Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Degree Program
4 Years (8 Semesters)
127 Credit Hours
Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security (BScCyS) is a 4-year program preparing students for careers in network, web and applications security. The program equips students with experience in network and cyber-attacks, AI-driven solutions and how to defend and prevent them, as well as the ethical implications of security. Graduates are in high demand in various industries due to the UAE's focus on diversifying its economy. Graduates can pursue roles such as Chief Information Security Officer, Forensic Computer Analyst, and Cyber Security Engineer.

Benefits

The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security program aligns with the UAE Vision by fostering a generation of skilled professionals equipped to protect the nation's digital infrastructure. As the UAE continues to advance its smart government and digital economy initiatives, cyber security expertise becomes crucial in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the resilience of critical systems. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to address the evolving threats in the cyber realm, contributing to the nation's goal of becoming a global leader in innovation, security, and technological excellence. This program not only enhances individual career prospects but also strengthens the UAE's position as a secure and competitive digital hub on the global stage.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will have a wealth of industries to choose from and often go on to become:

  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Information Security Manager
  • Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
  • Network Security Engineer
  • Security Consultant
  • Forensic Computer Analyst
  • Security Software Developer
  • Compliance and Risk Analyst

Graduates can also pursue advanced studies, such as a Master’s or PhD in Cyber Security or related fields, to specialize further and enhance career prospects, including academic and high-level research roles.

The program has been awarded the accreditation by Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE on December 09, 2020.

In alignment with national and international accreditation standards, the following statements describe the Program Education Aims of the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security program, which are also referred to as Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) under ABET terminology.

The graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security program, within a few years of their graduation, will have:

(PEO 1): Pursued successful careers or postgraduate studies in the field of cyber security and information technology.

(PEO 2): Contributed to building national and global capacity for cyber security specialists with breadth and depth of knowledge, knowledge of methodologies, and the skills to design, analyze, test, and implement innovative solutions in strategic IT and security areas.

(PEO 3): Met workplace expectations, including analytical and critical thinking, effective communication, leadership, team spirit, and adaptability.

(PEO 4): Developed awareness of the societal, economic, and environmental challenges facing the cyber security profession, and who are committed to the highest standards of ethical practice including confidentiality and privacy.

(PEO 5): Shown commitment to life-long learning and training to stay current with emerging technologies and future scientific trends.

In alignment with national and international accreditation standards, the following statements describe the Program Learning Outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security program, which are also referred to as Student Outcomes (SO) under ABET terminology.

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security program, the graduates of the program will be able to:

PLO 1 (SO 1): Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

PLO 2 (SO 2): Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.

PLO 3 (SO 3): Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.

PLO 4 (SO 4): Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.

PLO 5 (SO 5): Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

PLO 6 (SO 6): Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

PLO 7 (SO 7): Demonstrate knowledge of relevant theories and principles of computing-related solutions in specialized domains.

PLO 8 (SO 8): Assimilate new knowledge and skills into their practice by learning from experiences gained in different contexts of Cyber Security.

The BScCyS program is being offered at the CUD Campus as a full-time regular study mode program. The program is completed in 8 semesters (4 academic years) and the maximum duration of completion of the program is eight academic years.

The BScCyS degree shall be awarded to a student upon completing the following requirements:

  • Students enrolled in the program must have passed 127 credit hours.
  • Students must achieve a CGPA of not less than 2.0 on a scale of 4.0 points.
  • Students must have earned at least 50% of credits at CUD.
  • Students must complete Internship and Graduation Project work at CUD.

A.1: Admission Requirements

Prospective students who are interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) are invited to apply for admission, provided they meet the following criteria:

i. High School Certificate Requirements

Applicants must hold a recognized High School Certificate and satisfy one of the following:

  1. Applicants must be holders of a UAE High School Certificate, having successfully completed Grade 12 with passing grades in all subjects.
  2. Applicants who hold a High School Certificate issued outside the UAE will be evaluated in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education, UAE. The following conditions apply:
    • The certificate must be valid for admission to a public university in the country where it was issued.
    • The certificate must be obtained upon completion of at least 12 years of schooling with passing in all subjects.
    • British Curriculum applicants must have successfully completed Year 13 (Grade 12).
    • Official secondary school certificate/transcripts certified by the authorized educational authority in the country of origin, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Embassy.
    • An Equivalency Certificate must be issued by MOE, UAE, to validate the High School Certificate for admission purposes.
    • The certificate must represent the highest level of high school qualification awarded in the country of issuance, in cases where multiple levels of certification exist.

