Cybersecurity (BS)

Safeguarding Data

Interested in a career in Cybersecurity? Oakland City University has you covered! Our program goes beyond the basics, offering hands-on training that prepares you to protect and defend against today’s most pressing digital threats. With our newly designed curriculum, you’ll dive into real-world concepts like ethical hacking, risk management, network security, and digital forensics. At OCU, you won’t just learn theory—you’ll practice the skills employers are looking for in this high-demand field. Whether your goal is to safeguard organizations, prevent cybercrime, or lead in the ever-evolving world of information security, our program will give you the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the workforce.

Students pursuing a Cybersecurity major must complete fifty-four (54) semester hours consisting for twenty-four (24) semester hours in Cybersecurity and thirty (30) semester hours in supporting courses from Business, Computer Science, English, Information Technology, Management, and Psychology. The Cybersecurity program directly targets the huge growth in low or no-code Cybersecurity roles over the past 10 years. These roles require a deep understanding of the security landscape and experience with modern no-code tools, which are covered by this program. There are a range of high-value roles that can be supported by a Cybersecurity degree without being Cybersecurity-specific themselves. The skills taught in this program are broadly applicable to a range of Business Analyst positions, and may also serve as entryways into Information Technology, Criminal Justice, or Computer Science.

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity will be able to:

1. Develop and implement security plans to safeguard data against attacks by applying industry-standard frameworks for threat detection.
2. Construct and deploy security controls and countermeasures in network and system environments to protect systems from common attacks.
3. Develop and implement robust security policies, procedures, and emergency measures that comply with legal and governmental requirements and protect individual rights.
4. Conduct incident investigations using modern forensic tools and execute response and recovery plans to minimize the impact of security events.
5. Develop and execute ethical hacking strategies, utilizing industry-standard tools and techniques to discover vulnerabilities within networks and systems.
6. Develop and deploy monitoring systems to detect and respond to emerging cyber threats and vulnerabilities, with a focus on mobile and cloud security strategies.
7. Identify career opportunities through frameworks that evaluate fulfillment and financial health.
8. Build a plan for securing opportunities, using empathy and professionalism to maximize chances of success.
9. Analyze complex cybersecurity challenges, evaluate potential solutions, and implement effective strategies to mitigate risks and protect against threats.