Goals & Future Plans

ODU Cybersecurity Degree & Certification Plan

Undergraduate Goals (Spring 2027)

Focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), & Cloud Networking.

Graduate Goals (start 2027)

Pursue part/full-time employment and a MS in Cybersecurity with a Concentration in AI.

Summer 2026 Course Load

  1. IDS 300W: Interdisciplinary Theory and Concepts
  2. MATH 211: PreCalculus II (prerequisite for most AI/ML graduate-level programs & courses)
  3. COVA Research Paper Expansion Project:
    • Second paper completion and submission for publishing before end of Summer 2026 semester.
    • Start third paper research and development.
  4. As time permits...
    • CompTIA Linux+ Certification preparation (light filler; active push in Fall Session 2, exam target late 2026)

Fall 2026 Course Load (ODU changes to 8-week acceleration sessions)

  • MATH 212: Calculus I (16 weeks, prerequisite for most AI/ML graduate-level programs & courses)

First Session (Fall 2026)

  1. CYSE 425w: Cyber Strategy and Policy
  2. CYSE 420: Applied Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
  3. COVA Research Paper Expansion Project
    • Continuing third paper research and development.
    • In-person presentation at a conference for the first paper findings (still pending review, acceptance, and publishing, ETA July 31st, 2026).
  4. As time permits…
    • CompTIA Linux+ Certification preparation continued…

Second Session (Fall 2026)

  1. CS 464: Networked Systems
  2. COVA Research Paper Expansion Project:
    • Finish third paper to submit for publishing before end of 2026 calendar year.
  3. As time permits…
    • CompTIA Linux+ Certification exam taken (during winter break)
  4. Optional, as time permits...
    • CS 463 Cryptography for Cybersecurity

Spring 2027 Course Load (ODU changes to 8-week acceleration sessions)

  • MATH 316: Calculus II (16 weeks, prerequisite for most AI/ML graduate-level programs & courses)

First Session (Spring 2027)

  1. CYSE 368: Cybersecurity Internship (or CYSE 469: Entrepreneurship in Cybersecurity)
  2. CS 465: Information Assurance for Cybersecurity, or…
    • CYSE 418: Enterprise Information Assurance
    • CRJS 310, Cybercriminology: Foundations
  3. COVA Research Paper Expansion Project:
    • Start fourth paper research and development.
  4. Optional, as time permits...
    • CYSE 450: Ethical Penetration Testing

Second Session (Spring 2027)

  1. CYSE 368: Cybersecurity Internship (or CYSE 469/494: Entrepreneurship in Cybersecurity)
  2. IDS 493: IDS Electronic Portfolio Project
  3. COVA Research Paper Expansion Project:
    • Finish fourth paper research and development before end of Spring 2027 semester.
  4. Optional, as time permits...
    • CS 469 Data Analytics for Cybersecurity

Summer 2027 Workload (Post May 2027 Undergraduate Graduation)

  1. MATH 316: Linear Algebra (prerequisite for most AI/ML graduate-level programs & courses)
  2. COVA Research Paper Expansion Project:
    • Finish fourth paper to submit for publishing before end of Summer 2027 semester.
    • Start fifth paper research and development.

Stretch Goals — Next 12-18 Months

Pursued only when ahead of committed coursework and research priorities.

  1. Optional Coursework:
    • STAT 330 (Probability & Statistics for AI/ML graduate programs)
  2. Optional Certifications:
    • CompTIA CySA+ (post-graduation target)
    • CompTIA PenTest+ (post-graduation target)
    • CompTIA SecAI+
    • Microsoft AZ-900, AI-900, SC-900 (starter Azure certs; suitable for short windows)
  3. Self-Directed Projects & Skill-Building:
    • Home Lab build-out (software framework on existing hardware/NAS)
    • Ethical penetration testing labs (Hack Smarter / Cyber Range / Tyler Ramsbey content)
    • Udemy AI/LLM coursework
    • Coding projects (Python, JS via WDS)
    • Personal growth (debate tutorials, content creation)