Bachelor of Science
Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations
Snapshot
410
Is this major right for you?
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The Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations bachelor’s degree program offers essential training that prepares you to ensure the security of critical information, assets, and infrastructure. Emphasizing teamwork and communication, you’ll take courses based on three fundamental concepts: technical cyber defense strategies, risk management, and data-driven cybersecurity analytics. As you master these foundations, you’ll also choose or create an application focus area to apply your knowledge to a specific domain that interests you. In your classes, you’ll learn from accomplished faculty with industry experience to graduate with recognition from the National Security Agency and a comprehensive understanding of cyber defense strategies that can position you to safeguard online information across any industry and meet the demands of a rapidly growing cybersecurity workforce.
Students in the Major (FA ’23)
$80,970
Average Starting Salary
$23/hr
Average Intern Salary
100%
Students Complete Internships
84%
Students Receive Job Offers From an Internship Provider
Industry-Aligned Courses
Application Focus Areas
You’ll develop your skills and the foundation of your career by taking required and elective courses like:
You’ll apply concepts to a specific domain by taking courses in one of the areas below or creating your own:
• Computer and Cyber Forensics
• Application Development
• Cyber Incident Handling and Response
• Economics
• Decision Theory and Analysis
• Enterprise Technology
• Language, Logic, and Discrete Math
• Geopolitics
• Legal and Regulatory Environment
• Health Care
• Malware Analytics
• Law and Policy
• Network Security • Threat of Terrorism and Crime
Prospective IST Students: futurestudents@ist.psu.edu | Current Penn State Students: advising@ist.psu.edu | Toll-free: 866-225-8707
Who’s Hiring? In-Demand Careers The cybersecurity industry has more jobs open than there are professionals to fill them. To prepare for these emerging careers, you’ll complete at least one internship before graduating. With support from career coaches, you can connect with hundreds of companies throughout the year—including at our IST Internship and Career Fairs—to prepare for careers like:
Check out where some of our alumni are currently working.
Application Security Specialist • Cyberthreat Advisor • Ethical Hacker • Forensic Analyst • Cybersecurity Analyst • Digital Network Exploitation Analyst • Technical Risk Advisor
Diverse Destinations Our cybersecurity program responds to industry needs so you’re prepared with the technical expertise and business savvy employers want. And since every industry needs the skills an IST degree offers, your career opportunities are endless.
57++138616A 57
Other (16%) Communications (6%)
Government/Defense (8%)
Banking/Finance (13%)
Consulting (57%)
Create Your Future At IST, you can enhance your student experience by living in the IST Living Learning Community or joining one of the college’s 19 student organizations. You can earn credits while studying abroad, take a deep dive into your field by completing a research project with faculty, and broaden your perspective by attending a variety of on-campus events. Along the way, you’ll find the resources and inclusive community you need to succeed. Regardless of your background, our academic advisers, career coaches, student support advocates, and engagement specialists are ready to help you reach your goals and make a positive impact on the world.
We are ready for what comes next. ARE YOU? Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U.Ed. IST 24-05.
Rachel McAdams Class of 2024
“I wanted a major that wasn’t just one subject. In cyber, you can code, do math, and analyze topics conceptually. And you can customize your experience with an application focus to go deeper into an area that interests you.”
@ISTatPennState