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Cybersecurity - Area 1: Cyber Operations BS

Cyber Operations Degree

Established in 2015, the University of Central Missouri’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is ABET-accredited and several program faculty are SANS GIAC certified. UCM's Cybersecurity department has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) since 2022. This standard of excellence extends to the Cyber Operations area for a high-value, affordable bachelor’s degree.

Cyber operations focuses on day-to-day security operations ranging from defense to prevention. Unlike other options for a bachelor’s degree in IT, UCM’s Cyber Operations degree program blends deep working knowledge of the theory behind IT security along with technical expertise and experience.

At the University of Central Missouri, you’ll enjoy the resources and experiences usually associated with big research institutions. You’ll learn in a student-centered environment with small classes where professors know you well and help guide you along your personalized path to a bachelor’s in Cyber Operations degree. 

Prepare for in-demand jobs in cyber operations

In the next decade, IT security careers are expected to grow much faster than the average career field. With your undergraduate degree from UCM, you’ll hit the ground running with an exciting career in cyber operations, many of which offer, for example, a high-paying cyber operations specialist salary.

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Contact

Dr. Belinda Copus
Department Chair
W.C. Morris Science Building 222C
Tel: 660-543-4930 | Fax: 660-543-8013
copus@ucmo.edu

College of Health, Science and Technology

Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity


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SANS GIAC Certified Faculty

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Top ranked for affordability

National Centers of Academic Excellence

National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

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ABET-accredited Cyber
Operations degree
Annual Student Enrollment and Graduation Data

 

 

What you will study

Our bachelor’s in Cyber Operations degree program curriculum is designed according to the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CDE) Education Program Units. The CAE-CDE program is jointly sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This high standard ensures you’ll be well-prepared to contribute to vital efforts in reducing vulnerability in our nationwide infrastructure. 

Our Cyber Operations degree coursework covers distinct aspects of this in-demand field that’s similar to requirements for a degree in cybersecurity. Explore topics such as:  

  • Cryptography
  • Computer and Network Forensics
  • Threat Intelligence and Incident Response
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Cyber-Physical Systems Security
  • Usable Privacy and Security

These courses reveal the technical, systems, human, organizational and societal aspects of cybersecurity. You’ll develop the expertise to design, deploy and monitor IT security devices and network systems in an enterprise environment. 

You could earn a high-paying cyber operations specialist salary, or go a different direction with the knowledge and experience you'll gain with this Cyber Operations degree. Many options are available with this bachelor’s degree. You will learn best security practices, including identifying security loopholes while understanding the configuration of core security concepts and skills needed for the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of enterprise data. You'll also learn to use digital forensics — on computers, mobile devices and networks — as well as ethical hacking techniques (penetration testing) to test, investigate and respond to vulnerabilities and attacks.

 

Excellence in Cybersecurity

  • Top 55: Most Affordable Cybersecurity Schools and Colleges in the U.S. by Cyber Degrees Edu.
  • One of the first two programs in Missouri — and one of the few United States programs — accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. 
  • National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency.

 

Unique learning opportunities in Cyber Operations

Alongside intensive classroom and lab work in Cyber Operations, you’ll deepen your knowledge base with job training, career-building opportunities and other real-world experiences. These may include: 

  • Industry tours: Our partnership with a renowned Kansas City Security Op Center offers on-the-ground insights into daily cyber defense and development. 
  • Internships: Real-world job experience with regional and national industry leaders increases your employability after you graduate, especially as you compete with graduates who have earned a degree in cybersecurity.
  • UCM chapters of student organizations: Join the National Cybersecurity Student Association (NCSA), Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) and the honor society for Computing and Information disciplines, Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE). You’ll meet cyber operations specialists and other professionals in the field, attend industry conferences and participate in competitions through National Cyber League, Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) and National CCDC.

 

What can you do with a Cyber Operations degree?

Your Cyber Operations BS degree fully equips you to earn a cyber operations specialist salary in a wide variety of IT security careers. UCM graduates work for leading companies such as Cerner, SAIC, H&R Block, Fishtech, Honeywell, Garmin, Commerce Bank and Federal Reserve Bank, among many others. 

Your cyber operations or IT security career will start strong

Your UCM degree in Cyber Operations will prepare you to successfully compete for cybersecurity careers, a field where demand for qualified personnel far exceeds the available supply. You will graduate career ready, with the potential to earn a relatively high cyber operations specialist salary or work in a wide variety of industries. 

Use the interactive tool below to gain insights to the job outlook for cyber operations.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Cyber Operations degree

The University of Central Missouri is ranked one of the “Top 55 Most Affordable Cybersecurity Schools and Colleges in the U.S.” by Cyber Degrees Edu

In addition to keeping our costs relatively low, especially compared to other universities in the Kansas City area, we offer a variety of solutions on how to finance your education. Beyond university-wide scholarships, you may be eligible for several undergraduate scholarships and awards available to students earning a Cyber Operations degree, including:

  • ACM Scholarship
  • Griffith Scholarship
  • Harmon Scholarship
  • Cooper Scholarship
  • Chelsoft Scholarship
  • Cybersecurity Achievement Awards

 

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Take your degree further.

Continue your studies in Cyber Operations to advance your knowledge and skills and increase your potential to earn a higher cyber operations specialist salary or move into another specialty with the following graduate programs at UCM: 

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Make yourself more marketable.

Your Cyber Operations degree will pair well with other fields of study. Consider adding a Minor in a related program to increase your competitive edge for IT security careers: 

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Explore programs in this exciting field of study.

If you’re interested in cyber operations or a degree in IT security, these related programs may also be worth considering:

Request Info   Visit   Apply Today!

 

 

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