University of Southern Maine

Cybersecurity, B.S.

As the Internet increasingly becomes a tool in both corporate and government arenas, the need for cybersecurity increases as well, and with it, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals. One of the fastest growing job markets, demand for cybersecurity professionals over the past five years grew 3.5 times faster than demand for other IT jobs and about 12 times faster than all other jobs. According to the Department of Labor, demand for computer security specialists will grow as businesses and government invest more heavily in cybersecurity to protect vital computer networks and electronic infrastructures from attack.

The B.S. degree in cybersecurity (BSCS) is relevant to the rapidly changing landscape of information security. The techniques, policies, operational procedures, and technologies that secure and defend information systems will be covered. Hands-on learning is an integral part of the B.S. in cybersecurity. This degree is designed to produce graduates with the necessary skills for employment in digital security positions. Students who earn this degree are knowledgeable in evaluating, analyzing and posturing a secure digital network. They are practiced in network monitoring and countermeasure implementation. They are skilled in collaborative projects and communications as well as acutely aware of and abide by ethical standards. Students gain experience in defending cybersecurity attacks in a production environment through internships as well as in simulation exercises. This affords students the opportunity to develop skills that allow them to have an immediate impact in the workplace.