The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BS-CYBR) program prepares students to be proficient cybersecurity professionals by providing technical expertise, business acumen, and knowledge of security management. Students learn to identify and mitigate security threats to computer systems, assess risks associated with modern technology, and develop effective risk management strategies. Upon completion, graduates have a broad understanding of cybersecurity and are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to protect computerized information systems and be valuable assets to organizations.

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Cybersecurity Degree Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of Cybersecurity.
  2. Communicate effectively in writing or oral presentations; work independently or in teams, and demonstrate a high degree of legal and ethical principles. 
  3. Plan, build, and operate a Cybersecurity infrastructure required to effectively protect information assets.
  4. Use defensive measures and collected information to identify, analyze, and defend against threats to information, information systems, and networks.
  5. Conduct assessments of the level of risk associated with threats to and vulnerabilities in information assets and their supporting systems and develop and recommends appropriate mitigation countermeasures.
  6. Plan and respond to non-normal events, including incidents, disasters, crises, and threats to business continuity.

Cybersecurity Degree Student Journeys

Asher Andree, BS in Cybersecurity Class of 2019

Kennesaw State University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program has greatly contributed to my growth both professionally and personally. After graduation, I was able to join a young and rapidly-growing cybersecurity firm in the Atlanta area, which allowed me to quickly jump into the world of consulting. This was all thanks to connections I formed during my time at KSU. I've since been able to grow into a full-time career as a penetration tester and red teamer, helping organizations secure their critical assets and helping to reduce business risk.

My experiences from the CYBR program have been extremely valuable during this entire process. The technical and managerial concepts taught in the courses aided me in multiple real-world settings and projects. Additionally, I’d argue that the extracurricular opportunities at KSU, such as the Offensive Security club and SECCDC competition, are key differentiators for the program, and are nearly equal to the value of an entire undergraduate degree in themselves.

If you are local to the Atlanta area, it’s also worth noting the extremely advantageous location that KSU possesses. The Atlanta technology sector is growing rapidly, with many large organizations in the city seeking talented individuals from universities like KSU.

Madison Loewe, BS in Cybersecurity Class of 2021

Kennesaw State University alumna Madison Loewe graduated summa cum laude in Spring 2021. For her graduating class, she was recognized as the Cybersecurity Student of the Year. This honor had been noticed by Risk3sixty, and they reached out to Loewe about an interview. While going through the interview process, she noticed that she enjoyed talking to the team and reading their content online and determined that this was the place for her. Soon after, Loewe was an Associate at Risk3sixty and worked within the GRC space with their SOC 2 team. The material she had learned throughout her college journey had been integral to understanding the work she would be doing and preparing her to face the challenges of cybersecurity. In her role, she is continuously learning and growing as she interacts with many aspects of the cybersecurity field, from configurations to vendor management to penetration test reports, with many different business models. By April of 2022, she had been promoted to Senior Associate. Since then, Loewe has published content related to the SOC 2 attestation process, begun participating in a book club for professional development, and been studying for certifications.

Program Requirements

Before getting started as a cybersecurity major, students will need to complete their General Education at Kennesaw State University through either traditional on-campus settings, KSU-Online or with eCore courses.

Visit Undergraduate Catalog

Become a Student

The admissions process at Kennesaw State University is the same for all students regardless of their decision to pursue online or on-campus learning. Students are required to meet the same standards and submit the same documentation. Admission requirements vary by student type. Please visit the KSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions for specific requirements.

Undergraduate Admissions

Tuition and Fees

The B.S. in Cybersecurity is a completely online Kennesaw State University major. Students may choose to pursue General Education and Lower Division courses through KSU Online, Traditional face-to-face courses, Hybrid courses, or eCore courses. Tuition and fees will vary depending on the course type. For more information on Tuition and Fees, please see the Bursar's Office below.

Financial Aid is available for online classes just as it is available for on-campus courses. The KSU Office of Student Financial Aid encourages students to reach out to them individually by contacting the appropriate financial aid counselor.

Bursar's Office Visit Financial Aid

Personal Computer Hardware Recommendation

Windows-based machines are generally recommended, however, Apple/iOS/Linux machines may be used successfully in many cases. Many courses will assume that the student operates from a current generation Windows-based desktop or laptop computer and will provide instruction for student work using tutorials and instructions written for Windows. Some courses may offer alternatives with similar software for iOS and Linux distribution systems.

As of mid-2021, the recommendation is for a Windows 10 Professional OS running with:

  • Intel i7 (preferred) or i5 processor
  • 16-32 GB (or more) of RAM
  • 1 TB (or more) storage (HDD or SSD)
  • Stable and reliable Internet connectivity

Credit for Prior Learning

In addition to General Education credits from Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) assessments, many upper-division courses in the BS-CYBR have other Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) options. Many use a department administrated Challenge Exam.

Please visit the KSU PLA resource page to verify availability and identify the application process for these options:

Prior Learning Assessments from the Coles College of Business, Department of Information Systems and Security

  • CYBR 3100- Principles of Cybersecurity - by Challenge Exam

Prior Learning Assessments from the College of Computing and Software Engineering, Department of Information Technology

  • CSE 1321/L - Programming and Problem Solving I & Lab - By AP Test Credit

  • CYBR 3123 - Hardware and Software Concepts - by Challenge Exam

  • CYBR 3153 - Database Systems - by Challenge Exam

  • CYBR 3423 - Operating Systems Concepts and Administration - by Challenge Exam

  • CYBR 4323- Data Communications and Networking - by Challenge Exam
Visit PLA Resources

Double Owl Pathway Program

KSU offers the Double Owl Pathway which allows undergraduate students to take graduate-level courses that will count in both their undergraduate degree and towards a graduate degree at Kennesaw State University. You can learn more about this program below.

Current KSU students interested in the BS in Cybersecurity degree may have an option to consider for a Double Owl pathway, including these:

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