BS in Information Technology (BSIT): Cybersecurity Emphasis
BS in Information Technology (BSIT): Cybersecurity Emphasis
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This BSIT program at GCU is offered both on campus and online. The two different modalities can provide a flexible and convenient way to work toward advancing your education. Through online learning platforms, you can access coursework and engage with knowledgeable faculty members from the comfort of your own home. By choosing the online format, you have the freedom to study at your own pace while balancing other commitments. Whether you're a working professional or a busy student, earning your bachelor’s degree in IT online provides an accessible pathway to enhance your expertise in the field.
BSIT Core Degree
You may also take part in the Cyber Center of Excellence, a learning environment led by faculty that develops skills and knowledge in cybersecurity through research, exercises and hands-on training.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity program from Grand Canyon University can prepare you for careers working with computer-based information systems. Graduates will be taught to work with software applications and computer hardware to study, design, develop and support how information is shared, saved and used within an organization. If you are interested in user and data security an emphasis in cybersecurity may be a good choice. Acquiring skills in both IT and cybersecurity allows graduates from this program to support and design systems that are safe from cyberattacks.
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).
This bachelor’s degree with a cybersecurity emphasis can prepare you to work in the growing information technology field. The advantages of this degree program lie in the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge and skills in both IT and cybersecurity, which has the potential to open up a wide range of potential career paths.
If you have worked in law enforcement or are a military veteran, this degree may be appealing to you. You already have the mindset to search for potential threats and you may already have government clearance that may assist you in gaining employment opportunities upon graduation. Any student entering this BSIT with an emphasis in cybersecurity program should be comfortable with basic algebra skills and be proficient in using common desktop computer applications.
Learn more about our accreditation and the CAE-CD designation for this BS in IT: Cybersecurity emphasis.
Those pursuing this degree have the opportunity to receive a well-rounded experience in both cybersecurity and IT. The coursework is made up of both lectures and labs to ensure that theoretical knowledge guides practice application.Â
Some areas of study include:
Platform technologies
Networking
Information assurance
IT security and management
Programming fundamentals
Cloud computing
Web systems and technologies
Professional and ethical practices in IT
The IT portion of the degree program emphasizes not only the technology, but the business aspects of IT work. The cybersecurity emphasis program focuses on some of the core competencies of IT-driven business, software technology and tools, enterprise information systems and cybersecurity. Students are taught:
The bachelor’s degree in information technology: cybersecurity emphasis coursework ends with a security capstone IT project. You will be required to demonstrate practical knowledge as well as technical writing and business presentation skills. The capstone is typically completed as a team and include:
This bachelor’s in IT: cybersecurity emphasis from GCU teaches graduates how cyberdefense, cyber operations and cyberlaw are interrelated. Focus is placed on teaching processes and goals in cyber forensics and acquiring practical application in developing plans for security architectures. Cybersecurity students will practice problem solving skills using technology and computer programming, while utilizing hands-on activities to ensure students have the proper training to excel in the cybersecurity workforce.Â
This on-campus and online degree with cybersecurity emphasis offers courses focused on the following skills:
Delve into the world of IT cybersecurity within the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program by exploring our comprehensive frequently asked questions.Â
What kind of degree do you need for a career in cybersecurity?
What is the median salary of an information technology career?
Is the BSIT degree: cybersecurity emphasis a hard program?
Graduates from this program are taught the skills needed to pursue a career in information systems. Students who complete this program may have opportunities to work as:
With the emphasis in cybersecurity, you can position yourself for a possible career as an information security analyst. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for information security analysts is on track to grow by an estimated 32% from 2022 to 2032, accounting for an estimated increase of 53,200 jobs in the field.(See disclaimer 1)
Median annual wage for information security analysts as of May 2023(See disclaimer 2)
This IT cybersecurity degree has received designation by the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD) program. This status underscores GCU's dedication to advancing education in cyberdefense and equipping cybersecurity professionals with the skills to mitigate vulnerabilities. Visit our College of Engineering and Technology accreditation page for more information.
If you are passionate about technology and want to make a difference in how data is stored and shared in an organization, a bachelor’s degree in IT online or on campus with an emphasis in cybersecurity may be the right choice for you.
