Experiences and Reflections on CS and Cybersecurity Majors at Penn State

Note: I've recreated this content based on the historical perspective and experiences from 50 years ago. Current Penn State students or recent alumni can provide more up-to-date information.

Introduction

My time spent at Penn State University, specifically on the Capitol Campus, was a fascinating journey through the early days of personal computing and cybersecurity. During my academic years, which were more than five decades ago, we were at the dawn of the digital age. The concept of cybersecurity as we know it today was largely non-existent, but it was an environment ripe with the potential for innovation and the establishment of foundational principles.

The Academic Landscape

Back then, the Computer Science (CS) and Cybersecurity fields were just emerging. The course offerings reflected the nascent state of technology, with subjects like assembly language, data structures, and even punch cards. The introduction of computing technology was a transformational leap from the mechanical calculators and typewriters used in the pre-digital era.

Computer Science Major

The Computer Science major was a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. It was a time when electric typewriters were considered advanced technology, and learning how to program in languages like FORTRAN and PASCAL was considered cutting-edge. The curriculum included a heavy dose of mathematics, algorithms, and system design, alongside hands-on experience with primitive computer systems. Personal computers were only dreams in labs, and the internet was not yet a thing in homes or universities.

Cybersecurity

As for Cybersecurity, it was still in its embryonic stages. Without the robust digital infrastructure of today, the focus was more on ensuring the integrity and security of data stored on simple megabyte-scale disk drives. While viruses and worms were already emerging, the concept of protecting systems and data from cyber threats was not yet a major field of study. Our understanding of vulnerabilities was nascent, and the implementation of security measures was rudimentary.

Of Majors Preferred

As for which major was preferred back then, there wasn't a clear preference. Students were drawn to Computer Science for its promise of innovation and the allure of mastering a new field. The advent of personal computing was a significant draw, as evidenced by the enthusiasm for learning and developing algorithms, writing code, and building systems. The path towards Cybersecurity was more implicit, and those interested would take supplementary courses in computer systems and network security.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, the experience at Penn State provided a foundation in both fundamental and applied computing concepts. My time there was formative, and the ability to interact with early computing systems helped shape my perspective on technology's potential impact on society. The lack of a well-defined cybersecurity major at the time was neither a hindrance nor a preference; rather, it was a testament to the rapid pace of technological change and the need for adaptability.

Conclusion

The world of Computer Science and Cybersecurity has transformed immensely since my time at Penn State. The advancements in technology, data protection, and threat analysis have vastly expanded the scope of these fields. While the experience I had when I was there was more about the basics and the thrill of it all, it laid the groundwork for what these disciplines have become today. Penn State's history and current positioning in these areas are a testament to its commitment to education and innovation in technology.