Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is designed to address the growing need for cybersecurity experts in today's technology-reliant world. With the increasing amount of sensitive data going online, advanced cybersecurity measures must be created to protect this data, and these measures must be monitored to ensure their efficacy. The field of cybersecurity is in desperate need of a wide range of well-trained experts, with high salaries going to top talent.

Why Study Cybersecurity at OUPI?

There are 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally, with over 450,000 in the US right now. Almost 4,000 of those vacant jobs are in Oklahoma, with more than 600 currently vacant in the northeast part of the state. The OU Polytechnic Institute is designed with this in mind, working with local and state industry partners to develop programs, like the BS in Cybersecurity, to meet the skyrocketing demand for these jobs.

Bachelor Degree Completion Program Requirements

• Completed application form
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Minimum 24 credit hours earned at the time of application

This is a bachelor's completion program. Students traditionally transfer to OUPI once they have earned an associate's degree or taken at least 24 hours from an accredited institution, such as Tulsa Community College.

Cybersecurity Program Curriculum

This 60-hour bachelor degree completion program is designed to be completed in two years and developed with the needs of local, state, and regional employers in mind. Upon graduation, students will hold a Bachelor's of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Oklahoma. All classes, which start Fall of 2024, are in person, hands-on, and right here in Tulsa.

Sample Cybersecurity Courses Year 3:

• Operating Systems Fundamentals
• Hardware Security
• Cyberforensics Fundamentals
• Introduction to Unix Systems
• Foundations of Cybersecurity

Sample Cybersecurity Courses Year 4:

• Cybersecurity Risk Management and Assessment
• Network Security
• Cryptography Fundamentals
• Intro to Cloud Computing and Security

Accreditation Objectives & Outcomes

The Cybersecurity program is not currently ABET-accredited. OUPI plans to seek initial ABET accreditation after the program’s first graduating cohort, as required by ABET.

Program Educational Objectives

Within 3 - 5 years of graduation, alumni of the Cybersecurity program will:

1. Career Success and Leadership: Graduates will exhibit the capabilities necessary to succeed in their cybersecurity careers by applying technical expertise, business acumen, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They will lead efforts at all levels to strengthen cybersecurity across industry, government, and academic sectors.
2. Professional Relevance and Adaptability: Graduates will use their cybersecurity education to remain professionally relevant by continually adapting to evolving cybersecurity technologies, threats, and best practices.
3. Ethical and Social Responsibility: Graduates will uphold ethical and professional standards and demonstrate social responsibility in cybersecurity decision-making. They will utilize ethical frameworks to promote the security of systems and data and the ethical use of technology.
4. Collaboration and Communication: Graduates will effectively communicate technical information and collaborate within diverse teams to solve complex cybersecurity problems and support organizational goals.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

OUPI Class Schedules

At the OU Polytechnic Institute on the OU-Tulsa campus, most classes are strategically scheduled only two days a week, with some variations. Class days are grouped together and may vary by semester to accommodate program needs. This schedule allows students to complete their degree while balancing time for work, internships, and personal growth.

Scholarships

The University of Oklahoma offers a variety of scholarships to admitted transfer students or those specifically enrolled in the OU Polytechnic Institute based on criteria such as academics, leadership, and community involvement. OUPI students are eligible to receive any of these scholarships for which they qualify. In addition, a fund has been established to provide stipends necessary for technology purchases including laptops or software. Qualified OUPI students can receive stipends of up to $1,000 for technology purchases.

Graduate Skills

Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing to identify solutions.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a set of computing requirements.
• Communicate in a professional setting.
• Recognize responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as a leader or team member.
• Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

Career Paths

Some typical career paths include:

• Network and Computer Systems Administrator
• Database Administrator
• Software Developer
• Information Security Analyst
• Security Specialist
• Incident Responder
• Security Architect
• Forensic Expert
• Penetration Tester
• And many more!

Industries

OU Polytechnic Institute graduates will be qualified for job openings in industries such as:

• Finance
• Information Technology
• Banking
• Oil and Gas
• Healthcare

Articulation Agreements

OUPI has articulation agreements with Tulsa Community College and Seminole State College in Cybersecurity. Following these agreements helps students save time and money, ensuring a smooth transition to completing their Bachelor's Degree. Each agreement is based on a semester-by-semester guide from a partner institution, showing how courses transfer to specific bachelor's degree programs.

Pathway for High School Students

High school students interested in pursuing a Cybersecurity degree at OU-Tulsa can begin their academic journey by spending their first two years at OU-Norman, majoring in Software Development and Integration (SDI), an OUPI program. After completing their initial coursework at OU-Norman, students seamlessly transition to the Cybersecurity program at the OU-Tulsa campus, where they will continue their studies. The first two years of SDI align perfectly with the requirements for Cybersecurity majors at OU-Tulsa, ensuring a smooth progression. This alignment means that all SDI courses taken at OU-Norman during the first two years fulfill the foundational requirements for the Cybersecurity program. It’s an ideal path for students planning to specialize in Cybersecurity.

University of Oklahoma Summary

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Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

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Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

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Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.