Cybersecurity
Department of Computing, Analytics, & Mathematics

Cybersecurity


  • Bachelor of Science
  • Undergraduate

125 credits

required for program
  • Minor Available
  • PSEO/Early college online classes

Gain an in-depth understanding of how organizations of all types and sizes use cybersecurity to protect their information, computer systems, and personnel. The Cybersecurity major provides you with the tools to effectively provide information assurance in a variety of enterprises such as business, government, and healthcare.

This degree might be right for you if

  • enjoy taking on new challenges every day
  • consider learning to be a life-long occupation
  • thrive on protecting your organization and colleagues from cyber threats

Why study cybersecurity at Northwestern?

Our program provides training in three broad areas:

  • learning and managing implementation of new technology
  • developing solutions for your firm’s information security needs
  • providing a secure environment for your organization

Designed to meet curricular learning outcomes set by the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, our Cybersecurity major includes courses in mathematics, computer science, data communication, and computer security fundamentals in order to provide a well-rounded learning experience for the undergraduate seeking a career in cybersecurity. We also offer a study group each spring semester for preparation for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

Cybersecurity has become a dominant concern across all areas of our lives: business, technology, government, and even non-profit organizations. The media daily contain stories about cyber attacks and underscore the need for educated employees in information security.

The federal government recently announced the need for an additional 500,000 cybersecurity professionals. Microsoft Corporation has committed to spending $20 billion, that’s an increase of 400%, in the next five years to prepare students for a career in cybersecurity. Google, in an effort to secure employees certified in cybersecurity, will spend $10 billion in the next five years training 100,000 students.

Our courses provide the learner with hands-on experience in our data communications hardware facility managing network routers and switches, unique labs designed to challenge both you and your teammate, and off-campus projects at the conclusion of various courses. Our students have designed solutions for numerous Twin City firms including: Medtronic, Andersen Windows, Thrivent Financial, Northwestern Mutual, Caribou Coffee, Scandinavian Design, and Chick-fil-A.

All graduates are usually employed within three months of commencement and work at a variety of organizations including: FBI, Allianz, United Health, Travelers Insurance, Medtronic, Thrivent, H.B. Fuller, 3M, Abbott Labs, Target, and U.S. Bank.

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Careers in Cybersecurity and Information Systems

There are a variety of career pathways that begin with a degree in cybersecurity and information systems.

What types of work are related to this degree?

  • Digital forensics specialist
  • Computer network defense analyst
  • Exploitation analyst
  • Cyber network engineer
  • Information systems designer
  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Protocol analyst
  • Systems engineer
  • Database administrator
  • Penetration testing specialist
  • Cyber security architect
  • Incident response analyst
  • Malware analyst
  • Intrusion detection analyst
  • DevSecOps engineer
  • Software developer
  • Security auditor
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Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.