Protect and secure data.

Cybersecurity affects everyone – including individuals, organizations, governments and society at large. Despite this, industry reports indicate a shortage of qualified professionals to fill cybersecurity-related roles. Demand for professionals who can help secure data, information technology assets and the nation’s critical infrastructure continues to grow. Those with training in modern cybersecurity techniques and methods are highly sought-after by employers across industries.

UMSL is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

If you are interested in learning beyond the undergraduate level, we also offer an accelerated master’s degree program. 

 

Program type:

Major, BS

Format:

On-Campus, 100% Online, 100% Evenings

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Overview

Bachelor of Science in -

Cybersecurity, Information Systems and Technology Emphasis

The BS in Cybersecurity with an emphasis in Information Systems and Technology is a 123-credit- hour program that requires 33-credit hours of core and 75-credit hours of emphasis specific coursework. The IST emphasis provides both technical and business skills. It focuses on applied aspects of cybersecurity and is suitable for students interested in pursuing cybersecurity management and analyst roles in industry and government.

The core coursework includes introduction to computing, programming and data structures, object-oriented programming, computer organization and architecture, Linux environment and programming, introduction to information security or cyber threats and defense, secure software development, information security risk management and business continuity, computer forensics, and introduction to cryptography for computer security.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Throughout the program, students gain skills in the principles of cybersecurity, security of data networks, penetration testing and risk management. Upon completing the degree program, students will be able to apply fundamental security principles and formal security models to solve problems in cybersecurity; develop, maintain and implement information security policies; and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders about cybersecurity issues.

Cybersecurity is one of today's most critical emerging fields. Employment of cybersecurity majors is projected to grow up to 10% to 2032, with a median annual salary of $103,800, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.



103,800+

Median annual salary

10

Employment growth by 2032

Career Opportunities

  • Cloud Security Specialist
  • Cyber Defense Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Forensics Analyst
  • Information Security Analyst
  • IT/Security Auditor
  • Malware Analyst
  • Security Architect
  • Vulnerability Assessment Analyst

 

Plan of study

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Review Full Degree Requirements  Review Sample Four-Year Plan  Download 4-Year Academic Map

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a cybersecurity major:

Internship opportunities and undergraduate research

The Career and Internship Program at the UMSL College of Business Administration will help prepare you with the real-world experience to hit the ground running when you get a job. We also encourage majors in computer science to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to innovate and collaborate with leaders in your field.

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.