Keep Sensitive Information Secure
Are you interested in a career in information technology and have a passion for keeping data and networks secure from cyber criminals? DeVry’s Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Cyber Security may be the right fit for you. With our Tech Core curriculum, you’ll build interdisciplinary skills that will give you a solid foundation in tech to help move your career forward. With flexibility in mind, you can choose whether a hybrid or online cyber security degree specialization works best for your schedule.
Get to Know Our Cyber Security Degree Specialization
In our cyber security degree specialization, you’ll discover what is needed to join the first line of defense against online attacks by learning to build defense mechanisms to protect applications, systems and networks. You’ll also explore network security testing, including countermeasure testing and the risk factor analysis needed to design a flexible and comprehensive security plan. And you’ll gain advanced skills in providing for business continuity and disaster recovery.
The Cyber Security Specialization can be earned as a part of the Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking.
- Join a fast-growing profession: Looking for a career with growth potential? Consider this: employment of information security analysts is projected to grow, on a national level, 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations.1
- Gain hands-on experience: Explore the tangible application of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies with DeVry’s IoT Kit.
- Benefit from the experience of our professors: DeVry’s experienced faculty provide real-world perspectives of the challenges, threats and opportunities that face cyber security professionals.
- Start building your future now: Classes at DeVry start every 8 weeks. Even better, you can earn your Bachelor's Degree Specialization in Cyber Security from DeVry in as little as 2 years and 8 months.*
Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
Earn your Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and Networking with Cyber Security Specialization in as little as 2 years + 8 months*—or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.
*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.
Availability
Why DeVry?
Complimentary Laptop
As a new student, you’ll get a complimentary laptop as part of your technology program2. It’s our way of investing in your education—and you.
You can take it anywhere, it’s powerful enough to run robust applications, and best of all, you can use it for all of your classes to optimize your DeVry experience.
IoT Kit
Simulate the Internet of Things (IoT) wherever you are with your IoT Kit*, designed to give you hands-on experience and confidence working with real IoT technologies.
With the full complement of microprocessors and sensors in your kit, you’ll build elementary IoT devices, integrate them into cloud-based server systems and develop skills needed for today’s IoT economy.
*The IoT Kit is a required expense and is not complimentary.
Certification Exam Reimbursement
Our Tech programs are designed with industry-recognized certifications in mind. Qualified students may receive up to a $300 reimbursement for the cost of one exam attempt across a wide range of certifications:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Linux+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- Microsoft Technology Associate - Python
Others may be applicable as well. Speak with your professor for more info.
What You'll Learn
When you pursue a Cyber Security Degree Specialization, you’ll learn the following:
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Problem SolvingUse business and management principles to problem-solve a variety of workplace challenges. -
ProgrammingSolve technical problems using an algorithmic approach, basic programming and coding methods. -
Security Planning and AuditingAnalyze and mitigate security risks by looking at risk factor analysis that must be performed in order to design a flexible and comprehensive security plan. Learn about assessing threats, developing countermeasures, protecting information and security designs processes, and auditing practices used to verify compliance with policies and procedures. -
Digital DevicesExplore digital concepts, devices and connectivity within the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Topics include networking, securing, and deploying digital devices. -
Small Enterprise NetworksProduce, secure, operate and troubleshoot small enterprise networks by gaining an understanding of the underlying technology of networks and the Internet. Learn networking basics such as the OSI and TCP/IP models, protocols, routers, switches, small network configuration, troubleshooting, and network security.
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OS Architecture and DesignGain an understanding of operating system architecture and design with topics including processes, threads, their states and synchronization. Learn about security from an Operating System (OS) perspective, introduction to distributed systems and architectures, and OS Virtualization. -
Operating SystemsInstall and configure operating systems using Command Line Interface (CLI). -
Ethical HackingGain knowledge and skills related to activities behind hacking attacks and countermeasures. Learn to build defense mechanisms to protect applications, systems and networks from hackers. -
CollaborationWork collaboratively in a team environment. Coordinate and share information to achieve a common goal. -
Data AnalysisLearn to draw conclusions by finding patterns and relationships in numerical data with tools used for statistical analysis. -
IT Operation, Regulation and TrendsGain an understanding of operation, regulation and trends as related to information technology and networking. -
Network Security TestingExamine network security testing using a layered approach requiring design, implementation, and testing of attack countermeasures. -
Systems AdministrationExamine technologies and systems that serve voice traffic, design LANs and VLANs, and learn the fundamentals of network design and infrastructure security. -
Digital LiteracyApply appropriate technologies. -
CommunicationCommunicate effectively orally and in writing across environments and platforms.
Embedded Programs - Demonstrate Skills at Every Step
Earn two additional credentials with our unique 3-in-1 design. Courses in our Networking Essentials certificate program and Information Technology and Networking associate degree are embedded within our Cyber Security specialization for the Information Technology & Networking bachelor’s degree program, allowing you to obtain a certificate and an associate degree on the way to your bachelor's degree.
