Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Today's society has become increasingly dependent on technology, creating a significant need for professionals well-versed in the skills related to cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

Increasing numbers of technical and security failures threaten America's energy grid, personal data, financial institutions, government, and more.

Demand for professionals with these skills is significant. According to Forbes, more than 200,000 cybersecurity jobs went unfilled in 2015 in the U.S., and 1.5 million cybersecurity jobs are expected to be unfilled globally by 2020.

The National Security Agency (NSA) has established a program for recognizing excellence in cybersecurity at universities.

SBU's cybersecurity degree program is unique in that you will be equipped with coding and software engineering skills that will enhance your versatility in the cybersecurity industry. While most cybersecurity degrees approach data security from an information technology approach, SBU’s program approaches data security from a software engineering perspective.

Studying cybersecurity and taking ethical hacking courses at SBU will equip you to be on the digital frontlines in the ongoing cyber battle between forces of good (innocent individuals, small businesses, corporations, government) and forces of evil (digital thieves, corporate saboteurs, terrorists).

The SBU Advantage

• Learn from expert faculty including Dr. Jim Cain, who is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a published researcher in the secure coding area, and Meilani Conley, who worked for Booz-Hamilton as a security specialist and held classified federal security clearance.
• Study in a unique degree program developed with advisement by data security professionals.
• SBU CIS graduates have achieved 100% job placement within six months of graduation 5 out of the last 6 years.
• SBU is home to a dedicated cybersecurity lab.
• Graduates from the SBU CIS programs typically earn starting salaries ranging from $50,000-$75,000.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of academic study at undergraduate and graduate levels throughout four physical campuses in Bolivar, Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., plus an online campus.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university with:

• More than 100 areas of academic study on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels;
• Faculty who are passionate about you, your education, and your future success;
• Global service and mission projects to share your faith and develop as a servant leader;
• Vibrant campus life within a close-knit community for getting involved and developing lifelong friendships; and
• Five campuses throughout the southwest and south central Missouri. The 152-acre main campus is in Bolivar, Mo., population 10,300 about 25 minutes north of Springfield, Mo. Additional campuses are in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., and Online.

Liberal arts schools provide both breadth and depth. Breadth is offered across the curriculum with coursework in the arts, sciences, and humanities, with the goal of preparing students for life. Depth is provided through the major, which focuses on preparation for work in a specific field. In a Christian liberal arts education, the Christian lens is the primary lens for learning. Breadth and depth in a Christian liberal arts setting also mean a focus on critical thinking so that non-Christian perspectives are examined (but not endorsed) and students are prepared to serve in secular careers and in service to Christ.