Cybersecurity Major (Bachelor of Science)
Defend individuals, networks, and even nations with the expertise of the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity degree program from Western Illinois University (WIU). This field is at the forefront of technologies on both individual and global scales, and demand for experts rises each year.
The multidisciplinary cybersecurity major on our Macomb campus equips you with a broad foundation in computer science and systems while honing your skills in digital security, defense, and responses to breaches. Gain real-world experience in an internship or hack-a-thon, excel using Python and UNIX, and examine specialized topics like computer forensics, ethical hacking, and cyber-physical systems.
Cyber attacks are increasing in both quantity and sophistication, which carries a high cost for businesses, governments, and other organizations. The bachelor’s in cybersecurity program positions you at the forefront of this battle: graduate as a highly valuable asset whose expertise is necessary for long-term stability.
Why Pursue the Cybersecurity Major at WIU?
Western Illinois University is a recognized National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE–CD), due to its abundant opportunities to engage and advance as a cybersecurity expert on campus. Unlock your potential through:
- The Cybersecurity Center, our hub for educating our community on cybersecurity threats and advancing career opportunities for future cybersecurity professionals
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Networking events, including guest lectures, dinners, and competitions, with regional and national employers
- Our multidisciplinary approach that combines theory, tools, technical expertise, and management skills
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Impressive cybersecurity major salary outcomes with employers across almost every industry
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Program Curriculum
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The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity curriculum pushes you to practice and apply skills in a broad variety of real-world scenarios. Develop technical aptitude and creative problem-solving capabilities that empower you to easily adapt to the demands of the ever-changing professional cybersecurity landscape.
Establish core competencies in cybersecurity principles, computer security, operating systems, and network fundamentals, and apply these skills to working with data structures, switching and routing, wireless LANs, and distributed systems for big data. Pair technical study of Python and UNIX with foundational concepts of ethical, social, and legal issues in the digital world.
Graduate well-equipped for a dynamic career as an expert in ever-evolving technologies. At Western, we recognize that while the specs of the cybersecurity industry may change, the fundamental thought processes and approaches underpinning it are evergreen.
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WIU Cybersecurity Center
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Get involved in efforts to combat and inform our community about cybersecurity threats in Western’s recognized National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. As a cybersecurity major, you can connect with dozens of on- and off-campus skill-, network-, and career-building opportunities through the Cybersecurity Center.
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WIU Student Life Opportunities
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Join initiatives and develop professional networks across campus (and beyond!). Western’s cybersecurity and computer science extracurricular offerings enable you to learn technical, interpersonal, management, and leadership skills in hands-on environments. This tangible experience also fosters connections with your peers and industry experts—connections that can endure long into your career. Consider becoming a member of:
Cybersecurity Enthusiasts Club: Pursue innovation, engage in education, and promote awareness of cybersecurity with like-minded peers.
Computer Science Association: Participate in small robotics projects, attend guest lectures, and discuss each week’s latest and greatest in computer science research.
Western’s Cybersecurity Center resources provide connections to dozens more internal and external opportunities to practice and demonstrate your skills, conduct research, follow along with the latest news and trends, and earn additional cybersecurity certifications.
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Capture the Flag Competition
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Showcase your expertise in Capture the Flag, Western’s highly selective cybersecurity competition held each semester. Tackle real-world scenarios under an intense time limit and up against talented, driven competitors. And in the post-contest award ceremony, work your networking skills with fellow undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and WIU alumni who work for employers like Microsoft.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity?
Each year, more tools and products are developed and sold that extend the reach of cyberspace into every corner of people’s jobs, homes, and lives. With this rapid growth comes an urgent need for cybersecurity professionals: people like you who are committed to securing and protecting digital data.
WIU’s bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree program positions you to launch right into a demanding role or advance your expertise further through graduate studies in computer science (such as Western’s Master of Science in Computer Science), technology, or a related field.
The burgeoning demand for cybersecurity experts touches every conceivable type of commercial, industrial, governmental, research, and educational organization. The median cybersecurity major salary is far higher than the average across all degree types. Work toward challenging, rewarding career paths like:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program go on to these roles with companies and organizations such as:
- Allstate
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- Apex Entertainment Partners
- Caterpillar Inc.
- College of DuPage
- Countrywide Financial
- Gardner Denver
- Harrington Signal
- John Deere
- McAfee
- McGladrey
- NTT America
- Prairie Cardiovascular Ltd.
- Provena Health
- Rock Island Arsenal
- State Farm
- Xerox
Admissions
Ready to become a Leatherneck? Western is a test optional institution, meaning we don’t require SAT/ACT scores. Review our undergraduate admissions standards for more information about applying to WIU.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Informed decisions are the best decisions, and when you’re starting your university journey, you need a lot of information! At Western, we provide tools like the Net Price Calculator to help you understand both potential costs and potential savings in the form of financial aid.
Scholarships
Institutional scholarships are an investment in you: you choose to advance your potential at Western, and we choose to celebrate that potential. The Western Way is our flagship scholarship program that covers mandatory fees and full tuition for eligible students. As a cybersecurity major, you can also receive the Cybersecurity Freshman or Transfer Scholarship in your first year at WIU.
Safeguard Everything from Personal Privacy to National Security with WIU’s Cybersecurity Major
Play a vital role in protecting individuals, companies, and nations through the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program at WIU. Cultivate real-world experience in dozens of classes, clubs, and extracurricular groups that prepare you for the high-stakes demands of this rapidly growing profession.
Secure your spot: apply today!
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