ii. English Language Proficiency Requirements

  1. A minimum score of 80% in Grade 12 English subject, or its equivalent (5.0 IELTS Academic, or a TOEFL (ITP) score of 500, IBT 61) for applicants from Ministry of Education, UAE Curricula. (Advanced Track).
  2. Applicants from non-UAE Ministry of Education curricula taught in English must provide official proof that English was the medium of instruction.
  3. Applicants following non-UAE Ministry of Education curricula delivered in a language other than English must provide a valid English Language Proficiency Certificate with a minimum score of IELTS Academic Band 5.0, TOEFL iBT 61, TOEFL ITP 500, or an equivalent score from another internationally recognized English language test approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
  4. [Conditional Admission] – Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements outlined in (a), (b), or (c) must enroll in the University’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program in their first semester. Placement into one of the three EAP levels will be determined by the applicant’s IELTS score or performance on the University’s English Language Placement Test. While enrolled in the EAP program, students may register for a limited number of General Education courses, with a cap of 12 credit hours until the English language proficiency requirement is fulfilled.

A1.2: Admission Process

Prospective students can apply to any of the programs offered by the University through the online application portal at Apply Online. They are also welcome to visit the campus for a personal tour, where admissions officers will be pleased to assist with any questions related to the application process. Alternatively, inquiries can be sent to apply@cud.ac.ae.

Once a completed application is submitted, the applicant is assigned an Applicant ID by the Admissions Department, which is different from the Student ID issued upon admission.

i. Documents Required

Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of the admission process:

  • Completed online application through Apply Online.
  • Certified copy of the High School Certificate or its equivalent.
  • Copy of a valid passport.
  • Copy of a valid residence visa (for non-local students).
  • Copy of Emirates ID.
  • Copy of the UAE National Family Registry (for local students).
  • Valid English Language Proficiency Certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).
  • Proof of successful completion or an exemption letter from the National & Reserve Service Authority (for UAE national males only).
  • Recent passport-size color photograph.
  • Payment of the non-refundable application fee of AED 525.00 is required for processing applications from holders of High School Certificates.

In addition to the standard admission documents, students holding foreign high school certificates are required to submit the following additional documents:

  • Document proving that the student completed 12 years of school.
  • Certified copy of grades 10,11, 12 transcripts and Graduation Certificates (Diploma).
  • Equivalency Certificate from the MOE in the UAE.
  • British System: Completion of Year 13/Grade 12 of schooling

ii. Attestation of Documents and Certificates

  1. Students who have graduated from high schools in the UAE must have their certificates attested by the MOE and obtain an Equivalency Certificate issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE), UAE.
  2. Students who have graduated from high schools outside the UAE must ensure that their academic documents are properly attested and recognized for admission, in accordance with the following requirements:
    • Official secondary school certificate/transcripts must be certified by the authorized educational authority in the country of origin, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    • Certificates and transcripts must be properly attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that same country.
    • If attestation by the UAE Embassy or Consulate is not possible, students may obtain equivalent attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Consulate of the country where they studied.
    • Students must obtain an Equivalency Certificate from the Ministry of Education in the UAE.

A1.3: Falsified Admission Documents

Students who are found to have submitted falsified documents will be subject to immediate dismissal from the University, and any application or related fees paid will not be refunded. The case will also be reported to the appropriate authorities.

A1.4: Admission Letter

Upon successful completion of the admission process, the student will receive either a Conditional Acceptance Letter or a Full Admission Letter issued by the Admissions Department.

In cases where the application is not successful, the student will receive an Official Rejection Letter notifying them of the decision.

The Admission Letter is valid only for the semester indicated in the letter and cannot be deferred without formal approval from the University.

A1.5: Admission Appeals

If a student’s application for admission is rejected, the student has the right to appeal the decision by following the process outlined below:

  • Inform the Admissions Office of his/her dissatisfaction and request a review, in writing, within thirty (30) days of having received the written reason for the rejection.
  • The Admissions Office will acknowledge receipt of the applicant’s request and forward it to the Admissions Review Panel which is composed of the Program Leader and two faculties, one from the relevant Department and one from a different Department.
  • The applicant may make a presentation to the Panel but may not be represented by a third party at the Panel.
  • The Panel will submit their decision to the Registrar for his/her approval.
  • The Admissions Office will inform the applicant of the decision in writing.

The decision of the Registrar is final and will be upheld. If the decision is in favor of the applicant, they will be admitted to their chosen program, or to an alternative program if no place is available in the original choice. Under no circumstances will a student already admitted to the University be disadvantaged by the findings of the Review Panel.

A1.6: Admission Deadlines

Applications for admissions are accepted year-round. Entry can be in the Fall, Spring or Summer. However, course registration must be completed before the end of the registration week as shown on the academic calendar.

Dr. Yasir Faheem

Associate Professor
Email: yasir.faheem@cud.ac.ae
Office: HUB 07

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Program Structure

Requirements Compulsory
Credit Hours
Elective
Credit Hours
Total
Credit Hours
University Requirements (GE Courses) 18 9 27
Program Core Requirements (Core Courses) 64 - 64
Program Major Requirements 33 3 36
Total 115 12 127

Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Credit Hours
Compulsory Courses (18 Credits)
LNG 181 English I for Engineering and Computing None 3
LNG 182 English II for Engineering and Computing LNG 181 3
GED 190 Emirati Studies None 3
GED 255 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving LNG 182 or LNG 172 3
ENT 141 Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 1 None 2
ENT 142 Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2 ENT 141 1
ENT 241 Entrepreneurship 1 ENT 142 2
ENT 242 Entrepreneurship 2 ENT 241 1
Science Elective Courses (03 Credits): Students are required to Select ONE Course from the following Courses
BIO 102 Biology I None 3
SHS 103 Chemistry None 3
SCI 210 Modern Physics None 3
Humanities Elective Courses (06 Credits): Students are required to Select TWO Courses from the following Courses
GED 110 Modern Art Appreciation None 3
GED 111 Music Appreciation and Communication None 3
GED 191 Islamic Studies None 3
GED 196 Communication Skills in Arabic 1 None 3
GED 205 Psychology in Everyday Life LNG 182 or LNG 172 3
GED 324 Ethical Reasoning for Today’s World LNG 182 or LNG 172 3
GED 330 Introduction to Canadian Studies None 3

Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Credit Hours
BCS 101 Elements of Computing None 3
BCS 102 Introduction to Computing Science I BCS 101 3
MTH 112 Calculus I None 3
MTH 113 Calculus II MTH 112 3
MTH 114 Linear Algebra MTH 112 3
MTH 120 Discrete Mathematics None 3
MTH 130 Probability and Statistics MTH 112 3
MTH 203 Discrete Mathematics for Computing Science BCS 102, MTH 120 3
BCS 201 Logic for Computing Science MTH 120 3
BCS 202 Introduction to Computing Science II BCS 102 3
BCS 203 Software Specifications BCS 201, BCS 202 3
BCS 206 Information Structures BCS 202, MTH 203 3
BCS 222 Programming Paradigms BCS 201, BCS 202 3
ENG 210 Computer Architecture BCS 202 or ENG 101 4
BCS 305 Software Architecture BCS 203, BCS 206 3
BCS 306 Database Management Systems BCS 201, BCS 202 3
BCS 309 Algorithms I BCS 201, BCS 206 3
BCS 311 Scientific Computing BCS 102, MTH 114 3
BCS 323 System-Level Programming BCS 102 3
BCS 401 Ethics for Computing Professionals None 3
CYS 480 Internship in Cyber Security 90 Credit Hours & CGPA ≥ 2.0 3

Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Credit Hours
Compulsory Courses (33 Credits)
BCS 221 Communication Networks BCS 102 3
BCS 301 Operating Systems BCS 206, ENG 210 4
BCS 303 Security Principles and Practices BCS 221 4
CYS 311 Security Threats and Risk Analysis BCS 303 3
CYS 312 Cryptographic Algorithms and Protocols BCS 203, BCS 303 3
BCS 407 Artificial Intelligence SWS 111 or BCS 206, BCS 222 3
CYS 411 Engineering Secure Software CYS 312 3
CYS 412 Mobile and Wireless Security BCS 221, CYS 411 4
CYS 417 Cyber Security Graduation Project Completed 90 Credit Hours 6
Elective Courses (03 Credits): Students are required to Select ONE Course from the following courses
SWS 215 Web Development BCS 306 3
CYS 413 Web Application Security and Testing CYS 411 3
CYS 414 Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking CYS 411 3
CYS 415 Malicious Software CYS 411 3
CYS 416 Human and Organizational Security BCS 303 3