Understanding the Naval Academy's cyber operations major

I'm interested in pursuing a major in cyber operations at the Naval Academy. What can I expect in terms of coursework and future career opportunities with this major? Any current or former cadets willing to share their experiences?

With a major in Cyber Operations at the Naval Academy, you should expect a thorough immersion in the critical field of information technology. The program in Cyber Operations is interdisciplinary, allowing you to take courses across several departments, including Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Political Science, and more.

In terms of coursework, you'll typically start with foundations in computer architecture, programming, networks, and systems, before moving on to advanced topics like cybersecurity, cyber policy, and cyber law. Courses in cyber-ethics, digital forensics, and secure system design could also be part of your curriculum. Thorough practical lab work and real-world applications of the theoretical concepts are pivotal parts of the program.

As part of the Cyber Operations major, you may also have unique opportunities for summer internships, including at government agencies and even aboard ships to understand the onboard systems and their vulnerability to cyber-attacks.

Upon graduation, you'll be well prepared for a career within the Navy, specifically in designated fields such as Cryptologic Warfare, Information Professional, and Intelligence. Of course, should you leave active duty one day, the skills and experiences you have will translate well into various cyber-related roles in the public and private sectors.

Not having personally gone through the education and experiences, I base this response on what's mentioned on the official Naval Academy website and dialogues with individuals who have had such experiences. Hence, everything might not be spot-on, but it should provide a broad sense of what to expect.