Cybersecurity

In our expanding data-driven world, Cybersecurity professionals are crucial defenders against cyber threats and terrorist attacks. Businesses need skilled cybersecurity specialists to protect company information and assets.

By choosing Western’s Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, you'll get a solid foundation in security principles and computing and how to apply these skills in a competitive and expanding field. With eight community college partner pathways and multiple industry connections, Western’s Cybersecurity program is a leader in cybersecurity education and training.

In response to emerging demand for cybersecurity professionals, Washington State community colleges and Western's College of Science and Engineering are working together in one of the nation's few community college-to-university cybersecurity program collaborations. Western’s BS in Cybersecurity Program is a "2+2" program: Students complete the first two years of the program (90 Credits) at a partner community college, earning a Transfer Degree in Cybersecurity. The final two years of the program at Western enables them to complete the requirements for a BS in Cybersecurity

Locations Offered

• Bellingham
• Poulsbo
• Kirkland

As part of a hands-on approach, the department encourages students to be involved outside the classroom. 

Internships and Scholarships

Recent student internships:

• Red Team Intern at Palo Alto Networks
• Cybersecurity Intern at Premera Blue Cross
• CISO SoC Intern at IBM
• Security Engineer Intern at Amazon Web Services

Many students get involved with many of the Computer Science Clubs: 

• Association for Gender Inclusion in Computing (AGIC) 
• Cyber Defense Club, which recently placed 1^st in Washington State in the DoE Cyberforce Competition
• Viking Womxn in Cybersecurity

Cyber Competitions

 Cybersecurity students compete in teams in national contests: 

• Pacific Rim Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition
• Department of Energy Cyberforce Competition

The rise of cyber-attacks and a heightened awareness of network vulnerability, coupled with a shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals, is creating serious consequences for individuals, corporations and government agencies seeking to protect sensitive information. Completing the Cybersecurity bachelor's degree at Western gives students a competitive edge in the job market, greater employment security, increased earning potential, and opportunity for career advancement. 

• Cyber Security Manager
• Cyber Defense Analyst
• Systems Security Analyst
• Secure Software Assessor
• Cyber Security Developer