With cybercrimes steadily on the rise in the US, as noted by FBI in their 2025 report documenting over 1 million complaints annually, the need for digital security experts is more important than ever.
To prepare students interested in working in the growing field of digital security, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) will now offer a specialized cybersecurity track within the School’s BS in Information Science (BSIS) program.
“Our new cybersecurity track is designed for today’s digital security professional,” said Dr. Arthur O’Connor, academic director of the data science, generative AI, and information science degree programs at CUNY SPS. “Cyber hygiene is no longer about identifying and patching known vulnerabilities via pen testing and ethical hacking. It’s now about countering AI-enabled role-playing prompts and context-splitting techniques used to jailbreak models to bypass security guardrails and harvest credentials and data; deep-fake phishing; smart/adaptive malware/cyber bots that autonomously identify and exploit vulnerabilities, such as voice authentication systems.”
Launching in Fall 2026, this new track is designed for BSIS students interested in the theory and practice of cybersecurity. Through specialized courses, like Introduction to Cybersecurity and Cyber Attacks, students will study computer and network security, data privacy, data governance, IT risk management, firewalls, intrusion detection, penetration testing, social engineering, incident response, and disaster recovery.
In addition to cybersecurity, BSIS students may separately enroll in three other tracks while completing their degree. These include a general track, technical track, and a data science track.
Like all programs at CUNY SPS, the BS in Information Science is offered fully online, allowing students the convenience to complete their studies and coursework on their own time and schedule.
About the CUNY SPS BS in Information Science Program
The BS in Information Science (formerly known as Information Systems) online degree program prepares students to navigate the evolving world of data, technology, and information management. This interdisciplinary program blends computer science, data analysis, and information systems, equipping graduates with the skills to solve real-world problems in various industries. Through their studies in one of four tracks, students gain expertise in database management, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, and information architecture while developing critical thinking and technical proficiency. The program offers foundational knowledge and hands-on programming competencies, resulting in project-based work samples similar to that of a programming boot camp.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With over 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu