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Bachelor's Degree Specialization

Cyber Security

Keep Sensitive Information Secure

Are you interested in making a career out of keeping data safe from cybercriminals? If so, our Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Cyber Security may be right for you. Our online cyber security degree specialization covers critical concepts related to information technology (IT) to help you improve your ability to protect networks from bad actors. 

Our online cyber security degree specialization, designed using our Tech Core curriculum, aims to help you build interdisciplinary skills to build a firm foundation in tech and IT. And even better, this degree can be completed online, allowing it to fit into your schedule, no matter how busy.

Get to Know Our Cyber Security Degree Specialization

In our Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Cyber Security, you’ll have the chance to see first-hand what it takes to defend networks, applications and systems against online attacks from hackers and other cybercriminals. You’ll explore some of the methods used to protect companies from these attackers and familiarize yourself with concepts such as network security testing including countermeasure testing and risk factor analysis. Using these skills, you’ll learn how to build detailed security and contingency plans, as well as learn disaster recovery should an attack ever occur.

Our Cyber Security Specialization can be earned as a part of our Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking.

  • Join a fast-growing profession:

    Looking for a career with growth potential? Consider this: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment for Information Security Analysts is expected to grow 35% between 2021 and 20311, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. This growth is projected on a national level and local growth will vary by location. This projection is not specific to DeVry University graduates and may include earners at all stages of their careers and not just entry-level.

  • Gain hands-on experience:

    Our online cyber security degree specialization includes hands-on learning opportunities designed to help you gain greater familiarity with networks, software and security technologies wherever you are.

  • Benefit from the experience of our professors:

    Our experienced faculty provide real-world perspectives of the challenges, threats and opportunities that face cyber security professionals. They also have the experience and tools needed to make online learning productive and engaging.

Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
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Accreditation and Recognition Matters

DeVry University’s Cyber Security curriculum is acknowledged and verified as an approved provider by NICCS.

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Scholars Program

Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program

Take your ambition to the next level with a cybersecurity scholars program that helps you build your network, boost your skills and pursue the career you want.
Scholarship

Future Cyber Defenders Scholarship

Put your goals within reach. Qualifying cybersecurity certificate, associate or bachelor’s students can receive up to $1,500 per semester in scholarship awards. Restrictions apply.
Why DeVry?

Reasons to Study Cyber Security Program at DeVry

Complimentary Laptop

You’ll get a complimentary laptop as part of your technology program2. It’s our way of investing in your education—and you.

Work With IoT Technologies & Systems

Immerse yourself in the Internet of Things (IoT) world and obtain hands-on experience with IoT, cloud, software and security technologies and systems.

Certification Exam Reimbursement

Several of 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+

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

Questions for our admissions team?
Request Info about this Program now.
  • 01 Knowledge & Skills
  • 02 Embedded Programs
  • 03 Career Opportunities
  • 04 Curriculum
  • 05 Courses
  • 06 FAQs
Minimum Completion Time*
2 year
8 months
OR
Normal Completion Time
4 years

ACCELERATE AT YOUR PACE

Choose the schedule that best fits your goals and commitments. You can earn your Bachelor's Degree in as few as 2 year 8 months*.

Or, follow a normal schedule and complete your program in 4 years.**

*Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 3 semesters, enrollment in 12-19 credit hours per semester and continuous, full-time year-round enrollment with no breaks.
**Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 2 semesters and full-time enrollment in 12-19 credit hours per semester.

Knowledge & Skills

What You'll Learn in Cyber Security Program

When you pursue an online cyber security degree specialization from DeVry University, you’ll learn the following:

  • Small Enterprise Networks
    Produce, 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.
  • Digital Devices
    Explore digital concepts, devices and connectivity within the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Topics include networking, securing, and deploying digital devices.
  • Operating Systems
    Install and configure operating systems using Command Line Interface (CLI).
  • Systems Administration
    Examine technologies and systems that serve voice traffic, design LANs and VLANs, and learn the fundamentals of network design and infrastructure security.
  • OS Architecture and Design
    Gain 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.
  • IT Operation, Regulation and Trends
    Gain an understanding of operation, regulation and trends as related to information technology and networking. Examine past and current trends to develop the footing needed to help you excel in the world of networking and communication management.
  • Ethical Hacking
    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.
  • Network Security Testing
    Examine network security testing using a layered approach requiring design, implementation, and testing of attack countermeasures.
  • Security Planning and Auditing
    Analyze 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.
  • Communication
    Communicate effectively orally and in writing across environments and platforms.
  • Collaboration
    Work collaboratively in a team environment. Coordinate and share information to achieve a common goal.
  • Problem Solving
    Use business and management principles to problem-solve a variety of workplace challenges.
  • Digital Literacy
    Learn to apply appropriate technologies in order to solve digital issues and problems within databases.
Embedded Programs

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. This allows you to obtain a certificate and an associate degree on the way to your bachelor's degree.^

^The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. Additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements. At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.

Bachelor's
+58
Credit hours remaining
120
Total
Associate
+22
Credit hours remaining
62
Total
Certificate
40
Credit Hours
Career

Career Opportunities for Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security Specialization

Cyber security can be an excellent choice for those looking for an in-demand career with strong growth potential.

Graduates of our Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a Specialization in Cyber Security may consider careers such as:

  • Computer Systems Analyst

  • Computer Network Support Specialist

  • Information Security Analyst

  • Security Analyst

  • Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

  • Vulnerability Assessor

Curriculum

Skills Focused Curriculum

Elements of the curriculum are aligned to industry certifications to help you validate your knowledge and skills as you prepare to pursue such certification exams as:

  • CompTIA A+

    This certification touches on elements of troubleshooting, hardware and operating systems.

  • CompTIA Linux+

    The Linux certification verifies proficiency with the Linux operating system and its various applications.

  • CompTIA Network+

    Network+ certifies your knowledge and proficiency with emerging technologies such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things.

  • CompTIA Cloud+

    his certification proves your ability to set up, manage and maintain cloud computing systems in a secure fashion.

  • CompTIA Security+:

    This certification demonstrates your skills in keeping network devices, services and traffic secure.

  • CEH Certification:

    Short for Certified Ethical Hacker, this qualification certifies your ability to assess security and look for vulnerable points in computer systems.

  • CompTIA CySA+: 

    This intermediate-level certification is for cyber security analysts, and measures proficiency in analytics, intrusion detection and response to threats.

  • CompTIA CASP+:

    A technical certification ideally suited for practitioner-level professionals, this involves solution implementation within existing frameworks.

  • CompTIA PenTest+:

    This intermediate-level certification measures skills in vulnerability assessment and network penetration testing.

Program Courses

Cyber Security Degree Specialization Courses

This online cyber security degree 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 Tech Core curriculum, which aims to help you develop interdisciplinary skills in operating systems, programming, hardware, connectivity and security that are needed for the IoT economy of today.

At DeVry, we recognize the importance of providing a well-rounded education. In addition to learning the technical skills required by a career in cyber security, the courses you can take may include topics such public speaking, principles of economics and environmental sociology, among others.

General Education Courses
Communication Skills
ENGL112
Composition
ENGL135
Advanced Composition
ENGL216
Technical Writing

+ Choose one below

SPCH275
Public Speaking
SPCH276
Intercultural Communication
Humanities
LAS432
Technology, Society, and Culture Social Sciences

+ Choose one below

ETHC232
Ethical and Legal Issues in the Professions
ETHC334
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Social Sciences
ECON312
Principles of Economics
SOCS185
Culture and Society

+ Choose one below

SOCS325
Environmental Sociology
SOCS350
Cultural Diversity in the Professions
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 System Security
Program-Specific Courses
Information Systems and Programming
CEIS150
Programming with Objects
CEIS236
Database Systems and Programming Fundamentals
CEIS312
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
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
CEIS298
Introduction to Technical Project Management
CEIS499
Preparation for the Profession
MGMT404
Project Management
TECH460
Senior Project
Specialized Courses
Cyber Security
SEC290
Fundamentals of Infrastructure Security
SEC395
Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering
SEC399
Cybersecurity Career Preparation

+ Choose one below

SEC311
Ethical Hacking
SEC322
Penetration Testing

+ Choose one below

SEC305
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
SEC340
Business Continuity
SEC380
Cloud Computing Security
SEC440
Information System Security Planning and Audit
Highlight Courses

Cyber Security Degree Specialization Coursework Preview

When you choose to pursue the Cyber Security Degree Specialization for your Information Technology and Networking Bachelor's Degree program, your coursework may include the following courses:

  • Wired, Optical and Wireless Communications with Lab

    Students 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 course 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

    This course provides you with the opportunity to gain 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 many of the 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 such as denial of service (DOS), distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks, email, web and wireless. This course also communicates the importance 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 detailed 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.

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FAQs: Cyber Security Degree Specialization

Our Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a Specialization in Cyber Security at DeVry can be earned in as little as 2 years and 8 months*, or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.

No. The courses you take and the requirements to graduate from DeVry are the same whether you enroll in our hybrid or online Cyber Security Degree Specialization. 

It depends on the specific job you would like to pursue. Typically, a career in cyber security requires at least a bachelor’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of information security analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, such as a cyber security specialization.1

A cyber security degree can be worth it on several levels. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment for Information Security Analysts is expected to grow 35% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. This growth is projected on a national level and local growth will vary by location. This projection is not specific to DeVry University graduates and may include earners at all stages of their careers and not just entry-level. Also, a career in cyber security can provide great personal satisfaction knowing that the work you do can help keep your organization, its employees and customers safe from cybercrime.

There are several soft skills that can help people work toward a career in cyber security. 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 supplement a thorough knowledge of technical skills such as network building, programming and system maintenance.

Academic Catalog
2023 - 2024 Academic Catalog
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Program Guides
Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security
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1https://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 in Cybersecurity and Networking, Associate in Information Technology and Networking, Associate in Engineering Technology, Bachelor’s of Information Technology and Networking, Bachelor’s of Software Development, Bachelor’s of Engineering Technology, Bachelor’s of Network and Communications Management and Bachelor’s of 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.