cyber security degree students working on UAS

Cyber Security Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Start your new career path in the exciting world of cybersecurity, helping to tackle vulnerabilities and strengthen security.

Today’s computer systems provide critical functionality and services to energy networks, transportation, health care, and manufacturing infrastructure. Security, reliability and resiliency vulnerabilities make these systems prone to cyber-attacks. UND's Cyber Security degree offers an opportunity to be a part of the solution to this growing threat.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-5 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a cyber security degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Cyber security is an immense priority in today's technology-dependent world. Threats make it essential to have skilled individuals that can protect mission-critical infrastructure, defense technologies and other vital systems from attacks.

Demand for cyber security specialists is significant and growing across enterprises of all shapes and sizes. Rapidly rising salaries for analysts, security architects, software developers and cryptographers shows that there is a critical need for individuals that can work with sensitive infrastructure and design safety measures for data, operating systems, and networks. 

With UND's on campus or online cyber security bachelor's degree program, you'll benefit from a degree that:

  • Allows you to excel in a highly educated technical workforce with cyber-physical security skills
  • Offers you opportunities to participate in cybersecurity research
  • Provides the knowledge and technical skills for working in the cybersecurity sector, along with a strong liberal arts foundation for a well-rounded education
  • Can be customized to focus on specific areas of cybersecurity that interest you the most

Hands on Cyber Security Degree

Your talent will be developed throughout your time at UND and culminate in your senior year, when you take part in a two semester senior design sequence. During this time you'll have the opportunity to design, present and test a project or research plan. These projects are supported by industry partners and business leaders to help fill real-world needs, and give you the opportunity to develop practical experience before entering the workforce.

The skills you develop in our Cyber Security program will be applicable in any field. Graduate ready to protect against regional threats to power supplies and combat events important to national security. You will be well positioned to translate your highly valuable skill-set into a high paying career, and a strong return on investment for your education.

UND's Cyber Security Degree

  • Participate in cyber security research in areas of strategic importance to North Dakota and the nation.

  • Get specialized cybersecurity expertise and skills needed to excel in this high-demand field.

  • Gain access to significant computer resources and technologies. Work in UND's Secure Cyber Physical Energy Systems & Data Sciences Laboratory.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized Degree Map software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Benefit from a program housed within the College of Engineering & Mines. We're one of the most well-respected engineering schools in the upper Midwest.

  • Don’t overlook accreditation. This assures that a school meets an acceptable level of quality. UND programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

What can I do with a cyber security degree?

103K

Median salary for an information security analyst, 2021

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

35%

Job growth through 2031, significantly faster than the average of all jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The protection of data assets, and for the security of our infrastructure and country are vital, and cybersecurity skills are highly valued. The cyber security undergraduate program at UND will help you attain the skills sets needed to thrive in this strategically important function.

Job titles you can expect to apply for with a cyber security degree include:

  • Cryptanalyst: Analyze encrypted information to break the code/cipher or to determine the purpose of malicious software.
  • Cryptographer/Cryptologist: Use encryption to secure information or to build security software.
  • Cyber Security Analyst: Monitor, prevent, and stop attacks on private data.
  • Information Security Engineer: Implement and monitor computer and network security protocols to protect sensitive information from hacks or theft.
  • Security Administrator: Install and manage organization-wide security systems.
  • Security Architect: Design and maintain security systems to ensure defensive measures are in place.
  • Security Software Developer: Develop security software, including tools for monitoring, traffic analysis, intrusion detection, virus/spyware/malware detection, and anti-virus software.

Cyber Security Degree Graduates

UND graduates can expect a range of opportunities in careers with many kinds of institutions, and in many different industries. It is anticipated that students completing this program will be in demand by:

  • Local, regional, national, and international cybersecurity-focused businesses
  • Companies expanding into the Red River Valley, such as Northrup-Grumman and General Atomics
  • Local start-up and emerging companies
  • Government agencies

Best Online Cyber Security Degree

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UND is a top choice for an online Cyber Security degree for flexibility and affordability. Plus, the program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET ensuring it meets certain standards of quality and rigor.

Flexibility is important to our online students. That’s why we’ve designed the online Cyber Security degree to be 100% online and never require a campus visit.

Compare the cost of UND’s online Cyber Security degree. You’ll find it’s one of the most affordable programs in the nation. All online Cyber Security students pay the same tuition rate regardless of their residency.

Flexible Cyber Security Online Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Cyber Security Degree Courses

EE 611. Emerging Threats and Defenses. 3 Credits.

Cyber-attacks are a serious economic and security threat. To combat both immediate and future dangers, businesses and governments are investing in cyber security. Understanding trends in cyber-security and how machine-learning techniques defenses can respond to threats is a critical component of protecting networks, infrastructure and users. This course explores the growing challenges of securing sensitive data, networks to defend against malicious acts. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. On demand.

EE 612. Spread Spectrum Communications for Cyber Security. 3 Credits.

This course brings students up-to-date in key concept, underlying principles and practical applications of Spread Spectrum Technology. A course that presents timely information that student can immediately put to use in tackling real world cyber threats. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. On demand.

EE 623. Introduction to Smart Grid I. 3 Credits.

This course is an in-depth study of the ways in which information and communication technologies (ICT) are being deployed to modernize the electric energy infrastructure, i.e. "Smart Grid." In this course we will dene Smart Grid as the use of ICT (in combination with power electronics and policy) to make electricity cleaner, less costly, and more reliable. Prerequisite: EE 313 or graduate student standing. On demand.

EE 526. Engineering Systems Reliability. 3 Credits.

This course teaches the basics of reliability engineering concepts and techniques applicable to all engineering disciplines including electrical, mechanical, chemical, geological, aeronautical, and civil. To benefit the most from this course, some basic knowledge of probability and statistics would be helpful but is not necessary as the required background and tools are presented and discussed in the class. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. On demand.

EE 616. Cyber-Physical Energy Systems Security. 3 Credits.

This course discusses the basics of integrated power and communication infrastructures in cyber-physical electrical energy and power systems. In order to understand planning, design and operation of such systems, this course includes both cyber and physical topics related to modern power systems, such as technologies for storing and generating electric power (including renewable energy), layering, networking, packets routing, coding, cellular networks, WLAN, and sensors. Approaches for an integrated operation, management and control of such systems, as well as the application of signal processing techniques in electric power grids are also explored in this course. Implication of such integrated power and communications cyber-physical systems in terms of sustainability, security, resiliency, and reliability will also be reviewed. Prerequisite: EE 313 and EE 423 or consent of the instructor. On demand.

EE 534. Advanced Wireless Communications Engineering. 3 Credits.

A combination of theory and practice underlying principles and practical applications of Wireless Communications. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. On demand.

Leaders in Online Cyber Security Degrees

9#

best online university in the nation

EDsmart

160+

online programs

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on-campus student.

  • Same degree. All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes. You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction. You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor. As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring. We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching. Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access. Dig into virtual research from the Chester Fritz Library. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support. UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.

Best Online Colleges

Reportedly high alumni salaries and job placement rates, coupled with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other non-profit universities in the upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Paysacle.com)

Cyber Security Transfer Student

Transferring and looking for a cyber security program, Julia Dewhurst found herself drawn to UND.

Read Julia's Story
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