Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Science Program in Cybersecurity at Khon Kaen University is strategically designed to produce professionals adept at protecting the nation's digital infrastructure, a cornerstone of sustainable development in the 21st century. The program's philosophy, which emphasizes creating innovators with world-class expertise, ethical principles, and social responsibility, directly aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is a powerhouse for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as cybersecurity is fundamental to building transparent, reliable, and secure institutions. Courses like Computer Crime and Digital Forensics, IT Law and Ethics, and Information Security Management equip graduates to combat cybercrime and corruption. Furthermore, the program is a critical engine for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by creating a resilient and secure digital backbone for all industries. It also supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by securing smart city infrastructure and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by producing high-demand, skilled professionals. As a higher education program, it is a clear contributor to SDG 4 (Quality Education), and the global nature of cyber threats necessitates international cooperation, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: This program provides high-quality, specialized education in a critical and high-demand technological field. It equips students with the advanced technical and vocational skills necessary for employment and lifelong learning in cybersecurity through a curriculum that includes research, project-based learning, and mandatory professional experience.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 394 892	Research Project	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity, equipping students with advanced research and technical skills that are highly relevant for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).
CP 394 894	Cooperative Education	Provides mandatory and extensive work placement, ensuring all students acquire relevant technical and vocational skills for employment, directly supporting lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3 & 4.4).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: By producing highly skilled cybersecurity professionals, the curriculum directly fuels the digital economy, a key driver of economic growth. It supports the creation of high-value, decent jobs and enhances the security of all economic sectors, fostering sustained and inclusive economic development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 394 894	Cooperative Education	Ensures students gain professional experience, supporting full and productive employment and facilitating the transition of youth into the workforce (Target 8.6).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: Cybersecurity is the bedrock of modern, resilient digital infrastructure. This program is essential for SDG 9 as it trains the workforce needed to protect all industrial and technological systems from cyber threats, thereby fostering innovation and ensuring the stability required for sustainable industrialization.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 393 231	Network Security	Directly contributes to building resilient infrastructure by providing the skills to secure the computer networks that are critical for all industries (Target 9.1).
CP 393 331	Cryptography	Enhances technological capabilities by teaching the science of secure communication, a fundamental component of safe and innovative industrial processes (Target 9.4).
CP 393 433	Web Application Security	Fosters innovation by securing the web-based platforms that drive modern commerce and industry, promoting safe and sustainable industrialization (Target 9.2).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to making cities and communities safer and more resilient by securing their increasingly complex digital infrastructure. Graduates can apply their skills to protect critical urban systems, such as transportation, utilities, and public services, from cyberattacks.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 393 431	Malware Analysis	Contributes to making human settlements safer by equipping students with the skills to analyze and defend against malicious software that can target critical urban infrastructure (Target 11.7).
CP 393 432	Cyber Threat Intelligence	Supports the development of safe and resilient communities by teaching how to proactively identify and mitigate cyber threats against public and private systems. This aligns with the 'Sustainable practices' metric.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: This curriculum is fundamentally aligned with building strong, just, and peaceful institutions in the digital age. It directly tackles the threats of cybercrime, corruption, and the misuse of information, producing professionals who can ensure the integrity, accountability, and transparency of public and private institutions.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 393 233	Computer Crime and Digital Forensics	Directly supports the fight against crime and corruption by providing skills to investigate and prosecute cybercrime, strengthening the rule of law (Target 16.3 & 16.4).
CP 393 332	Information Security Management	Contributes to developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions by teaching how to manage and protect an organization's information assets (Target 16.6).
LW 011 105	Information Technology Law and Ethics	Promotes the rule of law and ensures non-discriminatory laws and policies by educating on the legal and ethical frameworks that govern cybersecurity (Target 16.B).
CP 392 231	Ethical Hacking	Strengthens institutions by teaching students how to identify and fix security vulnerabilities, making systems less susceptible to abuse and corruption (Target 16.5).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: Cybersecurity is a global challenge that requires extensive international cooperation. This program fosters a spirit of partnership by preparing students to work in collaborative environments, share threat intelligence, and contribute to the multi-stakeholder efforts needed to secure the global digital commons.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 394 894	Cooperative Education	Represents a direct multi-stakeholder partnership between the university and industry, mobilizing knowledge and expertise to enhance cybersecurity capacity (Target 17.17).
CP 394 801	Seminar	Promotes knowledge-sharing on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices, enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.16).