Pace University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme blends core science and technology training with specialist security topics. You study programming, data structures, operating systems and networking alongside dedicated security modules such as cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics and intrusion detection. Course work emphasises hands-on laboratory practice and project-based learning: expect network and systems labs, forensic analysis of storage and memory, secure software development assignments, and red-team/blue-team exercises.

Typical modules and topics include:

• Foundations of Computing: programming, data structures, algorithms and discrete mathematics.
• Networks and Operating Systems: TCP/IP, routing, system internals and secure configuration.
• Cybersecurity Core: cryptography, access control, secure coding and threat modelling.
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response: evidence preservation, file systems, memory forensics and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Applied Security: penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, security operations and SOC practices.
• Risk, Policy and Ethics: security governance, privacy law, ethics and organisational risk management.
• Emerging Topics: cloud security, IoT/embedded systems security and machine-learning applications in defence and detection.
• Capstone and Internship: a culminating team project and an industry placement or research practicum that integrate technical skills with real-world security problems.

Entry requirements

Pace looks for applicants with a strong secondary-school record and demonstrated aptitude in mathematics or a related science. Typical applicants will have completed courses in algebra and higher-level maths and should show familiarity with computing fundamentals where possible. Admissions decisions consider transcripts, a personal statement and academic references.

International applicants must present the equivalent of a U.S. high-school diploma and demonstrate English language proficiency; recognised test scores or institutional English qualifications are acceptable. Mature applicants or those transferring from other institutions are assessed on prior academic performance and relevant experience. Foundation or bridging modules may be recommended for students who need to strengthen programming or mathematics skills.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across the private sector, public agencies and consultancy. Typical job titles include cybersecurity analyst, incident responder, penetration tester, digital forensics analyst, security engineer, risk analyst and security consultant. Employers include financial services, technology companies, healthcare providers, critical infrastructure operators, law enforcement and government cybersecurity units.

The programme prepares students for professional certifications (such as CompTIA, CISSP-related pathways, or vendor-specific credentials) and for further study at postgraduate level in cybersecurity, information assurance, digital forensics or related fields. Practical experience from internships and lab-based projects helps graduates transition quickly into operational security roles or technical development careers.

Why study at Pace University

Pace combines campus life in New York City and Westchester, offering proximity to major industry employers, government agencies and a large technology ecosystem. Students benefit from laboratory facilities, project-based courses and opportunities for internships and collaborations with regional firms and public-sector organisations. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning and close faculty mentoring supports applied preparation for security careers.

Pace also provides access to multidisciplinary resources — including computing, business and legal studies — useful for addressing the technical, organisational and regulatory dimensions of security. Active career services and alumni networks in the New York region help students secure placements and entry-level roles after graduation.