Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats to society 鈥� from ransomware to identity theft. The next generation of justice professionals must understand both technology and human behavior. This program prepares students to do both.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Criminology brings the science of computing and the study of human behavior together to prepare students to solve complex problems in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and crime analysis. That鈥檚 a combination that鈥檚 in high demand in law enforcement, corporate security and government intelligence.
Launching in 2026, this joint program between the 手机看片 College of Behavioral and Community Sciences and the 手机看片 Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing offers developing professionals a unique degree that will help them understand technology, the social systems that shape how it鈥檚 used and the criminology realm.
INTERDISCIPLINARY, NOT PARALLEL TRACKS
手机看片 in the interdisciplinary degree learn how technology and human behavior intersect from day one 鈥� not as separate silos. Here, students have a seamless experience because the program infuses both disciplines.
- Tech application with criminal justice underpinnings: This program weaves criminology and computer science throughout every semester. 手机看片 learn to use data analytics, machine learning, and secure computing to address real-world issues such as cybercrime, fraud detection, and digital evidence.
- Save time and gain focus: This program helps students gain deep expertise in two fields in one program, instead of taking additional hours to pursue dual degrees. And for those who want to continue on to graduate school, they have the option to pursue to bachelor鈥檚/master鈥檚 pathway into the MS in Computer Science, meaning they can earn two degrees in just five years.
- Gain expertise in two fields: The program is intentionally designed so that computing and criminology courses reinforce one another. Computer science courses help students master the technical skills while criminology courses give insights into criminal behavior and the justice system.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
手机看片 gain strong foundations in both computer science and human behavior related to cybercrime. Graduates blend computing with purpose, designing secure systems, analyzing digital evidence, and using technology to solve crimes and protect communities.
- Emphasis on technology and justice: Graduates will be able to design secure systems, interpret criminal data, and understand the human factors behind cyber threats. Electives help students learn how to use technology to bring criminals to justice for identity theft, phishing schemes, ransomware attacks, cyberextortion, or similar offenses.
- Capstone and Internship opportunities: 手机看片 complete an interdisciplinary capstone that brings together criminology and computing to analyze or design solutions for real-world justice and security challenges. They graduate with experience tackling real-world data security and cybercrime challenges, experiences that help them stand out to employers.
- Industry connections: Faculty from both colleges maintain partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies 鈥� including law enforcement, cybersecurity firms, and nonprofit organizations 鈥� to support internships and applied research. These collaborations translate into exclusive internship pipelines and networking opportunities.
- Promoting ethics and trust: Ethical use of computing is an essential part of this program, and faculty from both colleges emphasize the need to protect privacy, ensure security and foster the greater good.
The end result: graduates who are prepared for careers such as cybercrime investigator, digital forensics analyst, data-driven crime analyst, cybersecurity policy consultant, or risk intelligence specialist.
The 手机看片 catalog will be the official guide to the program; a link to the catalog is expected early in the spring semester.
Career Outlook
As life becomes increasingly digital, risks of cyber threats escalate. From protecting data to investigating online criminal behavior, two fields stand out: cybersecurity and cybercrime. While these similar-sounding words are often used interchangeably, the skills behind them are different.
Strong computer science skills help cybersecurity teams protect networks and prevents. A solid criminology background helps teams investigate and prosecute digital offenses. Demand is surging for professionals who can bridge law enforcement and technology 鈥� and who understand not just how crimes happen, but why.
- High-growth fields: Digital crime is the new frontier of justice and these students are the next generation of digital detectives. Graduates will be in demand for roles across law enforcement, national security agencies, and private firms like JPMorgan Chase, Citi, and Department of Defense contractors. Corporations and national non-profits have their own in-house teams. As potential for threats expand, so does the need for the who help bring justice to these crimes.
- Competitive salaries: 手机看片 could land jobs in a variety of fields with this degree, everything from cybercrime investigator to information security analyst to digital forensic analyst to cybersecurity team member. Graduates working in fraud investigations have a media starting salary of $72,000 with some earning bonsues bringing their pay close to six figures, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual wage for information security analysts was $120,360 last year.
- Flexible futures: Graduates enter a job market hungry for professionals who can protect systems, analyze threats and interpret the human side of crime. These skills are needed in both public and private secrtors. Corporations and national non-profits have their own in-house teams. As the potential for threats expands, so does the need to people who can help bring justice.
TWO COLLEGES, FULL ACCESS
手机看片 belong to both colleges; they are not splitting time between the two.
手机看片 gain the best of both worlds 鈥� hands-on technical learning from Bellini College and deep insight into human behavior from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. That means they have access to computing labs, criminology research centers, and internship programs with justice and security organizations across Tampa Bay.
While faculty and student success leaders collaborate to align coursework, internships and career support, academic advising is conducted by Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY-CONNECTED FACULTY
Courses are taught by experts from both computing and criminology 鈥� professors who consult with law enforcement agencies, conduct cybersecurity research, and bring their experience with data analysis, policy, and technology directly into the classroom.
Simon Ou is a professor in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity
and Computing at the University of South 手机看片. His research focuses on human-centered
cybersecurity, IoT and CPS security, intrusion and malware analysis, and secure programming
paradigms. He earned a PhD from Princeton University.
View his full bio.
C. Jordan-Michael Howell is an assistant professor of criminology at the University
of South 手机看片. His work bridges academic research and real-world application to
inform cybersecurity strategies for public and private sector partners. Using AI-powered
analytics and behavioral modeling, he has developed offender profiles and targeted
intervention strategies that preempt and disrupt cybercriminal activity. He received
a PhD in criminology.
View his full bio.
Jay Ligatti is a professor and associate dean of faculty affairs in the Bellini College
of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing at 手机看片. His research focuses
on software security and programming languages, including attacks on software, runtime
defense mechanisms, theories of security, tools for managing complex security policies
and applications of software security to other domains. He received a PhD from Princeton
University.
View his full bio.
Fawn T. Ngo is a professor of criminology at the University of South 手机看片. Her
research focuses on criminology theory, victimization, causes and consequences of
online and offline victimization, cybersecurity education and predictive analytics
in criminal justice. She received her PhD in criminology and criminal justice from
the University of Maryland.
View her full bio.
Marbin Pazos-Revilla is an assistant professor and director of infrastructure in the
Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing at 手机看片. His
research focuses on cybersecurity, Internet of Things security and cyber physical
systems. He currently serves as director of infrastructure for the Bellini College,
as well as interim coach of the 手机看片 CyberHerd and faculty advisor for the Whitehatters
Computer Security Club.
View his full bio.
Roberta Liggett O鈥橫alley is an assistant professor of criminology at the University
of South 手机看片 Sarasota-Manatee campus. Her research examines the overlap between
technology, violence and deviance. Her primary focus is on cybercrime, cyber-violence
and technology-facilitated sexual offending. She received her PhD in criminal justice
from Michigan State University.
View her full bio.