Program Overview

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Introduction to the Cybersecurity Program

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Appalachian State University is designed to prepare students for in-demand roles in the information security sector. The program provides a strong business background, communication skills, and comprehensive cybersecurity expertise.

Program Overview

The comprehensive curriculum combines cybersecurity and business courses, enabling graduates to take on challenging cybersecurity issues. Students become skilled in principles of IT security, such as data management, digital forensics, and hacking countermeasures, as well as web and cloud security. From a business perspective, students explore computer information systems, economics, finance, management, marketing, supply chain, and global issues to gain a better understanding of how businesses function.

Career Prospects

Cybersecurity experts are in high demand, with employment for information security analysts projected to grow 32% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual salary for these professionals is more than $120,000.

Accreditation and Recognition

App State's Walker College of Business is accredited by AACSB International, a distinction held by fewer than 6% of all business schools. The university has also earned a Research 2 Carnegie Classification, recognizing its high research activity and doctorate production. Additionally, App State has been recognized as a top five school for innovation by U.S. News & World Report for nine consecutive years and is among the nation's best schools for value, according to Money.com.

Courses and Minors

Students pursuing this major explore courses such as:

• Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures
• AI
• Business Systems and Cybersecurity
• Managing Security A minor is not required, but students can view all available minors.

Transferring Credits

App State has a credit transfer process, and students can use the Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool to determine how their courses may transfer.

Related Programs

Related programs include:

• Computer Information Systems (BSBA) - Cybersecurity
• Computer Information Systems (BSBA) - General Computer Information Systems
• Computer Science (BS)

General Education

The General Education Program at App State provides a foundational skill set, including courses in history, natural and social sciences, and humanities.

Accelerated Master's

Students can begin their graduate studies as undergraduates and earn their master's degree in as little as one year.

Careers

Potential careers for graduates include:

• Information Security Analyst
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Chief Information Security Officer
• Security Architect
• Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
• Information Technology Auditor
• Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst
• Security Systems Administrator
• Computer Network Defense Analyst
• Network Engineer Some of these roles may require education beyond a bachelor's degree.

Faculty and Research

The Department of Computer Information Systems is led by experienced faculty, including practitioner-in-residence Chris Taylor, who emphasizes the importance of overall security within an organization.

Facilities and Resources

App State offers state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Career Services Center. Students can also participate in the annual Cyber Summit, which explores current industry trends and funds scholarships for students in the Department of Computer Information Systems.