The Department of Computer Information Systems offers three areas for students to gain real-world knowledge and education in the Cybersecurity area. A BS in Cybersecurity, a minor in Cybersecurity and a BSBA in CIS with a concentration in Cybersecurity. All three program offerings are available in the Walker College of Business and will prepare graduates for in-demand roles in the information security sector by providing them with a strong business background, communication skills and comprehensive cybersecurity expertise.
App State’s cybersecurity programs help address a shortage of qualified workers in the field:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists information security analysts as one of the five fastest-growing occupations, with a projected 32% growth rate between 2021 and 2031.
According to a February 2024 report from labor market analytics firm Lightcast, the previous six-month period indicated 22,184 total job postings in North Carolina related to cybersecurity, with 86% requiring a bachelor’s degree.
The firm reported median earnings of $56.61/hour for information security analyst jobs in North Carolina.
Course offerings include forensics, incident response and detection, cybersecurity strategy, policy and governance, audit and cybersecurity analytics, programming, networking, database management, ethical hacking, countermeasures, and other ethics and privacy issues. Core business courses include accounting, business law, computer information systems, economics, finance, management, marketing, supply chain and global issues, as well as courses in business communications, organizational behavior and strategic management. App State also provides co-curricular opportunities for cybersecurity students.
The Walker College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Department of Computer Information Systems plans to pursue the National Security Agency’s Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation, which is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and/or certificates at the associate, bachelor’s and graduate levels.