The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity combines computer science foundations with coursework in network security, incident response, digital forensics, secure software development, cryptography, industrial control systems security, AI and machine learning in cyber defense, and Internet of Things (IoT) security.
Students choose one of two concentrations: Cybersecurity or Agriculture Cybersecurity. Coursework connects to laboratories, research, student competitions, and community cybersecurity service through the Cybersecurity Innovation Center. The program is offered on campus.
Why Study Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity professionals protect networks, software, connected devices, and critical infrastructure from attack. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $129,180 for information security analysts (May 2025) and projects 21% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. These are national figures and do not predict outcomes for WVSU graduates. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts.
Program at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor of Science |
| Total credits | 120 |
| Format | On campus |
| Concentrations | 2 |
| CIP code | 11.1003 |
Concentrations
Cybersecurity concentration (9 credits). Builds technical depth in system and network defense, secure software, systems administration, digital forensics, penetration assessment, and industrial control systems security.
- CS 309 Software Engineering
- CS 410 Systems Administration
- CYB 411 Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity
Agriculture Cybersecurity concentration (9–10 credits). Applies cybersecurity to connected agriculture and rural infrastructure using IoT security, microcontrollers, GIS, environmental science, and cyber-physical systems.
- CYB 412 IoT Security
- AFNR 101 Introduction to Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
- BIOL 108, BIOL 110, or CHEM 132
Both concentrations share the same cybersecurity core.
Degree requirements
| Component | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total required for graduation | 120 |
| Major core | 46 |
| Concentration | 9 (Cybersecurity) or 9–10 (Agriculture Cybersecurity) |
| Cognate courses | 18–19 |
| General Education | 39 |
| Free electives | As needed to reach 120 total hours |
Some science courses may also satisfy General Education requirements. Students should confirm the final sequence, prerequisites, transfer credit, and elective needs with academic advising and the current WVSU catalog. Course lists and four-year roadmaps are on the Curriculum page.
Program learning outcomes
Graduates are expected to:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, cybersecurity principles, and legal and ethical frameworks in cybersecurity.
- Analyze complex computing problems and apply principles of computing and cybersecurity to identify effective solutions.
- Detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity incidents using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Conduct forensic analysis and apply secure software development practices to ensure the integrity and security of systems.
- Manage and secure computer networks.
- Design and implement secure architectures to mitigate vulnerabilities in Industrial Control Systems and Internet of Things ecosystems.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional settings.
Hands-on learning
The program is tied to the Cybersecurity Innovation Center (CIC):
- CyberHive: SCADA, PLC, HMI, and OT security laboratory.
- CyberCity: Smart infrastructure and cascading cyber effects.
- KITE: Portable industrial-control training platform.
- HoneyNet: Adversary observation and threat intelligence.
- Google Cybersecurity Clinic: Supervised experience with cybersecurity assessments, mitigation planning, cyber hygiene, professional communication, and community-facing service.
- YellowH@ckets: Hackathons, capture-the-flag challenges, robotics builds, collaborative technical projects, and student-led CIC activities.
Research areas: CyberAI (AI-enabled defense and AI security), ICS/SCADA (critical infrastructure security), IoT/5G (connected-device and network security), and robotics (security of intelligent and autonomous systems).
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue entry-level and developing professional roles in cyber defense, incident response, secure systems, software security, forensics, infrastructure protection, and CyberAI. Example job titles:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Network Security Engineer
- Security Engineer
- OT/ICS Security Specialist
- IoT Security Specialist
- Vulnerability Analyst
- Cyber Threat Analyst
- Application Security
- CyberAI / AI Security
Program contact
Contact the program for curriculum guidance, laboratory and research opportunities, student involvement, or Cybersecurity Innovation Center activities.
Dr. Ali Alsinayyid, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Director, Cybersecurity Innovation Center
Email: ali.alsinayyid@wvstateu.edu
Phone: 304-766-3391
Office: Wallace Hall 416
Official degree requirements, course availability, and University policies are governed by the current West Virginia State University catalog and academic advising.