Mar 29, 2024  
2023-24 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2023-24 Western Washington University Catalog

Cybersecurity, BS

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham, WWU - Kirkland, WWU - Poulsbo


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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 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) and includes as a minimum Data Networking, Operating System Administration, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, and additional courses in Computer and Information Technology representing a total of at least 60 credits in the field.
    • Bellingham Technical College
    • Edmonds College
    • Green River College
    • Highline College
    • Lake Washington Institute of Technology
    • Olympic College
    • Peninsula College
    • Renton Technical College
    • South Puget Sound Community 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

Admission instructions and processes are detailed on the Cybersecurity website at cs.wwu.edu/cybersecurity.

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.

Requirements


Cybersecurity Core Courses (23-32 credits)


Required courses may be waived for some students based on the specific articulation agreement with the college from which they have obtained their associate’s degree to meet the program entry requirements.

GUR Science


Capstone Core (6 credits)


❑ Complete 6 credits from the following:

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