BS in Information Technology (BSIT): Cybersecurity Emphasis
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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.
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.
Pursuing Your Bachelor’s Degree in IT Online
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
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:
Take Relevant Courses Focused on IT and Cybersecurity Concepts
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.
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
Course topics include:
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.
Skills Acquired in the BSIT: Cybersecurity Emphasis Program
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.
This on-campus and online degree with cybersecurity emphasis offers courses focused on the following skills:
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.1
Median annual wage for information security analysts as of May 20232
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delve into the world of IT cybersecurity within the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program by exploring our comprehensive frequently asked questions.
Most cybersecurity jobs require a four-year bachelor’s degree in information technology, cybersecurity or a related computer-science field.3 To specialize in cybersecurity or to pursue a higher-level cybersecurity position, many companies may recommend specific credentials, certifications or a master’s degree.4 A few graduate degree options may include an MBA in Cybersecurity, an MS in Cybersecurity or an MS in Cybersecurity Management.
For those who are looking to get into the cybersecurity field but are unable to commit to a full bachelor’s degree program, consider earning an undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity. This certificate program provides foundational knowledge and skills to help prepare you for an entry-level cybersecurity career.
There are many different types of careers in the information technology field and IT cybersecurity industry. One career option that combines IT and cybersecurity is an information security analyst. As of May 2023, information security analysts have a median annual wage of $120,360.2
A bachelor’s degree in IT: cybersecurity emphasis is likely to be challenging. Cybersecurity is a complex field that requires a solid understanding of computer systems, networking, programming and information security principles. With the cybersecurity landscape constantly evolving and new threats and technologies emerging regularly, this may add an extra layer of complexity to the program. You will need to stay up to date with the latest trends, vulnerabilities and defensive techniques. While it is considered a challenging program, the level of difficulty can vary from person to person. Some students may find it easier if they have prior experience or a strong background in computer science or information technology, while others may need to invest more time and effort to grasp the concepts.
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.
- 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, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, retrieved on May 3, 2024.
- 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.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022, Sept. 8). Information Security Analysts: How to Become One. Retrieved on June 27, 2023.
- Lake, Sydney (2022, July 22). What You Need to Land a Six-Figure Cybersecurity Job. Fortune Education. Retrieved on June 27, 2023.