing field.
Through a structured curriculum that progresses from foundational concepts to advanced cybersecurity practices, students develop expertise across systems, networks, and cyber operations. Coursework explores topics including Linux and Windows security, cloud computing, cyber investigations and digital forensics, cyber threat intelligence, artificial intelligence, and active cyber defense. Students also build practical skills in scripting, networking, and problem-solving while learning to identify vulnerabilities, investigate cyber incidents, and defend against evolving threats.
Throughout the program, students examine the technical, legal, and ethical dimensions of cybersecurity while gaining experience with both offensive and defensive cyber operations. A culminating capstone experience provides the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world cybersecurity challenges, preparing graduates for careers that protect, analyze, and secure today's increasingly complex digital environments.
The University of Arizona's Cyber Defense program has been designated by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), recognizing the program's rigorous academic and technical standards. This distinction places the University of Arizona among a select group of institutions preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
The curriculum for this program includes:
This course provides an overview of problem solving with information technology. Topics cover information representation, relational databases, system design, propositional logic, and cutting-edge technologies for CPU, operating systems, and networks.
This course will introduce students to logic and problem-solving within scripting language environments. The course will build on the foundations of programming and scripting logic while solving real-world problems and creating practical applications. The course will provide a solid foundation of scripting data types, structures, and object-orientated programming. The course will incorporate multiple scripting languages to compare languages and their attributes related to specific programming applications.
This course provides students with a methodology for analyzing networks by examining the network at its infrastructure, network, and applications layers; exploring how they transfer data; investigating how network protocols work to enable communication; and probing and analyzing how the lower-level network layers support the upper layers. Students will use hands-on labs and exercises to investigate and explore network fundamentals.
A sustained study of ethical issues that arise in relation to employment in the public and private sectors, including allocation of resources, corporate and social responsibility, relationships, and discrimination. This course is a designated writing emphasis course. A main focus of this course will be on the ethical and legal standards governing information technology. New technology creates ethical challenges for individuals around the globe, and applies to most persons regardless of whether they are employed in the information technology field or a more traditional occupation.
Artificial Intelligence in cyber security refers to the use of advanced technologies, such as machine learning and deep learning, to enhance the detection, analysis, prevention, and mitigation of cyber threats and respond accordingly. The integration of AI in cybersecurity brings forth a multitude of advantages, enhancing the overall resilience and effectiveness of defense mechanisms against evolving cyber threats. This course will detail these artificial intelligence capabilities and their application in the cyber security domain.
This course provides students with an introduction to the policies, techniques, and operational capabilities and limitations of implementing an Active Cyber Defense program. A broad survey of development of defensible network architectures; integration of passive defensive technologies; consumption and production of Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) products; implementation of Network Security Monitoring (NSM) and Hunt Teaming (HT) operations; employment of Incident Response (IR) plans; and Threat and Environment Manipulation techniques (TEM) will be presented, and students will use hands-on activities to practice and implement active defense methodologies.
Outcomes
Skills
Earning your Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Defense will build core skills, including:
- Offensive and defensive cyber operations
- Malware analysis
- Cyber forensics
- Network security
- Operating system security
- Cyber threat intelligence
- Proficiency in law, ethics, and policy related to cybersecurity
- Problem solving with code
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of the Cyber Defense program will be prepared to pursue the following careers:
Arizona Online Cyber Defense Program
The University of Arizona’s ground-breaking Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Defense just became even more exciting.
Focused on the Future with Cyber Defense
Sadrud-Din is applying the structure and discipline he has learned in the military to his Arizona Online Cyber Defense program. Learn how Sadrud-Din is utilizing what he learns in his program to work towards his future.
Hands-on Learning
Cyber Defense courses maximize your ability to learn by doing. Cyber is a highly technical field, and our courses provide the hands-on experience needed to become a successful cyber professional. You’ll not only learn the concepts and technologies, but also demonstrate mastery of the course content through hands-on exercises and interactive assessments.
Cloud Computing
You won’t need expensive, high-performance computer equipment – only a broadband Internet connection and a computer running Windows, Linux or Mac. We provide everything else through a cloud-based Virtual Learning Environment. Advanced cyber tools and the world-class CyberApolis virtual city are preconfigured and provided so you can focus on learning.
