Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Degree

Male BS in Cybersecurity student smiling in conference room
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Overview

Help Organizations in Many Industries Prevent Cybersecurity Threats

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

Male and female cybersecurity professionals analyzing multiple monitors for threats
Why GCU

Benefits of GCU’s Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree

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

Woman smiling in front of wall at GCU’s Cyber Center of Excellence

Flexible Learning Options to Fit Your Lifestyle

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.

Female cybersecurity student earning bachelor’s degree online

Online vs. Campus Programs

Explore benefits of pursuing your degree online or on campus below.

Online Experience

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.

Campus Experience

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.

Cybersecurity Degree Requirements

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.

University Policy Handbook
Undergraduate Admissions
Male cybersecurity instructor speaking in front of charts on screen in class
Coursework

Course Topics in This Program

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

Male cybersecurity major smiling while working on laptop

Skills Taught in This Cybersecurity Bachelor’s

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:

  • Platform and network technologies
  • Cyberlaw and privacy in a digital age
  • Cybersecurity and ethical hacking
  • IT business case planning for global enterprise
  • Analysis, design and management of secure corporate networks
Careers

Careers With a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Degree

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

$120,360

Median annual wage for information security analysts as of May 20232

32%

Estimated job growth for information security analysts from 2022 to 20323

Prepare for Your Master’s Degree

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. 

MS in Cybersecurity Degree
Female cybersecurity instructor working with male student on laptop
Designation

NCAE-CD Designation

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.

FAQ

BS in Cybersecurity Degree FAQs

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.

Female bachelor’s student smiling in game room at GCU

Take the First Step in Your STEM Journey

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.

Apply Now

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.
 

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