How does the Cyber Security major at the US Naval Academy prepare students?

I'm planning my college applications and the US Naval Academy's Cyber Security major caught my eye. What kind of preparation and opportunities does this program offer for students interested in cybersecurity careers?

The U.S. Naval Academy offers a robust Cyber Operations major designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of cyber as an operational domain. The course is heavily anchored on technical fluency and is divided into three tracks - Cyber Science, Information Technology, and Network Engineering, to cater to varying student interests and career ambitions in the cyber domain.

Under this major, you'd study everything from the technical details of hardware and software systems, to network operations, as well as the policy, ethics, and legal aspects associated with cyber operations. This technical grounding is complemented by cyber-related humanities and social science courses that help you understand complex cyber issues through different lenses.

Notably, the Naval Academy's Center for Cyber Security Studies enhances students' education in the cyber domain through symposia, internships, and focused research opportunities concerning cyber threats and cyber defense.

Additionally, the Academy's commitment to combining technical understanding, leadership, and ethics ensures graduates are well-prepared to serve as cyber operations officers within the Department of Defense. Besides, the option to sit for security certifications such as Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker can help further enhance your marketability in the professional field.

Lastly, the institution's strategic and collaborative partnerships with industry, government, and academia provide students with unparalleled access to knowledge, resources, and potential networking opportunities -- all of which can be invaluable when kick-starting a career in cyber security.