Introduction

Cybersecurity is an emerging science that concerns the protection of assets through assessing the vulnerabilities of cybersystems and creating incident response strategies to promptly countermeasure adversaries attacks. A wide range of knowledge and practical skills is needed to design and maintain the security of information systems and underlying infrastructures.

Program Benefits

The Cybersecurity major covers fundamental and advanced security topics to prepare graduates for joining the cybersecurity workforce or starting and successfully completing a master’s degree in Cybersecurity or related fields. In addition to the fundamentals of programming, data structures, and algorithms, students who complete the program will learn cryptography and its applications, networking and network security, operating systems and security, Internet and application security, security auditing, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, incident response and enterprise security frameworks, and digital forensics. Hands-on laboratories are an essential component of the security courses, where students put the learned knowledge into practice.

Career Options

Graduates of the program will be prepared to join the workforce as:

  • network security engineers
  • cryptanalysts
  • cybersecurity specialists
  • digital forensic and cybercrime analysts
  • security awareness trainers/specialists
  • junior cybersecurity analysts
  • junior vulnerability assessment
  • penetration testing specialists

For more detailed career information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook. You can also find more cybersecurity career information on the Cybersecurity Guide Careers website.

Academic Catalog Information

Take a closer look at the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and the courses offered toward the degree.

Cybersecurity, B.S.

Department and Contact Information

If you are interested in the program or have questions, please contact Computer Science at (773) 442-4720.

Computer Science Homepage

About Northeastern

Northeastern Illinois University is home to students from all corners of the world and is one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the nation. Our small class sizes, flexible schedules and dedicated faculty can help you succeed in your studies.

We offer an education with value.

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