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Cybersecurity Major in Pennsylvania
Do you thrive in a tech challenge like defending networks and information systems against cyberattacks? If you do, Messiah University’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in cybersecurity may be the right fit for you! Earn your cybersecurity degree at a Christian university and explore career options in the world of tech.
Study Cybersecurity at a Christian University
The cybersecurity major at Messiah University, one of the top Christian universities in the U.S., will prepare you to secure data, computer networks and systems that house data. You will learn how to write protected software applications as you analyze systems, identify and define security risks, and design solutions to mitigate those risks.
Messiah University’s Cybersecurity Education Program is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD). To qualify for this designation, Messiah University met high academic standards for cybersecurity curriculum, demonstrated significant community outreach and integration of cybersecurity practice across academic disciplines, established a dedicated center for cybersecurity, and actively engaged in finding solutions to current cybersecurity challenges.
This achievement provides Messiah University’s Cybersecurity Education Program with increased opportunities such as participation and contribution to the broader CAE community, collaboration with other institutions in pedagogy and technical expertise, student scholarships and full-time employment for students with various agencies across the Department of Defense. This prestigious designation holds the promise of drawing in a fresh influx of students who desire to receive top-quality education in cybersecurity.
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program is managed by the National Cryptologic University at the National Security Agency (NSA), in partnership with CISA, FBI, NIST/NICE, NSF, DoD-CIO and U.S. Cyber Command. Learn more about the NCAE-C program here: https://www.nsa.gov/Academics/Centers-of-Academic-Excellence/
As a cybersecurity major at Messiah University, you'll be able to:
- Gain real-world cybersecurity experience through providing security monitoring, digital forensics and data recovery services to businesses through the Messiah University Cyber Center (opened fall 2022!)
- Utilize industry-recognized resources of the latest technology and the standard tools and techniques to safeguard those technologies
- Analyze systems, identify and define the security risks and design solutions to mitigate those risks, with consideration for business concerns and technical issues
- Develop and defend an ethical code of conduct consistent with the Christian faith and formulated from an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities
- Prepare for practical experiences with courses such as computer programming, ethical hacking, network security and more
- Join clubs such as the Cybersecurity Club, WiCyS (Women in Cyber Security) or Cybirds
With organizations facing cyber threats in the expanding online community, the market is growing much faster than average for cybersecurity professionals.
As a graduate of the cybersecurity program, you will be equipped to secure positions such as:
- Security analyst
- Security auditor
- Security software developer
- Forensic computer analyst
- Information security analyst
- Security architect
For more information on career planning for the cybersecurity program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program places students in a variety of internships. A few examples include:
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Comcast
- Federal Reserve Bank
- Ford Motor Company
- GE
- Highmark Health
- Johns Hopkins University - Applied Physics Lab
- NewsCrop
- Port Authority of New York
- Trillium Technical
- Walt Disney Company
Using the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework, the Cybersecurity Education Program helps students gain the appropriate knowledge, skills, and training needed to perform a variety of roles across the cybersecurity workforce. Implementing NICE Framework competencies allows our program to be responsive to employer or sector needs by developing learning experiences that help students develop and demonstrate these Competencies. One of the ways we do this is through our cybersecurity lab. The lab supports projects in digital forensics, Internet of Things (IoT) security, and includes a cyber range to simulate real-world cyber threats and scenarios. This new lab aims to enhance our practical learning and research capabilities, thereby improving our ability to attract and prepare an increasing number of students for professional readiness.
In this program that will prepare you to enter an exploding job market, you will apply your knowledge of computer science, cybersecurity and information assurance theories to analyze problems, assess trade-offs and develop creative solutions. Courses such as business information systems, computer programming, software development and web management will help you prepare for a variety of careers, even graduate school. At Messiah University, you will develop and defend an ethical code of conduct consistent with the Christian faith and formulated from a professional, ethical and legal understanding.
Programs related to Cybersecurity
Business Information Systems
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In the Cybersecurity program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Cybersecurity careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of the Cybersecurity program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
96% of the Class of 2022 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
MEET ALUMNI FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING, MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS
Practical Experience
During your time at Messiah, you will be encouraged to gain practical experience in off-campus settings. Through the Career and Professional Development Center, you will secure a cybersecurity internship to fulfill a requirement of the major. This practical experience, some of which are paid, provides you with opportunities to clarify career goals and enhance classroom learning.
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.