Cybersecurity is a professional field that focuses on the protection, prevention, monitoring, and investigation of unauthorized access of computer and network systems. This can include the theft of data such as personal or proprietary information, damage to software or hardware systems, and the disruption, interception or misdirection of technology services.
Why Study Cybersecurity at CHC?
CHC has partnered with cybersecurity experts from both industry and government agencies to develop and implement the new cybersecurity curriculum. These experts will also serve as adjunct professors and help develop the students' understanding of cybersecurity through hands-on experience. This will allow cybersecurity students to receive training in today's technology-laden environment by interacting not only with real-world experts but with the actual hardware and software that is being used daily in the workplace. Students will also be afforded the opportunity to obtain industry certifications after certain courses, and to engage in service work using cybersecurity skills.
Our program was developed using standards recommended by the NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) and the National Infrastructure for Cyber Security Education (NICE) framework. The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) program. The goal of these programs is to increase the capacity of the United States to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise for the nation.
This program offers:
Major: Cybersecurity
Minors: Cybersecurity, and Cybersecurity Studies
For more information on the courses you'll be taking as part of the program, click here.
Career Outlook
Demand for cybersecurity experts is high. The cybersecurity field is expected to grow by 35 percent over the next five years with the demand for trained professionals outpacing the supply. Now is the perfect time to pursue a degree in this lucrative field. Government and businesses in the United States need skilled workers to defend digital assets, infrastructure, and privacy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of growth for jobs in information security is projected at 37 percent from 2012 to 2022 (much faster than the average growth for all other occupations). Predictions say there will not be enough skilled workers to fill all positions. Entry-level salaries with a four-year degree are $50-60K, and senior/management salaries are well over $100.
Possible careers include:
Security architect
Penetration tester
Cryptography
Incident responder
Vulnerability assessor
