NCCU Online BS in IT, Cybersecurity Concentration

Three concentration options

Faculty with real-world experience in IT

Focus on professional development

Focus Your IT Education in Cybersecurity

Are you driven to protect sensitive data and safeguard vital computer systems? NCCU Online’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BS in IT) program provides the training you need to become an in-demand technology expert, and the Cybersecurity concentration allows you to further focus your skills in the critical field of cyber defense.

Through NCCU Online’s intentional approach to virtual learning, you’ll experience the support you need to thrive in your studies and advance your career. We offer a career-focused curriculum, personalized attention, and immersive courses that position you for success — both academically and professionally.

Nccu It Cyber Image1
What Is a Cybersecurity Concentration in Information Technology?
The NCCU Online: BS in IT Flight Path Program empowers you to drive innovation in tech and boosts your employability through individualized guidance and industry-relevant instruction. Focusing your studies with the Cybersecurity concentration will augment your learning by teaching you valuable skills to protect data, networks, and systems from cyber threats and attacks.
By choosing the concentration in Cybersecurity, you’ll acquire an in-demand skill set to address top cybersecurity needs, including:

  • Knowledge of various cyber threats and vulnerabilities

  • Computer security protocols and best practices

  • Cyber defense and countermeasures

  • Forensics and regulatory compliance

Flight Path Programs

Flight Path Programs are designed specifically for returning, adult learners who are balancing work, family, and life responsibilities. These fully online programs offer the flexibility and convenience needed to fit education into a busy schedule, with multiple start dates throughout the year, so you can begin when the time is right for you. Courses are offered in a condensed format, allowing you to focus on fewer classes at a time — making it easier to stay on track, complete your program, and move confidently toward your academic and professional goals.

Focus on Cybersecurity Careers

Cybersecurity threats grow more pressing every day, and the field requires skilled professionals who can step up and defend against these attacks. The 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study found that 67% of surveyed organizations had a staffing shortage in their cybersecurity departments, and 90% had one or more skills gaps on their cybersecurity teams.

Take a look at some potential careers you can pursue with the NCCU Online: BS in IT, Cybersecurity concentration:*

Information Security Manager

Average Base Salary: $127,928

Penetration Tester

Average Base Salary: $100,340

Cybersecurity Analyst

Average Base Salary: $82,773

Information Security Analyst

Average Base Salary: $80,570

Curriculum & Courses

The BS in IT requires 36 hours of general education courses and 27 hours of information technology courses, with between 32 and 36 core business credit hours. The concentration in Cybersecurity requires a combination of 18 credit hours in concentration-specific electives and seven credit hours in general electives.

Keep in mind that you’re required to transfer in with at least 24 credit hours and any additional transfer credits may significantly reduce your required hours to graduate.

The required Cybersecurity concentration courses include:

The goal of this course is to provide the student with an outlook of computer networking from the viewpoint of a network administrator. The course introduces the student to the work of computer networking by covering concepts related to Ethernet networks, routing protocols and router configuration, and TCP/IP based networks. The student will also be exposed to the local, campuswide area network configurations, network security, wireless network, optical networks, Voice over IP (VoIP), network services, and Linux networking scenarios.

This course provides the technical and investigative skills needed to succeed in digital forensics as well as key security standards and models for business and government. This course covers such topics as the scope of computer forensics, Windows and Mac forensics, mobile forensics, cyberbullying, and child endangerment.

This course introduces the student to industry-leading practices and standards, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and Special Publications. By incorporating concepts of governance, risk management, asset management, data loss prevention, human resources, and physical and environmental security the course provides guidance on how to develop cybersecurity policies, programs, and frameworks within an organization.

This course explains concepts, terminology, challenges, tools, and skills needed to defend networks. The course provides key security standards and models for business and government. This course also covers such topics as evaluation of key network risks and danger, choosing the right network security approach for the organization, anticipating and countering widespread network attacks — including those based on social engineering — and leading security standards and models, including ISO and NIST standards.

This course introduces the basics through advanced techniques to secure Linux systems, networks, applications, and data. The course provides tools and techniques for enforcing and troubleshooting security to protect systems — even if one or more layers are penetrated. This course covers such topics as the installation of Linux to achieve optimal security, best practices for securely managing accounts, devices, services, processes, data, and networks, and tools. The course also teaches automated scripting techniques for foot printing, penetration testing, threat protection, logging, auditing, and software management. Hands-on labs will be used to practice and develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills.

This course introduces the key concepts, terminology, challenges, tools, and skills for penetration testing. The course integrates theory and practice, covering the entire penetration testing life from planning to reporting. This course covers such topics as pen testing standards, comprehensive and effective testing, cryptography essentials, and reconnaissance. Hands-on labs will be used to practice and develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills as well as for testing for vulnerabilities, injection, and cross-site scripting attacks.

Is a Concentration in Cybersecurity Worth It?

Concentrating your learning in cybersecurity positions you for high-demand, high-paying roles in one of the fastest-growing sectors in technology.

According to Cybercrime Magazine, cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, making it the world’s third-largest economy if measured as a country.

The ever-escalating threat underscores the critical need for skilled cybersecurity professionals. For this reason, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 33% increase in cybersecurity jobs through 2033, significantly higher than the 4% average growth rate for all U.S. jobs.

In the U.S., demand for cybersecurity talent is outpacing supply, with nearly 265,000 more workers needed to fill current roles, according to Lightcast — making a cybersecurity concentration especially appealing to employers.

The BS in IT with a concentration in Cybersecurity gives you the skills employers need, along with preparation for key industry certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Learn more about how to get IT certifications .

Explore the BS in IT at NCCU Online

Ready for more details about the online BS in IT program? Click “Learn More” to access tuition information, admission requirements, and program highlights.

Learn More

*General labor market and salary data are sourced from Payscale. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment. NCCU does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional training and experience may be necessary for leadership positions.

Privacy Policy