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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Bachelor of Science degree in cybersecurity at Grand Valley provides broad coverage of cybersecurity concepts as well as hands-on techniques. A strong computing foundation ensures that students have the knowledge to understand the effects of security measures on computing systems as a whole, as well as how to apply security measures to a variety of computing systems. Coverage of societal and organizational issues regarding cybersecurity prepares students with the necessary context to understand how to apply these skills to the diverse challenges facing a wide variety of organizations.

WHY STUDY CYBERSECURITY AT GRAND VALLEY?

• Students can tailor their degree to fit their individual interests and career goals by choosing electives and minors in related subject areas.
• Theoretical foundation and practical experience offer excellent preparation for the job market, along with valuable industry experience.
• By focusing on the underlying principles behind cybersecurity, our program prepares students to handle future cybersecurity challenges, in addition to today's threats.
• Most faculty members hold doctoral degrees and have a breadth of experience in the industry.
• Dedicated state-of-the-art computer labs offer relevant, hands-on learning.

COURSEWORK

The cybersecurity major covers a wide breadth of topics:

• Network security
• Secure software
• Reverse engineering
• Security policy
• Legal and ethical issues
• Systems security
• Cyber-forensics
• Cryptography
• Risk management

Required Coursework  Advising Plans  Course Descriptions

SECONDARY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to major standing in computer science is competitive and requires a secondary application. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Overall GPA of 2.5 or above in all Grand Valley State University coursework
• GPA of 2.5 or above in the technical core
• Completion of each course in the technical core with a grade of C or above (C- is not sufficient)
  • CIS 162 - Computer Science I
  • CIS 258 Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • MTH 225 
  • STA 215 (or STA 312)
  • COM 201

COMBINED DEGREE PROGRAMS

This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.

You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.

CAREER OPTIONS

There is a strong demand for cybersecurity professionals. Numerous job opportunities are available, including:

• Cybersecurity specialist
• Cyber-crime investigator
• Penetration tester
• Incident responder
• Cybersecurity analyst

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

Hands-on learning and other fieldwork not only deepen your mastery of your discipline but also give you the edge employers seek. Visit our experience matters page to see the work GVSU students are doing in their co-ops and internships.

SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

The B.S. in Cybersecurity at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings in the field.

• Cyber Security
• Computer Science
• Vulnerability
• Auditing
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Firewall
• Information Systems
• Incident Response
• Cyber Threat Intelligence

Source: EMSI, 2020

LOCATION & FORMAT

Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:

• Face To Face

HELPFUL LINKS

• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Study Abroad
• General Education Handbook
• Computer Science Programs