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Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor's Degree Specialization in Cyber Security

Cyber Security Specialization At-A-Glance

  • Build fundamental IT security and Cyber Security and Networking skills that align to today’s careers. 
  • Learn to design, deploy, monitor, secure and manage local and cloud-based networks. 
  • Qualifying students in this program specialization receive a complimentary laptop during your second session. 
  • Prepare to pursue industry-recognized certification exams including CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker, Cisco CCNA and more. 

Get to Know Our Cyber Security Specialization

Prepare to make your mark in a career in IT and cyber security with our Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a Cyber Security Specialization. Learn first-hand what it takes to defend networks, applications and systems against security breaches and online attacks from cybercriminals 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 Program

When you pursue an online cyber security degree specialization from 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, security and CompTIA Network+ exam learning domains.
  • 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.
Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
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Classes start: April 29

Contact Us

Online Admissions
866.338.7934

Accreditation and Recognition Matter

Being accredited means we’ve met rigorous quality standards and are committed to giving you the education you deserve.  We're proud that DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org.

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

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How You’ll Learn

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

  • Convenient 8-week sessions

  • Full- or part-time schedule options

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

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

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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 years and 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 to 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 to 19 credit hours per semester.

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 the National Advisory Committee to make sure our curriculum is aligned with employment 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 that you want.  

Our student-focused experience puts around-the-clock resources at your fingertips, such as 24/7 tutoring, 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:

A Complimentary Laptop: You’ll get a complimentary laptop as part of your technology program.1 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.

 

Tech Core Curriculum: Immerse yourself in a core set of courses that help you develop skills related to operating systems, programming, hardware, connectivity and security that you can leverage in today’s IoT economy. 

Certification Exam Reimbursement:
 Elements of this curriculum help you prepare to pursue industry certification opportunities that can validate your knowledge and skills to employers. Once you meet the program requirements, we’ll reimburse you for up to $300 toward the cost of one industry certification exam attempt. Certifications include:  

  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Linux+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Cloud+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA CySA+
  • CompTIA CASP+
  • CompTIA PenTest+ 
  • Cisco CCNA
  • EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker
  • ISC2 SSCP

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

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.^

^These 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 credits 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
photo of Leo Gatlin
Leo G.
Bachelor’s Information Technology and Networking with a Specialization in Cyber Security, 2021
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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.
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Career Outlook

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 the careers below.

Computer Systems Analyst

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

Computer Network Support Specialist

Troubleshoot and resolve issues with computer networks, ensuring seamless operation for individuals and organizations.

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.

Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

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

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.

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.

Your Education Pays Off: Job Outlook

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Job Growth

According to the BLS, employment of Information Security Analysts is projected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average of all occupations.*

About 16,800 openings for Information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

*Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.

Prepare for the Career You Want

We understand 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 are committed to helping you pursue your career goals from the day you enroll and far past your graduation date. Our Career Advisors ensure that you get hands-on guidance to help you pursue your future career confidently by providing a wide range of services, 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

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.

Here 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 as public speaking, principles of economics and environmental sociology, among others.

  • 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.

Academic Catalog
2023 - 2024 Academic Catalog
Program Guide
Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security

FAQs: Cyber Security Degree Specialization

What is the difference between IT and cyber security?

Information Technology (IT) focuses on the utilization 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 specialize in 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 cyber security degree can be worth it on several levels. According to the BLS, employment of Information security analysts is projected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average of 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.

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.

What soft skills do you need for cyber security?

There are several soft skills that can help you work toward many cyber security jobs. 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.

Are cyber security schools accredited?

While we can't speak for all cyber security schools, here at DeVry, we're proud to be accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. In addition, our Cyber Security curriculum is acknowledged and verified as an approved provider by NICCS.

DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation.

Is there a difference in the hybrid1 or online Cyber Security Specialization?

No. Regardless of the format you choose, you’ll receive the same great student support and resources including 24/7 access to tutoring, e-library resources, 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. 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.

1As 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.