What are the key courses for a Cyber Security major?

I'm planning to major in Cyber Security but struggling to figure out which courses would be most beneficial for my career path. Could anyone shed some light on which courses I should prioritize?

Absolutely, majoring in Cyber Security involves a variety of technical and non-technical disciplines. To help prepare you for a career in Cyber Security, you may consider the following key courses that are generally fundamental to such a program:

1. Introduction to Computer Science: This class will likely be one of the first you take as a cybersecurity major. It lays the groundwork for understanding computing systems and programming languages.

2. Networking and Network Security: These courses introduce a range of topics such as TCP/IP, Network Architecture, LAN/WAN, VPNs and firewalls. They often include how to identify, prevent, and combat security breaches.

3. Cryptography: This is the science of encoding and decoding information to protect data. In cybersecurity, you'll learn about different types of encryption and how they're used to secure data.

4. Database Systems: Managing and protecting data is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. You'll learn about SQL, database design, and more importantly, methods of securing databases.

5. Computer Forensics: This is a key course for those interested in investigative roles within cybersecurity. You'll learn what kind of footprint cybercriminals leave behind and how to uncover them.

6. Ethical Hacking or Penetration Testing: A real-world approach to cybersecurity, this class teaches you how to think and operate like a hacker, while using your skills in a legal and ethical manner, for the purpose of increasing overall network security.

7. Cybersecurity Policy and Law: For those interested in the compliance and legal side of cybersecurity, this course covers the key laws, regulations, and policies that govern cybersecurity at the national and international level.

8. Software Security: This course often covers secure coding practices and software vulnerabilities, helping students understand what secure software looks like and how to protect software from breaches.

Remember, these course titles may vary somewhat from program to program, but the concepts and skills they teach are fundamental to a Cyber Security major. You should consult with your academic advisor to ensure that your course selection aligns with your career aspirations in the field of cybersecurity.