Department of Computer Science, College of Science and Engineering
51-60 credits
Introduction
This is a joint academic program between Western Washington University (WWU) and Washington State community colleges, culminating in a baccalaureate degree in computer and information systems security. Students complete the first two years of the program (90 Credits) at a partner community college, earning an Associate in Applied Science - Transfer Degree in Cybersecurity. The final two years of the program at WWU enables them to complete the requirements for BS in Cybersecurity (CISS).
Why Consider a Cybersecurity Major?
The rise of cyber-attacks and a heightened awareness of network vulnerability, coupled with a shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals, is creating serious consequences for individuals, corporations and government agencies seeking to protect sensitive information. In response to the emerging demand, Western Washington University’s (WWU) College of Sciences and Technology and several Community Colleges, including Whatcom, Peninsula, Edmonds, and Olympic are working together in one of the nation’s few community college-to-university cybersecurity collaborations. As a result, students may enroll at a Community College to begin a pathway to a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity (CISS) from Western.
This new applied program is designed to provide students and IT professionals the opportunity to continue their education to the bachelor’s degree level in the emergent field of cybersecurity. The CISS degree will prepare graduates for high-demand professional roles such as cybersecurity manager, cyber defense analyst, secure software assessor, secure software development specialist, or systems security analyst.
Students first complete a two-year Associate in Applied Science – Transfer degree in Cybersecurity at a college with which WWU has an articulation agreement will allow graduates to apply to Western for the CISS degree. AAS-T graduates will have mastered the basic technical knowledge of cyber security for today’s information systems. The benefit to continuing through to the bachelor’s degree is they will acquire a breadth and depth of technical skills to satisfy the additional education requirements of the majority of potential employers, specifically larger businesses and local, state and federal governments, and to be qualified for higher level positions.
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Cyber Security Manager | Cyber Defense Analyst | Systems Security Analyst | Secure Software Assessor | Cyber Security Developer
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How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Pre-Admission Requirements
- Completion of a designated Associate in Applied Science Degree - Transfer from a community college that is covered by an active articulation agreement.
- Completion of initial programming courses equivalent to CSCI 141 – Computer Programming 1 and CSCI 145 – Computer Programming and Linear Data Structures; and MATH 124 - Calculus I.
- Minimum GPA of 2.50
Application Process
- Priority consideration for admission will be given to applicants submitting all of the following requirements by the priority deadline:
- WWU Transfer Application submitted by the application deadline and $60 non-refundable application fee: admissions.wwu.edu/transfer
- Official transcripts from the community college
Major Declaration Process
- Students will be declared majors upon admissions acceptance.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
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