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Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor's Degree Specialization in Cyber Security

Cyber security specialization at a glance

  • Build fundamental IT security, cyber security, and networking skills that align with today’s careers.

  • Learn to design, deploy, monitor, secure, and manage local and cloud-based networks.

  • Prepare to pursue industry-recognized certification exams including CompTIA PenTest+ and the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).

Get to know our cyber security specialization

Prepare to make your mark in an IT and cyber security career with our Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a Cyber Security Specialization. Learn firsthand what it takes to defend networks, applications, and systems against security breaches and online attacks from cyber criminals by familiarizing yourself with network security testing, countermeasure testing, and risk factor analysis. Further boost your skillset by building detailed security and contingency plans, as well as practicing disaster recovery scenarios.

What you'll learn in the cyber security specialization

When you pursue a cyber security specialization at DeVry University, you’ll learn the following:

Information systems security

Build your understanding of information security basics, including attack methods; defense strategies; and policies for safeguarding people, data, networks, and devices.

Information technology and networking

Learn about network and internet technology, with coursework covering OSI and TCP/IP models, routing protocols, switches, network configuration, troubleshooting, and security.

Technical project management

Explore basic project management concepts that you can apply to technical projects by learning the methodologies and frameworks required to deliver on track and on budget.

Accreditation matters

Being accredited means we’ve met rigorous quality standards and are committed to giving you the education you deserve. Our accreditations and recognitions include:

  • The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (CAC of ABET): Our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Networking is accredited by CAC of ABET, a global mark of quality that is respected by employers and professional associations within this field.

  • National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD): DeVry University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD, https://www.caecommunity.org/) by the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency for our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Networking with a specialization in Cyber Security.

  • National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS):  Students in the Information Technology and Networking bachelor’s program pursuing the Cyber Security track should note that DeVry University’s cybersecurity curriculum is acknowledged and verified as an approved provider by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS). NICCS is an online training initiative and portal that follows the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education framework and connects students, educators, and industry to cybersecurity resources and U.S. training providers. More information is available via https://niccs.cisa.gov and https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-cybersecurity/nice. 

  • The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Institutionally, DeVry University is accredited by
    HLC, https://www.hlcommission.org. Our Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. 

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How you’ll learn

Here at DeVry, flexibility means more than just our ability to offer on-site1 and online college courses. It also means:

  • Convenient 8-week sessions

  • Full- or part-time schedule options

  • On-demand learning resources such as tutoring materials and digital library services

  • 24/7 access to your course via our mobile app

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Accelerate on your schedule

Choose the schedule that best fits your goals and commitments. You can earn your bachelor's degree:

  • In as little as 2 years and 8 months with an accelerated schedule2

  • More quickly with qualifying transfer credits

  • In 4 years with a normal schedule3

1Minimum schedule does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 12-18 credit hours a semester per 12-month period.

2Normal schedule does include breaks and assumes 2 semesters of enrollment in 12-18 credit hours per semester per 12-month period.

Succeed at DeVry with our ongoing support

At DeVry, we have an unwavering commitment to your success. From the first time you connect with a DeVry representative to graduation day and beyond, we’re here for you. 
 
Education is a commitment to your future — and we want to help you get a positive return on your time and financial investment. That’s why we’ve designed our programs to align with your goals and fit seamlessly into your schedule. We do this by employing faculty who work in the fields that they teach and align annually with our National Advisory Committee to make sure our curriculum meets employer needs.  
 
You’ll learn from industry-experienced faculty providing real-world knowledge to help prepare you with both the hard and soft skills you need to hit the ground running and pursue the career you want.   
 
Our student-focused experience puts around-the-clock resources at your fingertips, such as 24/7 tutoring  resources, e-library access, an inspiring online student community, and access to career services, giving you the tools and resources you need to tackle your studies when and where it works for you.

Additional benefits of earning your cyber security specialization include:

Work with AI, IoT technologies, and systems: Cultivate fluency in AI, prompt engineering, task automation, coding, machine learning, and other tech tools you can implement in the cyber security field. You’ll be immersed in the Internet of Things (IoT) world and obtain hands-on experience with IoT, cloud technology, software, security strategies, and systems.

 

Certification exam reimbursement: Elements of this curriculum help you prepare to pursue industry certifications that can validate your knowledge to employers. If you qualify, we’ll reimburse you up to $300 toward the cost of 1 industry certification exam attempt. Certifications include:

  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

  • CompTIA PenTest+

Other certifications may also be eligible for reimbursement. Speak to your Student Support Advisor for additional information.

Embedded programs

Demonstrate skills at every step

Earn 2 additional credentials with our unique 3-in-1 design. Courses in our Networking Essentials Certificate program and Associate in Information Technology and Networking are embedded within our cyber security specialization.3 This allows you to earn a resume-boosting certificate and associate degree on the way to your bachelor's degree.

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DeVry Stackable Programs

Hear from our alumni

photo of Leo Gatlin
Leo G.
Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking with a Cyber Security Specialization, 2021
quote-open
Earning my degree from DeVry has helped me achieve my goal to be an inspiration to others. My advice? If you are thinking about it, go for it. Never let doubt hold you back from something that will change your life.
quote-close

Career outlook

Cyber security can be an excellent choice if you have a passion for protecting user and organizational data from hackers. As cyber attacks grow more advanced, demand for cyber security professionals has increased. For example, while actual local growth may vary, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects national employment of information security analysts to grow by 29% between 2024 and 2034 — much faster than the national average.

