Undergraduate Major
Cybersecurity, B.S.
A 2024 study by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) found that the number of cybersecurity jobs worldwide - 5.8 million - stayed the same, while the shortage of workers - 4.8 million - grew by 19%, dwarfing other job markets. The field is projected to keep growing because malicious actors are always evolving their tactics and procedures.
Taught by industry professionals, Alvernia’s cybersecurity major focuses on current and future threats affecting individuals, networks and infrastructures. Coursework is specifically designed to prepare students for employment in the private and government sectors. Students interested in cybersecurity might also consider the data science and computer science majors.
Certifications
A degree is needed but certifications are essential. At Alvernia, students in the cybersecurity program learn skills that are sought after in the field and ready to sit for industry certification exams that showcase mastery and proficiency in cybersecurity and related fields. By the time students graduate, they will be prepared for up to six industry certifications:
Berks Cyber Alliance
Alvernia created the Berks Cyber Alliance, a consortium of industry professionals meeting quarterly to discuss current threats and trends. Students in Alvernia's cybersecurity program are able to participate in meetings, which gives them the ability to network with professionals within the cybersecurity field. Speakers include professionals from FBI, CIA, Secret Service and private industry. Attendees include CIOs, CISOs and other technology experts from Berks County.
Research
Alvernia strives to provide the highest level of research opportunities. Examples include AI crimes research and creating a mobile hacking station from a robot dog. We work with multiple governmental and private entities to come up with the most interesting and relevant research.
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment as an information security analyst is projected to grow 32 percent and the median salary is $112,000. Graduates may pursue such varied roles as:
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Digital Forensics Specialist
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator
- IT Specialist
- Security Consultant
- Incident Responder
- Security Software Developer
- Security Policy Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Cryptographer
Program Overview
- Experiential Learning Opportunities
Berks Cyber Alliance
Alvernia created the Berks Cyber Alliance, a consortium of industry professionals meeting quarterly to discuss current threats and trends. Students in Alvernia's cybersecurity program are able to participate in meetings, which gives them the ability to network with professionals within the cybersecurity field. Speakers include professionals from FBI, CIA, Secret Service and private industry. Attendees include CIOs, CISOs and other technology experts from Berks County.
Research
Alvernia strives to provide the highest level of research opportunities. Examples include AI crimes research and creating a mobile hacking station from a robot dog. We work with multiple governmental and private entities to come up with the most interesting and relevant research.
- Application Instructions
Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the or . To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.
- Financing Your Education
There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
- Accreditation Statements
- Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.