LAKERS TOGETHER: Grand Valley is preparing for successful learning experiences when classes resume on Aug. 31. Learn more about the plan for fall in this handbook.
Combined Degree: Information Technology B.S. and Cybersecurity M.S.
Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer students
the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree,
meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a
combined degree can reduce the cost and total time required to
complete both.
Visit the program website for more information.
Listen to Podcast
Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
An information technology specialist assumes responsibility for selecting hardware and software products appropriate for an organization, and managing those applications for users. The cybersecurity Master's program is designed to help computing professionals expand their knowledge in the cybersecurity area, creating opportunities for advancement in the field. It will build skills for current and future threats. The combined program will best prepare students to develop and maintain a secure IT infrastructure.
Qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the program and obtain both the B.S. in information technology and M.S. in cybersecurity within the accelerated time frame. Students apply directly to the School of Computing and Information Systems for the combined program during their second academic year. Application requirements include:
- Overall GPA of 3.25 or greater
- Admission to the undergraduate program
- 60 hours of academic credit completed or in progress
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of intent
Why Pursue a Combined Degree at Grand Valley?
- A theoretical foundation and practical experience offer excellent preparation for the job market and valuable experience.
- By focusing on the underlying principles behind cybersecurity, our program prepares students to handle future cybersecurity challenges in addition to today's threats.
- All graduate faculty members hold doctorate degrees.
- There are opportunities for collaboration with faculty members on ongoing research.
- The School of CIS has its own dedicated state-of-the-art computer labs for hands-on learning.
- Accelerate your career trajectory and complete your degrees one step ahead of the competition.
Location & Format
All undergraduate students begin their academic career at the Grand Valley Allendale Campus; classes for graduate students in this major are a combination of online and in-seat on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:Coursework
Students admitted to this program will count up to 12 credits of graduate work in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the undergraduate degree.
Certain courses may count towards both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Students are encouraged to meet with their graduate program director to ensure all requirements are met.
Career Options
There is a strong demand for professionals in this field. Numerous job opportunities are available, including:
- Information security manager
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Cyber forensics analyst
- Cybersecurity architect
- IT security auditor
Skills Employers Want
The M.S. in Cybersecurity degree at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.
- Cybersecurity
- Vulnerability
- Risk Analysis
- Risk Management
- Operating Systems
- Auditing
- Agile Software Development
- New Product Development
- Systems Engineering
- Security Requirements Analysis
Source: EMSI, 2020
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Computing and Information SystemsAndrew Kalafut, Ph.D., Program Director
C-2-100 Mackinac
Hall
(616) 331-2060
kalafuta@gvsu.edu
gvsu.edu/itsecurity