B.S. in Security and Risk Analysis

Bachelor of Science

Security and Risk Analysis

Snapshot Is this major right for you?

Scan the code to learn more about courses, experiences, and career outcomes.

The Security and Risk Analysis bachelor’s degree program can prepare you to address the security and risk challenges facing individuals, organizations, and the nation. Emphasizing teamwork and communication, you’ll take courses based on four fundamental concepts: understanding security, risk, and analytic methods; understanding the role of data analytics in security domains; applying analytics to create actionable knowledge; and exploring the legal, ethical, and professional contexts in which security and risk analysis is conducted.

As you master these foundations, you’ll add value to your degree by applying your knowledge to a specific domain that interests you. You’ll learn from accomplished faculty with industry experience to graduate with recognition from the National Security Agency (NSA) and a comprehensive understanding of how to analyze information, evaluate threats, and assess risk to make the world a safer place.

175

Students in the Major (FA ’23)

$76,132

Average Starting Salary

$24/hr

Average Intern Salary

100%

Students Complete Internships

84%

Students Receive Job Offers From an Internship Provider

Industry-Aligned Courses

NSA Certificate

You’ll develop your skills and the foundation of your career by taking required and elective courses like:

The College of IST is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This recognizes the college as a top choice for students who want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the cybersecurity workforce.

• Criminology • Deception and Counterdeception • Decision Theory and Analysis • Evolution of Warfare • Risk Analysis in a Security Context • Spatial Analysis of Risks • The Intelligence Environment • Visual Analytics

You can earn certificates of recognition and achievement when you graduate by meeting specific academic criteria.

The certificates attest that you graduated from a program whose faculty, resources, curricula, and commitment were evaluated and found to be of high quality, as defined by NSA/DHS for cybersecurity professionals.

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 People, information, and assets need to be protected from manmade and natural threats.

As preparation for providing that protection, 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.

Computer Forensics Specialist • Counter-Terrorism Analyst • Risk Assurance Associate • Security Analyst • Application Security Specialist • Intelligence Research Analyst

Diverse Destinations Our security and risk analysis 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.

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Other (12%) Insurance (8%)

Consulting (44%)

Food/Beverage (8%) Banking/Finance (8%)

Government/Defense (20%)

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 24-10.

Azziyah LaRue Class of 2024

“I love that I can take classes to explore my interests and get the knowledge I need for my career. Faculty bring professional experience to help me better understand how to apply what I’m learning to the real world.”

@ISTatPennState