2025-2026 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Cybersecurity (Undergraduate)
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Computing section in this catalog.
Website: https://www.gvsu.edu/computing/cybersecurity-bs-38.htm
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate and graduate computing programs at Grand Valley are offered by the College of Computing. Computing programs prepare students for a rewarding career that is in high demand.
One of the strengths of the computing programs at Grand Valley is flexibility. We offer B.S. degrees in artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, data science and analytics, human centered computing, information systems, information technology, and software engineering. All programs share faculty, courses, and laboratory resources. Also, by choosing electives and minors in related subject areas, students can further tailor their degrees to fit their individual needs and career goals. We offer minors in computer engineering, computer science, data science, health care information systems, information security systems, information systems, and information technology.
The cybersecurity degree will prepare students to design and implement defenses for a wide variety of cybersecurity threats. Students will be prepared to identify threats and vulnerabilities, identify, and implement appropriate controls, and recover from security breaches. A wide range of cybersecurity application areas are covered including software security, network security, data security, and system security, as well as human and organizational issues, in order to prepare students broadly to address a variety of threats.
GVSU's cybersecurity program contains hands-on lab activities throughout the program to prepare students with the practical skills to deal with today's cybersecurity issues. Cybersecurity theory is also emphasized, to prepare students to recognize and address the security problems of tomorrow. Required non-computing courses emphasize analytical reasoning and legal issues.
Mission
The mission of the College of Computing at GVSU is to serve West Michigan and the world by advancing technological innovation. Through experiential learning, industry collaboration, and cutting-edge research, the college empowers students and lifelong learners to become leaders and contributors who will shape the future of technology and enrich their communities.
To enable students to attain this goal, the College of Computing faculty have two primary responsibilities. First, we offer a solid conceptual foundation required for a career in computing. Second, we provide direct, experiential knowledge of technology necessary to be a productive user/producer of information technology.
To achieve these goals, we
- work continuously to keep our curriculum relevant to our mission;
- ensure that work-relevant experience is part of every class;
- establish and nurture industrial contacts;
- establish an integrated, supported co-op experience for computing majors; and
- provide all students, regardless of their major interests, fundamental knowledge of computers and information processing.
Cybersecurity Program Student Outcomes (SOs)
By the time of graduation, cybersecurity students will demonstrate the ability to perform the following:
- SO-1: Analyze a complex computing problem to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- SO-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.
- SO-3: Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- SO-4: Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- SO-5: Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
- SO-6: Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
Cybersecurity Program's Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
Three years after graduation, our typical alumni are expected to be computing professionals who:
- PEO-1: continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills.
- PEO-2: behave ethically while contributing to their profession and to society.
- PEO-3: use technical, communication, and teamwork skills to apply cybersecurity principles and to protect systems and data from a variety of threats.
Advisory Board
The College of Computing Advisory Board (CISAB) is composed of the college's dean and leading computing experts nationwide. The board meets twice each year and advises the college on curriculum development and continuing education. It serves as an important interface between the college and the computing community.
Program Requirements
The following programs are available: