Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, devices, applications, and data from digital attacks, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Cybersecurity measures are designed to combat threats and mitigate future attacks, whether those threats originate inside or outside an organization.

Concord University’s curriculum is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the core tenets of cybersecurity; effective program management; prevention and detection of cybersecurity events; defensive architectures; managing responses and mitigations; and designing information systems securely. The program prepares students for a wide variety of careers and graduate school.

A cybersecurity word cloud

Image by www.epictop10.com (Creative Commons)

The degree is designed with recommendations from professional organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery and employers such as the National Security Agency. We continue Concord’s commitment to affordable, quality education. Our program features close interaction among students and their peers, students and instructors, and instruction by full-time faculty. We provide experiences with up-to-date technology and concepts as well as preparing students with an array of soft skills to help them succeed in the workplace. Through our interactions and coursework, we mentor students so that they are prepared to become life-long learners who can adapt to rapid change in the industry.

Concord’s curriculum is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the core tenets of cybersecurity: effective program management; prevention and detection of cybersecurity events; defensive architectures; managing responses and mitigations; and designing information systems securely. The program prepares students for a wide variety of careers and graduate school.

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgements in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline
  6. Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.

  • Millions of fascinating jobs
  • Strong, competitive salaries
  • Job security with growing global connectivity
  • Career of constant change
  • Sleuthing & forensics
  • Solving complex technology puzzles

Cybersecurity is a growing and in-demand field for both students and employers. This face-to-face degree program builds upon the strength of our existing computing majors to address this need.

Students will be prepared for careers such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Engineer, Security Consultant, Penetration Tester, and Security Operations Center Analyst.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts, which includes cybersecurity professionals, is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks and the need for organizations to protect their information and computer systems.
In terms of salary, the median annual wage for information security analysts was $103,590 as of May 2020. However, the salary may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.

Additionally, according to Cyberseek.org, a joint initiative between CompTIA and Burning Glass Technologies, shows that there were over 560,000 job openings in cybersecurity nationwide as of April 2023. This report also highlights that there is a significant shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, with job postings remaining unfilled for an average of 21 days.

Organizations of all sizes and industries need skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect their sensitive data and systems. Cybersecurity employment opportunities can be found in various sectors, including government agencies, defense contractors, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and technology companies.

Inside West Virginia, many companies and government agencies offer cybersecurity employment opportunities. Defense contractors such as Leidos, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Raytheon Technologies, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin have offices in West Virginia that focus on cybersecurity and intelligence solutions. Additionally, state and local government agencies such as the West Virginia Office of Technology, the West Virginia National Guard, the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations have positions related to cybersecurity. Hospitals, higher education institutions, and the banking industry are also in need of cybersecurity workers.

Outside of West Virginia, there are numerous opportunities for cybersecurity professionals across the United States. Large metropolitan areas such as Washington, D.C., New York, and San Francisco are home to many cybersecurity firms and government agencies. However, smaller cities and towns also have a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, as more and more organizations recognize the importance of protecting their data and systems from cyber attacks. With the increasing use of remote work and cloud computing, many cybersecurity jobs can be performed remotely from anywhere in the country or even the world. Remote work would allow graduates to stay in West Virginia instead of moving away.