Graduates of our Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a Cyber Security Specialization may consider the careers below.

Computer systems analyst

Streamline computer systems and processes to enhance organizational efficiency and implement goal-driven solutions.

Ethical hacker

Perform simulated cyber attacks on a company's computer systems and networks to identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses before hackers exploit them.

Information security analyst

Protect systems and networks from cyber threats by monitoring and responding to security incidents and implementing security solutions and protocols to safeguard sensitive information.

Network administrator

Ensure proper maintenance and security of an organization’s systems and networks by working as a team, identifying needs, overseeing the installation of new hardware or software, and leveraging feedback to isolate issues.

Vulnerability assessor

Assess systems and networks within the network environment or enclave, identify deviations from acceptable configurations or policies, and measure the effectiveness of defense-in-depth architecture against known vulnerabilities.

Prepare for the career you want

Your career aspirations start long before you enter a classroom, which is why at DeVry, we put your success at the center of everything we do. We’re committed to helping you pursue your career goals from the day you enroll and far past your graduation date.

Our career advisors ensure you get hands-on guidance to help you pursue your career options confidently — they can connect you to a wide range of career resources, which includes helping you identify and highlight your key strengths and skills, polish your resume, refine your LinkedIn profile, and so much more.

Skills-focused curriculum

Our online cyber security program specialization is rooted in courses that are designed to help you effectively communicate, collaborate in dynamic work environments, solve complex problems, and analyze numerical data. It also incorporates our AI foundations curriculum, which helps you develop interdisciplinary skills in AI-assisted operating systems, programming, hardware, connectivity, and security that are needed in today’s workforce.

The courses you may take include:

Wired, optical, and wireless communications with lab

You can study transmission media's role as one of the many sources of systems security vulnerability. This course discusses the various types of media used to connect computing and digital devices to networks and their significance when planning a secure system. The curriculum covers several major media, including copper, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, wireless, and microwave media. Physical and virtual systems are analyzed, implemented, and secured.

Ethical hacking

In this class, you’ll gain knowledge and skills related to activities behind hacking attacks and countermeasures. Learn to build defense mechanisms to protect applications, systems, and networks from hackers. Security loopholes, as well as many of the attack tools used by black hat hackers, are examined.

Information systems security planning and auditing

This course provides an in-depth look at risk factor analysis that must be performed to design a flexible and detailed security plan. Topics include assessing threats, developing countermeasures, protecting information, and security design processes. Auditing practices used to verify compliance with policies and procedures, as well as for building a case for presentation in private and public settings, are also covered.

Academic Catalog
2025-2026 academic catalog
View academic catalog
Program overview
View program guide

FAQs

What is the difference between IT and cyber security?

Information technology (IT) focuses on the use of technology such as hardware, software, networks, and databases to support business processes and objectives. IT professionals are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining these systems to ensure they meet the operational needs of the organization. Their roles may include system administration, network management, software development, and technical support.

On the other hand, cyber security is a specialized discipline in IT that focuses on protecting these assets from security threats, attacks, and breaches. Cyber security professionals safeguard sensitive data and networks, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure the integrity and availability of information systems. Cyber security encompasses various practices such as risk assessment, security policy development, threat detection, incident response, and security awareness training.

Can you specialize in cyber security?

Yes. Our Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking with a Cyber Security Specialization allows you to focus your studies on the IT and cyber security field by building your skills in areas like technical project management and information systems security. You’ll learn industry-relevant skills that you can apply to a variety of career paths.

Is a degree in cyber security worth it?

A degree in cyber security can be worth it for several reasons, including:

    • While actual local growth may vary, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that on average, information security analyst roles are the fifth-fastest-growing occupation in the U.S between 2024 and 2034.
    • This field can also provide great personal satisfaction, knowing that the work you do can help keep your organization, its employees, and customers safe from cyber crime.

What soft skills do you need for cyber security?

There are several soft skills that can help you work toward a cyber security job. Excellent communication and writing skills can help you clearly convey issues and solutions to management, while organization and collaboration skills can help you remain collected should an issue arise. These soft skills will help you prepare to join a cyber security team and supplement a thorough knowledge of technical skills, such as network building, programming, and system maintenance.

Is there a difference between the hybrid and online cyber security specializations?

No. Whether you choose a 100% online or hybrid format,1 you’ll receive the same great student support, including 24/7 access to virtual tutoring resources, an e-library, our convenient mobile app, and more.

What kind of degree do you need for cyber security?

It depends on the specific job you would like to pursue. Typically, a career in cyber security requires at least a bachelor’s degree.

1Program, course, and extended classroom availability vary by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
2Minimum schedule does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 12-18 credit hours a semester per 12-month period.
3Normal schedule does include breaks and assumes 2 semesters of enrollment in 12-18 credit hours per semester per 12-month period.
4Future programmatic changes could impact the ability to earn additional credentials enroute to an eligible degree program at DeVry. Refer to the academic catalog for details.