Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

The 🌐 icon appears in the title of traditional courses that are also available as a set of module courses.  

Description and Outcomes

This program will equip you to master the foundational goals of cybersecurity. You will apply current technical tools and methodologies to solve security problems. Upon completion, you will be able to evaluate security trends, recognize best practices, and understand IT security products and threats.

You will explore the depth and breadth of materials to enable you to pursue many of the critical certifications recognized by the information assurance community and for Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, as mandated by DoD Directive 8570.1.

The following educational objectives are approved by information technology faculty and the Advisory Board:

  • Our graduates demonstrate leadership skills and take on the challenge of emerging roles in the ever-changing landscape of the field of cybersecurity.
  • Our graduates become thought leaders in the cybersecurity industry and develop innovative policies, services, and products.
  • Our graduates continue to pursue additional academic and professional credentials with higher level degrees and industry certifications in the cybersecurity field.
  • Our graduates remain current in the cybersecurity field and share their knowledge with the community and other aspiring professionals in the industry.

Purdue Global has been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) for the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. More information can be found on the following website: 
https://www.nsa.gov/Academics/Centers-of-Academic-Excellence/.

This program is available in ExcelTrack. Speak with your University representative for any limitations. For more information on ExcelTrack, see Learning Paths in the Approach to Learning section of the Catalog.

Concentrations

You can personalize your degree in cybersecurity by focusing electives on a particular concentration. Concentrations generally consist of three or more courses and allow you to concentrate on your individual career interests. When enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, you can select from the following concentrations: CISSP certification preparation, cloud computing, data management, game development, programming and analytics, software development using C#, software development using Java, software development using Python, software development using web languages, and supply chain management and logistics. You are not required to choose a concentration.

Accelerated Master's Degree Options

If you are interested in earning both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, consider the accelerated options for either the Master of Science in Information Technology or Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management. Refer to Progression Requirements for details.

Program Length

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program consists of a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a bachelor of science degree.

Program Outcomes

Discipline-Specific Outcomes

  1. Technology Skills: Analyze a complex computing problem to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. System Specifications: Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Professional Communication: Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Professional Development: Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Team Management: Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Security Analysis: Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats. 

General Education Literacies and Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, general education literacies and professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the general education literacies and professional competencies associated with your academic program in the General Education and Professional Competency Requirements section of this Catalog.

Program Availability

For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information.

Policies

Admissions Requirements

You must meet the following admission requirement in addition to the Purdue Global general requirements.

You must provide an official high school transcript, documentation of a high school diploma equivalent, an official college transcript, or another type of transcript eligible to be awarded college credit. Credit earned while previously enrolled at Purdue Global will exempt you from this requirement. If you are unable to provide any of these documents, you may submit alternative documentation and a written appeal to the program’s Academic Dean to be considered for admission. If the credential or approval from the program’s Dean cannot be officially verified by 2 days prior to the first day of your first term, you will need to enroll in a later term.

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams 

Certain state certification and licensure boards have specific educational requirements for programs to lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment in a recognized occupation. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.

Unless otherwise specified, Purdue Global's programs are not designed to meet any specific state’s licensure or certification requirements. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information to determine enrollment eligibility.

You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.