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
State-of-the-Art Cyber Central Facilities
Interconnected computers in eight labs allow collaboration with other Cyber Operations
majors. Our isolated virtualized network powered by the Network Development Group
(NDG) for instruction, practice and research provides real-world experience using
industry-standard technology and tools. You can download and install licensed software
— including Microsoft products and VMware, the virtualization products at the core
of many IT security infrastructures — for free.
Meet William Brumbaugh
BS Cyber Operations ’21, Consultant II - Enterprise Resilience, Optiv
“UCM’s Cyber Operations degree program fit my schedule as a working professional and
prepared me well for my future career. As I neared graduation, I looked for opportunities
to build cybersecurity programs and processes. As part of Optiv’s Cyber Strategy &
Transformation consulting team, I help lead companies’ best efforts to detect, protect,
respond and recover from cyber attacks.”
Meet Our Faculty
Our 20+ faculty members are world-renowned experts in cyber operations. All have one
or more SANS GIAC certifications in their teaching area. UCM Assistant Professor Dr.
Taiabul Haque and UCM Alumnus Rajesh Setty received an ACM SIGCHI 2021 Honorable Mention award for their research paper on LociMotion. It placed in the top 5% of nearly 3,000 research
works submitted.
Employers Seek Our Graduates’ Expertise
Rodney Caudle, Director of Information Security, NIC Division of Tyler Technologies
“Graduates of the UCM/MIC program are well prepared for employment from the first
day. The internship opportunity built into the program gives the graduate and the
company a chance to work together to explore where they can best contribute and show
success quickly.”
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