United States Air Force Academy

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Establish, Operate and Defend

Cyber Science

Cadets with cyber city

The Cyber Science major focuses on computer programming, embedded systems, networks, telecommunications, computer systems, computer investigations and cyber operations.

Cyber Science majors who become cyber operations officers will be able to:

  • Conduct offensive and defensive cyber operations
  • Establish and operate combat communications capabilities
  • Operate, maintain and defend computer and communications networks
  • Provide secure command and control capabilities
  • Contribute to the development and acquisition of new systems

Cyber Science majors who become pilots have greater insight into their aircraft and weapons systems which are highly dependent on software systems. They will have an in-depth knowledge of how cyberspace risks may impact mission capabilities. Previous programming experience is neither assumed nor required to succeed in this program.

POTENTIAL JOB ASSIGNMENTS
Within the Air Force
  • 17X – Cyber operations officer
  • 11X – Pilot
  • 14X – Intelligence
  • 71SX – Office of Special Investigations
  • 13X – Space and Missile Operations
Outside the Air Force
  • Network Administrator
  • IT Security Consultant

SAMPLE COURSES
  • Cryptography
  • Cyber Warfare
  • Cyber Operations
SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCE
4th CLASS YEAR (FRESHMAN) 3RD CLASS YEAR (SOPHOMORE) 2ND CLASS YEAR (JUNIOR) 1ST CLASS YEAR (SENIOR)
For Lang 1
Beh Sci 110
History 100
Math 141
Comp Sci 110
For Lang 2
Chem 100
English 111
Math 142
Physics 110
Leadership 100
Comp Sci 210
MSS 251
ECE 315
Physics 215
English 211
Comp Sci 220
ECE 281
Math 340
Law 220
P/C/B Option 2
Mech Engr 220
Leadership 200
Cyber Sci 333
Comp Sci 467
ECE 382
Pol Sci 211
History 300
Econ 201
Cyber Sci 334
Cyber Sci
Elective 1
Comp Sci 483
Philos 310
Math 356
Adv Open Option
Leadership 300
Cyber Sci 435
Cyber Sci 438
Cyber Sci 431
Aero Engr 315
Soc Sci 311
Cyber Sci 439
ECE 348
Cyber Sci Elective 2
Astro Engr 310
Adv SocioCultural Op
Leadership 400

For full program requirements and course descriptions, download the current Course of Instruction Handbook.

ACCREDITATION INFORMATION

The Cyber Science degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

To ensure the success of our graduates, we prepare them to achieve the following Program Educational Objectives within two to five years after graduation:

  • Recognition as successful Air Force officers through demonstration of their ability to: rapidly acquire required knowledge, lead others effectively, apply ethical and moral standards, improve unit performance by application of organizational skills, make sound decisions based on critical thinking, communicate effectively
  • Selection for career training on, or ahead of, schedule, and for a progression of assignments of increasing responsibility
  • Demonstrated ability to solve Air Force technical problems
  • Success in continuing education

Student Outcomes

Graduates of our program will have the ability to:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
  • Create intentional effects through social and technical manipulation of adversarial systems.

The number of cadets graduated or enrolled in the Cyber Science major are listed, by class, below:

Cyber Science Enrollment Data
Year Graduated Enrolled
2022 17 67
2021 20 77
2020 9 82
2019 19 59
2018 10 44
2017 9 44
CONTACT US

Maj Bobby Birrer, DFCS
bobby.birrer@afacademy.af.edu
(719) 333-7698

Lt Col James Maher, DFCS
james.maher@afacademy.af.edu
(719) 333-3590

WANT TO STUDY CYBER SCIENCE?