Cybersecurity, BS

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 cybersecurity. Students complete the first two years of the program (90 Credits) at a partner community college, earning an Associate Degree in Cybersecurity. The final two years of the program at WWU enables them to complete the requirements for a BS in Cybersecurity.

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 and several Community Colleges, are working together in one of the nation’s few community college-to-university cybersecurity collaborations. As a result, students may enroll at a partner community college to begin a pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity 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.

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

1. Analyze a complex cybersecurity problem and to apply principles of cybersecurity and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a technical solution to meet a given set of security requirements.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in cybersecurity practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to cyber security.
6. Apply security principles and practices across the broad range of the cybersecurity field to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats. 

Contact Information

Program Director Erik Fretheim Communications Facility 487 360-650-6879 Erik.Fretheim@wwu.edu

Program Advisor Laura Ghan Bond Hall 422A 360-650-2863 Laura.Ghan@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Cyber Security Manager | Cyber Defense Analyst | Systems Security Analyst | Secure Software Assessor | Cyber Security Developer

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Pre-Admission Requirements

•  Completion of a designated associate degree from a community college that is covered by an active articulation agreement  (check with Program Advisor for specific accepted degrees). Current partner colleges include:
  • Bellingham Technical College
  • Edmonds Community College
  • Green River College
  • Highline College
  • Lake Washington Institute of Technology
  • Olympic College
  • Peninsula College
  • Whatcom Community College
• 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 students applying by the priority deadline. Students must submit a Cybersecurity Program Application, in addition to the WWU Transfer Application.
• Students will be declared majors upon acceptance from WWU and the Cybersecurity Program.

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.