Career Opportunities
For those looking for an in-demand career with strong growth potential, cyber security can be an excellent choice. For example, employment of information security analysts is projected, on a national level, to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as organizations seek out highly skilled professionals to protect sensitive information.3
Graduates of our Cyber Security Specialization program may consider, careers such as:
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Computer Systems Analyst
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Computer Network Support Specialist
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Information Security Analyst
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Security Analyst
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Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
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Vulnerability Assessor
Cyber Security Degree Specialization Courses
This online cyber security degree specialization is rooted in courses that will help you to effectively communicate, collaborate in dynamic work environments, solve complex problems and analyze numerical data. In addition, this cyber security degree specialization incorporates DeVry’s Tech Core curriculum, which is designed to help you develop interdisciplinary skills in operating systems, programming, hardware, connectivity and security that are needed for the IoT economy of today.
And because at DeVry we recognize the importance of providing a well-rounded education beyond the technical skills required by a career in cyber security, the courses you can take include topics such public speaking, principles of economics, environmental sociology, among others.
Essentials Courses
Communication skills
| ENGL112 | Composition |
| ENGL135 | Advanced Composition |
| ENGL216 | Technical Writing |
| SPCH275 | Public Speaking |
Humanities
| ETHC232 | Ethical and Legal Issues in the Professions |
| LAS432 | Technology, Society, and Culture Social Sciences |
Social Sciences
| ECON312 | Principles of Economics |
| SOCS185 | Culture and Society |
| SOCS325 | Environmental Sociology |
Mathematics & Natural Sciences
| MATH114 | Algebra for College Students |
| MATH221 | Statistics for Decision-Making |
| MATH234 | Discrete Math in Information Technology |
| PHYS204 | Applied Physics with Lab |
Personal & Professional Development
| CARD405 | Career Development |
| COLL148 | Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving |
Tech Core Courses
Tech Core
| CEIS101 | Introduction to Technology and Information Systems |
| CEIS106 | Introduction to Operating Systems |
| CEIS110 | Introduction to Programming |
| CEIS114 | Introduction to Digital Devices |
| NETW191 | Fundamentals of Information Technology and Networking |
| NETW211 | Fundamentals of Cloud Computing |
| SEC285 | Fundamentals of Information Systems Security |
Program-Specific Courses
Information Systems and Programming
| CEIS236 | Database Systems and Programming Fundamentals |
| CEIS312 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning |
| CIS170C | Programming with Lab |
Network Systems Administration
| MGMT408 | Management of Technology Resources |
| NETW260 | Intermediate Information Technology and Networking I |
| NETW270 | Intermediate Information Technology and Networking II |
| NETW310 | Wired, Optical and Wireless Communications with Lab |
| NETW320 | Converged Networks with Lab |
Career Preparation
| CEIS299 | Careers and Technology |
| CEIS499 | Preparation for the Profession |
| MGMT404 | Project Management |
| TECH460 | Senior Project |
Specialized Courses
Cyber Security
| SEC290 | Fundamentals of Infrastructure Security |
| SEC310 | Principles and Theory of Security Management |
| SEC311 | Ethical Hacking |
| SEC321 | Network Security Testing with Lab |
Cybersecurity Degree Specialization Coursework Preview
When you specialize your Information Technology and Networking bachelor's degree in Cyber Security, your coursework at DeVry University may include these courses:
Wired, Optical and Wireless Communications with Lab
Students study transmission media as one of the many sources of systems security vulnerability. The various types of media commonly used to connect computing and digital devices to networks are discussed and the significance in their consideration when planning for a secure system. All major media are discussed including copper, coax cable, fiber optic cable, wireless and microwave media. Physical and virtual systems are analyzed, implemented, and secured.
Ethical Hacking
This course provides knowledge and skills related to activities behind hacking attacks and countermeasures. Coursework helps students build defense mechanisms to protect applications, systems and networks from hackers. Security loopholes, as well as common attack tools used by black hat hackers, are examined.
Network Security Testing with Lab
This course examines network security testing, including testing countermeasures against malware threats; denial of service (DOS) and distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks; email; Web; and Wireless using a layered approach requiring design, implementation, and testing of attack countermeasures.
Information Systems Security Planning and Audit
This course provides an in-depth look at risk factor analysis that must be performed in order to design a flexible and comprehensive security plan. Topics include assessing threats, developing countermeasures, protecting information and security designs 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.
FAQs: Cyber Security Degree
How long does a cyber security degree specialization take?
The length of time required to complete a cyber security degree specialization depends on the degree level, program and school. As an example, at DeVry our Bachelor's Degree Specialization in Cyber Security can be earned in as little as 2 years and 8 months*, or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.
Is there a difference in the hybrid or online cyber security degree specialization?
What kind of degree do you need for cyber security?
Is a degree in cyber security worth it?
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Program Overview
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*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment. Additional program information may be found on our Degree Programs page.
1Local growth will vary by location. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
2As part of this program, one complimentary laptop is provided to students enrolled in the Associate of Information Technology and Networking, Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking, Bachelor’s in Software Development, Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology–Electronics and Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems. The laptop is issued during the student’s second session. Certain restrictions apply.
3https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
All students enrolled in site-based programs will be required to take some coursework online and, for some programs and locations, a substantial portion of the program may be required to be completed online.
