Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity professionals play an essential role in protecting the data, networks, and critical systems that keep organizations running. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, employers across technology, healthcare, finance, government, defense, and other industries need professionals who can identify risks and defend critical systems.
At St. Thomas Aquinas College, you’ll develop the technical expertise and problem-solving skills needed for success through a hands-on curriculum focused on network security, cloud security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, risk management, and incident response. You’ll gain experience using many of the technologies employed by today’s cybersecurity professionals.
The program prepares graduates for entry-level cybersecurity roles while providing a strong foundation for long-term career growth and leadership.
At a glance
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- A blend of on-campus and online classes
COMMON MINORS
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Data Science
WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM
Future-Focused Curriculum
Study emerging technologies, evolving cyber threats, and modern security strategies while learning to anticipate, identify, and respond to cyber risks.
Comprehensive Technical Foundation
Develop practical skills in Python, Linux, AWS, Azure, scripting, network security, cloud computing, and digital defense using technologies widely adopted by today’s cybersecurity professionals.
Hands-On Learning
Gain practical experience identifying system vulnerabilities, investigating cyber incidents, analyzing digital evidence, and implementing security solutions through hands-on projects and coursework that reflect real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Ethics and Governance
Explore the ethical, legal, and organizational responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals while developing skills in governance, risk management, and responsible decision-making.
Industry Certification Preparation
Complete coursework aligned with respected cybersecurity credentials, including: CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and GIAC.
Certification requirements vary. Some credentials, including CISSP, require professional experience in addition to passing an examination.
CAREER OUTLOOK
Cybersecurity professionals are needed across virtually every industry—from healthcare and finance to government, education, defense, consulting, and technology. According to Lightcast Q1 2026 Job Posting Analytics, cybersecurity-related occupations have a national median advertised salary of $125,000.
Where Can a Cybersecurity Degree Take You?
A cybersecurity degree can prepare you for career paths such as:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Incident Response Analyst
- Security Architect
- Systems Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Systems Administrator
- IT/Cybersecurity Project Manager
- Information Security Consultant
SAMPLE Courses
This course explores the critical role of governance in mitigating cybercrime and ensuring the integrity of digital environments. You will learn how governments detect and stop cybercrimes, and become familiar with the laws and policies in place to deter cybercriminals. Develop and implement robust security policies procedures that align with legal and ethical standards and help create a resilient, compliant digital ecosystem.
Modern organizations know that even the strongest systems can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. As a result, jobs in cybersecurity are rapidly expanding as companies look to secure their digital assets. This course will teach you how to secure those assets by identifying and fixing potential security vulnerabilities. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify and remedy common network and systems vulnerabilities.
The Capstone course is the culmination of the Cybersecurity program, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Students will undertake a comprehensive project integrating various aspects of cybersecurity, including log analysis, vulnerability assessment, incident response, ethical hacking, and cloud security. This project will develop critical thinking skills and prepare students for major cybersecurity certifications.
Select Cybersecurity courses are offered online in partnership with Rize Education and are taught by faculty from accredited colleges and universities within Rize’s academic consortium, with technology and administrative support provided by Rize.
All courses offered through the consortium are reviewed and approved by St. Thomas Aquinas College. Students register through STAC and earn St. Thomas Aquinas College academic credit upon successful completion.