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Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program was developed with industry guidance to produce highly skilled, well-equipped cybersecurity professionals. As an increasing number of cyberattacks and information security threats hit our nation, expert cybersecurity professionals are in significant demand by government agencies, small businesses, financial services and institutions and companies in a wide range of industries that handle private data.1
The cybersecurity bachelor’s degree emphasizes critical thinking, field-based application and practical project management experience. Students will be taught valuable workplace skills, such as effective communication, teamwork, initiative, strong work ethic, analytical skills, adaptability and self-confidence.
GCU’s Christian worldview is also integrated into the program, so students can learn professional and ethical practices associated with cybersecurity.
This on-campus or online cybersecurity degree program responds to industry needs by teaching:
Practical Knowledge
Exposing students to training and curriculum designed to prepare them for practical situations
Protective Measures
Instructing students to prevent data breaches, protect against various types of cybercrime and address vulnerabilities
Adaptability
Revealing the importance of adapting quickly to changing technology and industry standards
Continual Education
Instilling an attitude of continual learning in a fast-evolving digital field
At GCU, we understand the demands of a busy lifestyle, which is why we offer flexible learning options tailored to meet your needs. Whether you're balancing work, family or other commitments, our programs are designed to provide the convenience and adaptability necessary to achieve your academic goals. Explore our online and in-person classes that allow you to make your education work for you.
Explore benefits of pursuing your degree online or on campus below.
Experience the flexibility and convenience of earning your BS in Cybersecurity online at GCU. Our comprehensive program is designed to teach you industry-related skills and knowledge, all accessible through our robust online learning platform.
Engage in hands-on learning and direct lab interaction with knowledgeable faculty in simulated cybersecurity scenarios. Refine technical skills, collaborate with peers and receive immediate instructor feedback for cybersecurity career readiness.
It is recommended that all students wanting to pursue an on-campus or online cybersecurity degree take ENG-107: Introduction to Writing for the Sciences as a general education course. Some courses in this degree require technical writing and this course supports students with the ability to transfer knowledge of writing across multiple scientific disciplines.
BS in Cybersecurity degree students will be required to have computer operating systems of Windows 10 of better, or the latest Apple OS X operating system, either with at least 16GB of RAM. There are other software costs and required user licenses for certain courses. Please see the University Policy Handbook for a list of the course requirements.
Program applicants will follow the standard application process. Undergraduate campus and online admission requirements can provide more information on degree program requirements and qualifications.
Students will be taught to defend digital spaces, computer environments, networks and sensitive information from malicious software developers and hackers. This cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program teaches and assesses competency in all aspects of defensive cybersecurity, cyber law and cyber ethics.
Areas of study include:
Digital forensic investigations
Malware reverse engineering
Wireless security
Security architecture design
Security frameworks
Secure system administration
Information assurance foundations
Students will have the opportunity to implement and present a field-based applied research and design project as part of their IT Project course.
Throughout the program, you will be taught skills in:
Working in cyber intelligence can be a highly valued, lucrative career with room for potential advancement.
A few occupations in the field may include:
Computer and information systems manager
Information security analyst
Computer network support specialist and architect
Network and computer systems administrator
Computer systems analysts
Computer and information research scientist
Median annual wage for information security analysts as of May 20232
Estimated job growth for information security analysts from 2022 to 20323
To elevate credentials and deepen the experience, BS in Cybersecurity graduates can earn a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from GCU, as well as explore vendor training and professional certifications. These additional credentials help professionals stay ahead of emerging threats, as well as stay updated on current attack vectors, incoming trends and new technologies and techniques.
This bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity at GCU has been designated by the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD) program. This recognition highlights GCU's commitment to enhancing cyberdefense education and empowering cybersecurity professionals with the expertise to address vulnerabilities effectively.
Explore GCU's accreditation page for additional details on this program and the university's accredited status.
This section provides answers to common questions about our cybersecurity degree online and in person, including details about the cybersecurity field and other key information to help you make an informed decision about pursuing a future in cybersecurity.
A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity can be well worth the investment. Similar to cybersecurity roles, information security analysts job growth is projected to grow by an estimated 32% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3
A successful cybersecurity student is imaginative, curious and creative. If you figure things out quickly, show motivation to learn, use your skepticism to think like a hacker and are open to new ideas, a BS in Cybersecurity degree is no harder than any other computer information degree. Technology enthusiasts may find that their prior skills come in handy when completing the program as well.
As cybersecurity threats show no sign of slowing down and continue to affect both large and small companies, the stressors placed on cybersecurity bachelor’s degree graduates is high.4 However, if you enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles and seek to advance the defense against cyberattacks, then a cybersecurity job may be a great choice.
Cybersecurity has become a critical component of any modern business. With security breaches making headlines on a regular basis, it’s clear that organizations need more professionals focused on security. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that, “about 16,800 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade” (from 2022 to 2032). Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.3
Cybersecurity is a large industry with the potential for much faster than average growth in the coming years.4 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts have a median annual wage of $120,360 as of May 2023.2
The time to complete a cybersecurity bachelor's degree varies depending on factors such as course load, program structure and individual pacing. Transfer credits from previous education can also help speed up the process. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your degree.
If you are looking to position yourself for possible career advancement in the IT industry or considering a career change in this field, this degree may be right for you.
1 Filipkowski, Ben. (2023, March 24). What Is the Future of Cybersecurity? Field Effect. Retrieved on July 20, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Information Security Analysts, as of May 2023, retrieved on May 3, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as information security analysts, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, retrieved on May 3, 2024.
4 Boehm, J., Dias, D., Lewis, C., Kathleen, L. and Wallace, D. (2022, March 10). Cybersecurity Trends: Looking Over the Horizon. McKinsey & Company. Retrieved on May 14, 2024.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
