Degree Overview
Bachelor of Science Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Companies, governments, and individuals alike are creating an increasing amount of data and information, and the value and sensitivity of that information make it a real target. Small-, medium-, and large-scale cyber attacks are among the biggest threats facing our economic, political, corporate, and individual security.
You can play a key role in counteracting this threat and responding to incidents. Cybersecurity experts protect the integrity of data and safeguard its accessibility. It’s a fulfilling, challenging, exciting career—and one of paramount importance in a 21st-century world.
We won’t waste your time. You don’t need to rehash things you already know. WGU’s innovative learning model allows you to prove your existing skills and knowledge so you can move quickly through the subjects you’ve already mastered, giving you time to focus on what you still need to learn. Learn more about WGU’s competency-based model here.
Who the Program is For:
- Established IT professionals seeking a bachelor's degree and certifications needed to advance their careers and become cybersecurity and information assurance experts.
- IT pros with aspirations to work in careers like cybersecurity response specialist, cybersecurity engineer, cyber threat analyst, security operations specialist, information assurance analyst, and more.
- Individuals looking to expand their expertise and align their skills with the latest cybersecurity and information assurance guidelines from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA).
- Individuals who have completed some college coursework, have earned high-level IT certifications, and/or have applicable work experience.
- Individuals planning to continue into master’s-level programs in cybersecurity, information assurance, IT management, business analysis, MBA, project management, or product development.
- Students with strong research and writing instincts, the ability to communicate technical information in an understandable way, an eye for the big picture, a passion for learning, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
While you should plan to commit 15 to 20 hours a week to your studies, the degree program is flexible and adaptable to your schedule. Click here to learn how this program works.
What You'll Learn
Essential Knowledge and Skills
WGU’s online B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program prepares you to apply knowledge and experience in risk management and digital forensics to safeguard infrastructure and secure data through continuity planning and disaster-recovery operations.
You will learn proven methods of vulnerability assessment, securing information using software-analysis techniques, web engineering, cloud management, and networking strategies for preventing, detecting, and mitigating cyber attacks. In the event of a cyber attack, you’ll be a valuable resource on crucial topics like business continuity, disaster recovery, incident response, and data recovery.
This program consists of 122 competency units (CUs, the WGU equivalent to the traditional credit hour), including a capstone project. Most students begin their program with some IT experience, and students who have taken college courses or received a degree from another university may be able to transfer credits, significantly shortening the time to graduation. An evaluation of your transcripts from prior colleges will be needed to determine whether you will be able to apply transfer credits toward your WGU degree program.
Key Subject Areas
These Courses Add to Your Credentials
IT Fundamentals
Secure Systems Analysis and Design
Business of IT
Web Development
Network and Security
Scripting and Programming
Web and Cloud Security
Data Management
Information Assurance
Technical Writing
Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Ethics and Cyber Law
Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
Risk Management
Wireless and Mobile Technologies
Core Subject Areas
These are the General Education requirements, which may be cleared through transfer credit:
English Composition
Critical Thinking and Logic
Introduction to Geography
Integrated Physical Sciences
Natural Science Lab
Intermediate and College Algebra
Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
What You'll Earn
IT Certifications
This program incorporates industry-recognized certifications, giving you a competitive advantage in the real-world job market. You will study for and complete the following certification exams at no extra cost:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Associate of (ISC)² designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) – Associate of (ISC)² designation
- Certified Encryption Specialist (EC-Council ECES)
- Certified Incident Handler (EC-Council ECIH)
- Certified Internet Webmaster – Site Development Associate (CIW-SDA)
- Certified Internet Webmaster – Web Security Associate (CIW-WSA)
- A+ (CompTIA)
- Network+ (CompTIA)
- Security+ (CompTIA)
- Project+ (CompTIA)
- IT Operations Specialist (CompTIA)
- Secure Infrastructure Specialist (CompTIA)
- ITIL®* Foundation
Note: Your current IT certifications may waive some required courses in your degree program. Click here to see which IT certifications may transfer to WGU. Contact an Enrollment Counselor with any questions.
* ITIL® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.
Capstone Project
The B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program culminates in a capstone project. The capstone project allows you to take what you've learned and showcase your knowledge by solving a significant, real-world business problem.
