Keep Sensitive Information Secure
Are you interested in a career in information technology and passionate about 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 can build interdisciplinary skills that help to form a solid foundation in tech and IT that may help you move your career forward. At DeVry University, our technology degree programs are designed with flexibility in mind, so 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
Through our Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Cyber Security, you'll have the opportunity to discover what it takes to join the first line of defense against online attacks from hackers by learning to build defense mechanisms to protect applications, systems and networks. You may also explore network security testing, including countermeasure testing and the risk factor analysis needed to design a flexible and comprehensive security plan. Finally, you can develop skills used to provide for business continuity and disaster recovery should a cyberattack 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: employment of information security analysts is projected to grow, on a national level, 33% from 2020 to 2030, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
- 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.
- Start building your future now: Classes 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, or even faster with qualifying transfer credits.*
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
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.
What You'll Learn
When you pursue an online cyber security degree specialization from DeVry University, you’ll learn the following:
Problem Solving
Learn how to use business and management principles to problem-solve a variety of workplace challenges. Apply these principles to technologies within the workplace to create effective solutions that embrace digital solutions.
Programming
Learn about the basics of programming, such as variables, expressions, conditionals and functions. These topics provide foundations in coding and scripting – skills essential in the IT field.
Security Planning and Auditing
Analyze and mitigate security risks by looking at risk factor analysis in order to design a flexible and comprehensive security plan. Learn how to assess threats, develop countermeasures, protect information, design security processes, and perform security audits to verify compliance with policies and procedures.
Digital Devices
Explore digital concepts, devices and connectivity within the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Topics include programming, networking, securing and deploying digital devices.
Small Enterprise Networks
Gain an understanding of the underlying technology of networks and the internet to produce, secure, operate and troubleshoot small enterprise networks. Learn networking basics such as the OSI and TCP/IP models, protocols, routers, switches, small network configuration, troubleshooting and network security.
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.**
Career Opportunities
Cyber security can be an excellent choice for those looking for an in-demand career with strong growth potential.1 According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 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 Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a Specialization in Cyber Security may consider careers such as:
-
Computer Systems Analyst
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Computer Network Support Specialist
-
Information Security Analyst
-
Security Analyst
-
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
-
Vulnerability Assessor
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+: This 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.
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. In addition, this cyber security degree specialization 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, environmental sociology, among others.
General Education Courses
Communication skills
| ENGL112 | Composition |
| ENGL135 | Advanced Composition |
| ENGL216 | Technical Writing |
One of:
| SPCH275 | Public Speaking |
| SPCH276 | Intercultural Communication |
Humanities
| LAS432 | Technology, Society, and Culture Social Sciences |
One of:
| 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 |
One of:
| 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 Systems 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
| 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 |
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 at DeVry University may include these courses:
Wired, Optical and Wireless Communications with Lab
Students study transmission media's role 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, as is their significance when planning a secure system. All major media are discussed, 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 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 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 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 Specialization
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 in Information Technology and Networking with a 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?
Is cyber security hard?
What soft skills do you need for cyber security?
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*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment. Additional program information may be found on our Degree Programs page.
**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.
1Growth Projected on a national level. Local 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 in Information Technology and Networking, Associate in Engineering Technology, Associate in Network Systems Administration, Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking, Bachelor’s in Software Development, Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology 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
4Each student is allotted a set number of hours of tutoring per academic session through www.Tutor.com (available 24/7). Additional tutoring services are also available through www.DeVryTutors.com.
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.
