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Cybersecurity

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face • 124 Credits

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage.

Overview

Grand Valley's cyber security BS, based in Grand Rapids, provides a comprehensive education in protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. The cybersecurity program at Grand Valley State University provides a comprehensive education that helps students gain a strong computing foundation and learn to recognize risks, implement and test security measures, investigate attacks, and defend against adversaries. The program also addresses societal and organizational issues, preparing students to apply their skills to diverse challenges across careers in cybersecurity. 

Courses in the program cover topics like:

  • Network Security.
  • Secure Software.
  • Reverse Engineering.
  • Security Policy.
  • Legal and Ethical Issues.
  • Systems Security.
  • Cyber-Forensics.
  • Cryptography.
  • Risk Management.

This diverse curriculum ensures that you are well-equipped to handle cybersecurity threats and tackle new challenges as the field grows. 

Grand Valley State University offers an excellent environment for cybersecurity education, with dedicated state-of-the-art computer labs and faculty members with extensive industry experience. The program's focus on both theoretical principles and hands-on learning provides valuable industry experience and prepares you for successful careers in cybersecurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cyber security BS?

A Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security is an undergraduate degree focused on protecting computers, networks, software, and data from cyber threats. It combines computer science, information technology, networking, and security principles to prepare students for careers defending organizations against hacking, malware, ransomware, and data breaches.

What topics does GVSU's cybersecurity program cover?

Grand Valley State University's Cybersecurity B.S. covers both the technical and organizational sides of protecting computer systems, networks, and data. The program is designed to give students a strong computing foundation along with hands-on cybersecurity skills.

What can you do with a cybersecurity degree?

A Cybersecurity B.S. can lead directly to careers protecting computer systems, networks, applications, and data from cyberattacks. Because cybersecurity skills are needed in nearly every industry, graduates have opportunities in healthcare, finance, government, manufacturing, defense, and technology.

Career Opportunities

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 60,122.19 10%
$ 76,745.18 25%
$100,008.05 50%
$130,723.52 75%
$164,385.34 90%

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Systems Evaluation
  • Programming
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 70,692.57 10%
$ 86,382.20 25%
$111,420.49 50%
$144,965.86 75%
$168,783.13 90%

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Programming
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 78,016.57 10%
$100,343.67 25%
$129,691.53 50%
$153,745.18 75%
$174,981.00 90%

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 66,421.73 10%
$ 84,874.35 25%
$119,406.24 50%
$159,162.22 75%
$200,714.16 90%

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Systems Evaluation
  • Programming
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 79,326.34 10%
$103,961.19 25%
$133,489.37 50%
$168,189.13 75%
$203,417.59 90%

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Programming
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 84,784.78 10%
$107,828.33 25%
$138,497.92 50%
$168,826.24 75%
$204,473.13 90%
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
79%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"
- Direct Parent

Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Cybersecurity Scholarships

  • College of Computing First Year Endowed Scholarship 
  •  Carl Erickson and Mary O'Neill Pathway Endowed Scholarship

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

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Page last modified November 5, 2026