B.S. Cybersecurity

Secure Tomorrow's Tech Today

UW-Stout's Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program prepares tomorrow's leaders for career success at the forefront of cybersecurity and cyber defense. Develop the comprehensive knowledge, skills and experience to ensure data integrity, enhance software resilience, and protect organizations from cyber attacks. Our labs, industry-aligned applied learning experiences and embedded cybersecurity industry certifications will ensure you graduate ready to oversee the future of information security.

Cybersecurity Industry at a Glance

• $104K-$122k Average Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• 25.3% Industry Growth Over Past Five Years (CyberSeek)
• 457K Unfilled Cybersecurity Positions in the U.S. (2024, CyberSeek)

Career-Defining Curriculum

Secure real-world cybersecurity skills through UW-Stout's focused online curriculum, which covers critical areas like cyber defense, ethical hacking, system administration and networking security.

Program Highlights

• National Recognition & Excellence. UW-Stout is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), and our commitment to quality has earned us prestigious designations and accolades.
• Interdisciplinary Online Curriculum. Our curriculum integrates aspects of data, software, systems security, and beyond. Our interdisciplinary approach prepares you for the complexity and interconnectivity of today's digital challenges.
• Hands-On Lab Experiences. Engage with real-world cybersecurity scenarios in our labs, gaining practical skills that employers value. Our program emphasizes experiential learning—from ethical hacking to digital forensics—to ensure you're job-ready on day one.
• Embedded Industry Certifications. Enhance your employability with critical industry certifications, including Cyber Ops, CCNA, AWS and CEH as part of your coursework. These certifications are key to meeting Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 mandates and are crucial for a competitive edge in the job market.
• Industry-Sponsored Projects & Internships. Put your knowledge and skills into action collaborating with leading industry partners to solve pressing cybersecurity problems.

STEM OPT Extension Advantage for International Students

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Develop Hands-On Experience in Our Labs

Prepare for the challenges you'll face after graduation in our virtual labs with immersive, career-focused experiences:

• Cyber Defense Scenarios
• Ethical Hacking Exercises
• Secure Software Development Practices
• Digital Forensics Techniques 
• Generative AI in Cybersecurity

Embedded Industry Certifications

Certifications are a great way to show IT industry employers that you are up to date and knowledgeable on the current topics. Our program is a Cisco Certified Networking Academy and a Microsoft Certified IT Academy, and we are an authorized Pearson VUE and Thompson Prometric Testing Center. Courses are taught by faculty members who hold advanced IT industry credentials, and as a student, you have the opportunity to earn the following certifications:

• AWS Solution Architect Associate (AWS-SAA)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate–Voice (CCNA-Voice)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate–Security (CCNA-Security)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate–Wireless (CCNA-Wireless)
• Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Microsoft Certified Solution Associate (MCSA)

Professional Internships in Cybersecurity

Your path to a career in cybersecurity at UW-Stout is enhanced by opportunities to engage in a range of professional internships. Our Fast Forward Grant Program offers opportunities for paid, practical experience in cybersecurity through  connections with top companies. In addition to the Fast Forward Grant Program, you will have access to a variety of internships with leading organizations in sectors like healthcare, finance, and government. These opportunities are more than internships—these experiences are pivotal step in your career that position you for success in an industry known for its competitive starting salaries and significant growth opportunities, and they often lead directly to full-time employment upon graduation.

National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition

Our students bring cybersecurity concepts to life competing towards the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, facing off against real-world challenges. It's here that theoretical knowledge meets practical application, as they work alongside peers to strategize and solve pressing cybersecurity issues. By engaging in this collaborative and competitive environment, they not only prepare for their careers but also join a community of like-minded individuals passionate about advancing the safety of our digital spaces.

Industry-Sponsored Capstone Projects

Many of our students collaborate with industry partners on real-world cybersecurity challenges through capstone projects. These projects allow students to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and solve pressing cybersecurity problems. Past partners have included: 

• Arista Networks
• Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Heartland Business Systems
• Menards, Inc.
• National Security Agency
• Network to Code
• Target Corp.
• U.S. Bank 

Graduate Ready for Tomorrow's Challenges

Graduates of our B.S. Cybersecurity program emerge with a well-rounded skill set tailored for the modern digital world. They learn to dissect complex problems, build secure networks, and communicate effectively. With a strong ethical framework and collaborative mindset, they are prepared to protect digital assets and manage cybersecurity risks. Upon completion of the Cybersecurity program, you'll be ready to take on key roles in sectors like healthcare, finance, defense, and technology, including:

• Chief Information Security Officer 
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Cybersecurity Consultant
• Cybersecurity Engineer 
• Digital Forensics Investigator
• Ethical Hacker
• Information Security Manager 
• Information Security Analyst
• Network Penetration Tester
• Network Security Engineer