Cybersecurity

Why Choose ONU's Cybersecurity Program as an Engineering Concentration?

Complement your bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with a Cybersecurity concentration. This rigorous program encourages you to discover solutions to complex security challenges through our hands-on learning approach. You also receive the personalized mentorship needed to forge your unique path in this evolving field of technology.

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At ONU, we help you develop not only specialized cybersecurity expertise but also essential professional skills such as critical thinking, ethical decision-making, teamwork, and communication through:

Personalized guidance from industry-experienced faculty mentors.
Immersive training on cybersecurity tools and technologies.
Experiential security projects integrated throughout the curriculum.
Professional advice to help you prepare for industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications.
Participation in cybersecurity competitions and hackathons.
Internship and co-op opportunities with top organizations.

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Master Cybersecurity Tools Through Hands-On Experiences

Lean into your curiosity, cultivate strong skills, and raise awareness in computer and network security, ethical hacking, and penetration testing in our state-of-the-art networking and security lab. You’ll master industry-standard tools like Metasploit, Wireshark, Kali Linux, and many others. These immersive practices mirror real-world attack scenarios such as phishing, allowing you to develop the hands-on expertise employers demand.

Build Your Cybersecurity Arsenal

Ever wondered what it feels like to stop an actual cyber attack or uncover hidden vulnerabilities in critical systems? Participate in experiential internships or the cooperative education program to tackle security issues firsthand. These practical opportunities — along with dedicated career support at ONU — empower you to chart your own course in the cybersecurity field.

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Sharpen Your Skills in Cybersecurity Hackathons

Challenge yourself through local and regional hackathons where you'll apply your cybersecurity knowledge to solve real-world problems under pressure. These intensive events allow you to participate individually or team up with students from various disciplines to tackle cyber issues.

Cybersecurity Program Courses and Curriculum

Are you curious about the development of secure software, hardware, and networked systems? If you major in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering we invite you to enter the Cybersecurity concentration.

Through the course of study, you learn to identify vulnerabilities, implement defensive measures, and respond to simulated security incidents across diverse network environments. With the support and encouragement of our dedicated faculty, your journey into the field of cybersecurity through specialized courses, such as:

● Advanced Network Security
● Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
● Hardware Security & Trust
● Crypto & Blockchain Tech
● Information Science
● Wireless Sensor Networks
● Computer Security

To earn your bachelor’s degree with a concentration in cybersecurity, you must complete 128-131 credit hours of coursework, depending on your major. You take five required courses to strengthen your programming and data skills and two concentration electives. In your final semester, our faculty mentors guide you through the senior capstone project that may address real-world security challenges, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.

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Cutting-Edge Engineering Space Awaits

Develop your cybersecurity skills and explore other areas of engineering in our James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building. The 105,000-square-foot facility can accommodate 800 students and includes more than 10,000 square feet of large-scale project and design space for capstone, competition, and other direct industry engagement. Further, it provides 2,000 square feet for state-of-the-art research labs, where new discoveries and collaborations emerge.

Career Opportunities With a Cybersecurity Degree

99% of our engineering graduates secured a job in their field within six months of graduation.

ONU’s bachelor’s degree and the Cybersecurity concentration program empower you to break into the high-demand field of technology and information security. Upon graduation, you are career-ready with valuable skills employers seek, including vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, security operations and log analysis, coding and scripting, cryptography, risk management, and more.

Our high-impact learning approach nurtures not just your technical abilities but also your growth as a well-rounded professional. You’ll develop marketable soft skills like innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving to help you forge your own distinctive path in the competitive security landscape.

The concentration prepares you for exciting cybersecurity careers at organizations across all sectors, such as:
• Google
• Microsoft
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Charles Schwab
• Ohio Department of Public Safety
• Marathon Petroleum
• NextLabs, Inc
• Cisco Systems

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of information security analysts will increase by 33% through 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations. The national median annual wage for cybersecurity professionals is $120,360, significantly higher than the average of all occupations.

Exciting Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity

Engineering Building

Cloud Security: Securing cloud computing infrastructure and data.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Developing and applying AI and ML solutions for cybersecurity.
Digital Forensics: Analyzing digital evidence in support of investigations.
Threat Intelligence: Gathering, analyzing and utilizing information about current and emerging cyber threats.
Blockchain Security: Securing decentralized systems based on blockchain technology.
Security Research: Conducting research and development in the area of cybersecurity.
Penetration Testing: Testing and evaluating an organization's security posture by attempting to penetrate its systems.
Incident Response: Responding to and managing the aftermath of a security breach.
ICS/SCADA Security: Securing industrial control systems and supervisory control and data acquisition systems.
Compliance and Regulation: Ensuring organizations comply with security regulations and standards.
Security software development: Developing new algorithm, new technologies, and innovative solutions to protect systems and data from cyber threats, create more secure authentication and authorization methods.
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: Monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents.

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At ONU, I developed a strong foundation in business, technical and analytical skills. I became a global citizen and was heavily influenced by the inclusive culture and kindness of people on campus. Additionally, I was exposed to interdisciplinary teamwork and project management and I learned how to be results-oriented.

Ken Lim, BSCS/BSCE `89, Founder and CEO of NextLabs, Inc

Your Cybersecurity Adventure Begins at ONU

Discover your limitless potential to make an impact on network and cyber security. Pursue an exciting career protecting critical digital assets by adding a Cybersecurity concentration to your Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering bachelor’s degree.

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life.

Cybersecurity Concentration