Program Details
Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, with concentration in Cybersecurity
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Commonwealth University
The Department of Computer Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a rigorous, highly concentrated curriculum of computer science courses. It includes advanced study in several important areas of computer science and provides a strong foundation in this discipline. Every course is taught by full-time faculty members who also serve as advisers to both undergraduate and graduate students.
The master's degree program emphasizes continuing self-development of individuals currently engaged in science-, technology- and engineering-related fields. It prepares persons who have completed undergraduate majors in these fields for entry into careers in areas that use computing technology. Both the theoretical and applied aspects of computer science are emphasized in this program. The program offers courses in a wide range of areas in computer science, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud computing, data mining, bioinformatics, and medical informatics.
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
Program Overview & Guidance

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This Degree Right For Me? | Computer science (CS) spans the range from theory through programming to cutting-edge development of computing solutions. Computer science offers a foundation that permits graduates to adapt to new technologies and new ideas. The work of computer scientists falls into three categories: a) designing and building software; b) developing effective ways to solve computing problems, such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks or providing new approaches to security problems; and c) devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision, or digital forensics. |
What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses |
Complete the Associate of Arts & Sciences or Associate of Science in Computer Science to best prepare for this degree. Course Recommendations: Courses equivalent to VCU CMSC 255 Intro to Programming, CMSC 256 Data Structures and Object-Oriented Programming, CMSC 302 Intro to Discrete Structures, MATH 200 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I, ECON 205 The Economics of Product Development and Markets, MATH 201 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II, CMSC 311 Computer Organization, and STAT 212 Concepts of Statistics.
|
Are there other program requirements beyond specific courses? | |
Do More With Your Degree | In addition to the bachelor’s program, minors and accelerated BS-MS options are also available to engineering majors. Through our accelerated BS-MS program, students can begin the masters program while still in undergrad and obtain a masters degree within one year after receiving the BS degree. Engineering Career Services also provides tailored activities that prepare students for internships, co-ops, and experiential learning. Since 2018, the number of engineering student organizations at VCU has gone up 25%. Internships and co-ops have increased more than 300% over the same period. |
Program Successes & Highlights | The last three academic years have seen the largest graduating classes in VCU Engineering’s history. Greater than 90% of VCU Engineering students are placed in positions within 6 months post-graduation. Our students have access to a range of companies that offer highly competitive salaries. |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Science degree or the General Education Certificate before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements waived. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Science degree or the General Education Certificate before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements waived. |
Credit for Prior Learning | http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/undergraduate-study/admission-university/additional-sources-of-credit/ |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.vcu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Technology, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Infor Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology for Business | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology: Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology: Digital Design and Graphics | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cloud Computing Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Network and Technical Support Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Full Stack Developer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - CyberSecurity (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST: Database and Program Developer Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST: Cyber Security and Network Administration Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Software Development Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology Network Engineer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Gaming and Mobile Application Design Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology Network Engineer - Cyber and Network Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Math/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Old Dominion University | Computer Science-BSCS | Bachelor | BS in Computer Science | 4-Year |
Old Dominion University | Computer Sci Teach Lic-BSCS | Bachelor | BS in Computer Science | 4-Year |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Cyber Security | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Database Specialist) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Geographic Information Systems - GIS) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Network Administration) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Network Infrastructure Specialist) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Programming and Mobile Applications Development) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Engineering-Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cyber Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Info Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Internet Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Game Design and Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Science/Geospatial Information System | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Information System | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Cybersecurity | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Programming | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Information Systems Tech Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Information Systems Tech Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Science - Computer Science Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Eastern Shore Community College | Management with Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
15-1299.07 | Blockchain Engineers | Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1241.00 | Computer Network Architects | Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.00 | Computer Occupations, All Other | All computer occupations not listed separately. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
25-1021.00 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
15-1211.00 | Computer Systems Analysts | Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.08 | Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1221.00 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
11-3021.00 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. | Management Occupations |
15-1243.01 | Data Warehousing Specialists | Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1242.00 | Database Administrators | Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1243.00 | Database Architects | Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.06 | Digital Forensics Analysts | Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.03 | Document Management Specialists | Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.02 | Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1211.01 | Health Informatics Specialists | Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.05 | Information Security Engineers | Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.09 | Information Technology Project Managers | Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1244.00 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.04 | Penetration Testers | Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1253.00 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1241.01 | Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.01 | Video Game Designers | Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.01 | Web Administrators | Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1255.00 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |