BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN CYBER DEFENSE
Defend our connected world.
Find out how the BAS CD is the right program for you:
Offered at the University of Arizona's main campus and online, the STEM-designated Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Defense prepares you to lead in a world shaped by technology, security and digital innovation.
Through a structured sequence of foundational and advanced coursework, you’ll build expertise across systems, networks and security—developing skills in areas such as Linux and Windows security, cloud computing, cyber investigations and forensics, threat intelligence, artificial intelligence and active cyber defense.
From scripting and networking fundamentals to offensive and defensive operations and a culminating capstone experience, the program prepares you for dynamic careers that protect, analyze and strengthen the world’s complex digital environments.
View or Download BAS in Cyber Defense Overview (PDF)
The University of Arizona is a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, and the BAS in Cyber Operations holds the prestigious Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation from the Department of Defense and National Security Agency.
* Average bachelor's in cybersecurity salary for cybersecurity analysts according to Zippia, January 2026.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THE BAS CD
- Offensive and Defensive Cyber Operations: Simulate attacks and build layered defenses to protect critical systems.
- Malware and Forensics: Analyze malicious software and investigate digital evidence from cyber incidents.
- Network and System Security: Understand how networks and operating systems function—and how to secure them.
- Cyber Threat Intelligence: Assess adversaries' tactics to help organizations defend against evolving threats.
- Law, Ethics and Policy: Explore legal frameworks, ethical challenges and policy issues in cybersecurity.
- Problem Solving with Code: Apply critical thinking and scripting to detect anomalies and solve complex cyber problems.
"The faculty have truly made my experience at the U of A fruitful. By facilitating conversations with my professors, they have afforded me wonderful extracurricular and professional opportunities that have changed the trajectory of my educational path."
Veronika Kyles, BAS in Cyber Operations '25
Main Campus
Online Campus
The BAS CD is a four-year undergraduate degree requiring 120 units offered at the University of Arizona's main campus and online.
A capstone project is required, and internship opportunities are available.
In the U of A BAS CD, students are prepared for a wide variety of dynamic jobs across industries. Positions include:
- Information Security Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Incident Responder
- Cyber Forensic Specialist
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Malware Researcher/Analyst
- Cyber Network Defender
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst/Operator
- Forensic Computer Examiner
- Cybersecurity/Cyber Operations Analyst
- Counter Cyber Threat Intel Analyst
Are you ready to defend our connected world?
Learn more about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Defense by contacting us at infosci-ugrad@arizona.edu or begin your application today: