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Cyber Systems Curriculum

The curriculum for the Cyber Systems major is based on the Coast Guard’s commitment to develop a workforce capable of meeting the most complex technical challenges in the cyber domain.

In the Coast Guard, cyber is a multidisciplinary, operational pursuit. The curriculum therefore delivers a strong technical cyber computing foundation. It is enriched beyond the Academy’s broad core curriculum, in engineering, management, mathematics, and the humanities – taught through a cyber systems lens.

Fourth Class Year (Freshman)

Fall Semester

Introduction to Computing
College Composition
Calculus I
Principles of Fitness and Wellness I
Swimming
Chemistry I
Fundamentals of Navigation

Spring Semester

Engineering Mechanics – Statics
Cultural Perspectives
American Government
Calculus II
Personal Defense I
Principles of Fitness and Wellness II
Physics I

Third Class Year (Sophomore)

Fall Semester

Fundamentals of Information Security
Transition to Object Oriented Programming
Physics II
Ships and Maritime Systems
Introduction to Moral and Ethical Philosophy
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Lifetime Sports I: Racquetball
Lifetime Sports II: Golf

Spring Semester

Computer and Communications Networks
Digital Circuits and Computer Systems
Discrete Mathematics
Cyber Policy, Compliance, and Ethics
Macroeconomic Principles
Applications in Navigation Lab
Professional Rescuer

Second Class Year (Junior)

Fall Semester

Operating Systems
Database Systems
Introduction to Cryptography
Systems Analysis and Design
Probability and Statistics
**Free Elective

Spring Semester

Software Engineering
Cyber Risk Management
Information Technology in Organizations
Maritime Watch Officer Personal Defense II
Atmospheric and Marine Sciences
Lifetime Sports III: Tennis

First Class Year (Senior)

Fall Semester

Capstone Experience I
Computer and Network Security
Principles of Criminal Justice and Op Law
Prof Maritime Officer Lab
*Major Area Elective
Physical Education Elective
**Free Elective

Spring Semester

Capstone Experience II
Intelligence and Cyber Operations
Global Studies
Professional Maritime Officer
*Major Area Elective
**Free Elective

Sponsor Family Application

Thank you for submitting your application to be part of the Sponsor Family Program. Your application will be processed in the upcoming week. Coast Guard Academy’s policy on background screening now requires all adults (everyone 18 and older living in the home) who volunteer to mentor, teach, coach or sponsor cadets, whether on or off Coast Guard Academy grounds, to be screened every 5 years. They are required to provide personal information (name, birth date and social security number) for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check.

The Security Officer at the Coast Guard Academy, CWO2 Gina Polkowski, is overseeing this process. Her email is: Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.

Sponsor Family designations fall into several different categories. Below are the guidelines to help you determine how best to meet the background screening requirement:

If you are Coast Guard active duty you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
If you are a Civilian working for the Coast Guard you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
If you are non-Coast Guard Active Duty, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
If you are non-Coast Guard civilian who has a current security clearance or National Agency check, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
All civilians in the families who are 18 years or older and do not have a security clearance or a National Agency Check are required to be vetted through Mind Your Business, the third party vendor hired by the Coast Guard Academy for the vetting process.

After you complete your application, please e-mail the Sponsor Family Program Coordinator at CadetFamilySponsorProgram@uscga.edu. In your e-mail, you must include the e-mail address and phone number of every adult living in the home. The Sponsor Family Coordinator will then initiate the background check process and you will receive an email with further instructions.

Important things to note:

There is a Sponsor Family Training that is a one-hour training which we ask sponsors to attend once every four years. This training is designed to give you an overview of the program, what is expected of you as a sponsor, and what you can expect from your cadets. This training will also help familiarize you with the cadet regulations onboard CGA. You will be notified via e-mail once the training is scheduled.

The matching process of swabs to families will occur during July and August. Please bear with us and remain flexible through this process. There will be a meet and greet scheduled on Campus, typically in late August. This will give families an opportunity to formally meet their cadet if they have not already done so. Details on this will also be via email.