Cybersecurity, BS
Required courses in computer science and computer engineering provide a foundation of fundamental knowledge. You’ll study secure software development and host-based cyber defense, and attacks and countermeasures. Interdisciplinary courses in cryptography, information ethics, and cybercrime add a well-rounded perspective on the field.
When you graduate, you’ll be able to:
- Identify current problems and threats in cybersecurity
- Detect and analyze cybersecurity attacks and practice defense strategies against them
- Write secure software
- Analyze networks and network security
- Plan, implement, and assess security protection mechanisms in computer systems and networks
WVU is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
Your Degree Plan
Computer Incident Response
CYBE 435
Introduction to computer incident response, forensics, and computer security. Legal basis, proper procedures, and multiple operating systems application.
Cybersecurity Principles and Practice
CYBE 465
Covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including encryption, malicious code, authentication and access control, database security, operating system security, and network security. Provides students with a comprehensive overview of the cybersecurity threats, technologies for information assurance, and engineering approaches to build and maintain secure computer systems and networks.
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity Dual Degrees
Students can simultaneously pursue 2 bachelor’s degrees in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. The Lane Department offers degrees in:
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Electrical Engineering
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- Digital forensics and cybersecurity laboratory co-located with the West Virginia State Police crime lab.
- Department maintains its own customized version of Ubuntu Linux and a teaching laboratory with 60 high performance computers that boot to both Linux and Windows.
- Capstone design experience encourages entrepreneurial activities and partners with the WVU Hayhurst LaunchLab and the ZinnStarter business plan competition.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
WVU is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
In recent years the Department has offered undergraduate opportunities in the areas of:
- System administration
- Department of Defense-funded cybersecurity scholarships
- Faculty mentored research on the topics of cybersecurity, digital forensics, human/computer interface, social media, biometrics data acquisition, and machine learning
Student work has been sponsored in the summer by Summer Undergraduate Research Experience undergraduate scholarships.
View all of the student organizations you can join.
Before graduating, all undergraduates in this major complete an academic project (or “capstone”) to demonstrate their research, communication and critical thinking skills. Projects have included:
- Avoiding Buffer-overflow security Vulnerabilities with Rust
- Development of Secure Mobile Apps for iPhone and Android
- Development of a Virtual Environment for Simulation of Network-based cyber attacks
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $171,200
Possible Job Titles: Information Systems Director (IS Director), Information Systems Manager (IS Manager), Information Technology Manager (IT Manager), Information Technology Director (IT Director)
Security Management Specialists
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $81,270
Possible Job Titles: Physical Security Engineer, Physical Security Specialist, Security Analyst, Security Consultant
Computer Systems Analysts
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $103,790
Possible Job Titles: Business Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Programmer Analyst, Systems Analyst
Information Security Analysts
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $124,910
Possible Job Titles: Information Security Officer, Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst), Network Security Analyst
Computer Network Support Specialists
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $73,340
Possible Job Titles: Network Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Systems Specialist
Database Administrators
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $104,620
Possible Job Titles: Database Administration Manager, Database Administrator (DBA), Database Analyst, Systems Administrator (Systems Admin)
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Median Salary: $96,800
Possible Job Titles: Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Network Administrator, Systems Administrator
Potential careers
This program provides skills in areas such as:
- Programming
- Networking
- Software development business
- Cybersecurity
- Criminal justice
- Cryptography
Where our graduates work
- Leidos
- KeyLogic
- Northrop Grumman
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- U.S. Department of Defense
- NASA’s Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Cybersecurity major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Engineering Requirements
You must meet the following requirements:
- High School GPA: 2.5
- ACT Math: 22
- SAT Math: 540
Engineering Requirements for Test-Optional Students
You must meet the following requirements:
- High School GPA: 3.0
Requirements for Engineering Technology
You must meet the following requirements:
- High School GPA: 2.5
Tuition and Aid
How much does Cybersecurity at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Cybersecurity, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about Cybersecurity at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
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