Cybersecurity Analyst Major

Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Department

Brent Strunk, Chair
(440) 826-5944, bstrunk@bw.edu

OVERVIEW

Analytical thinkers who can design, implement, troubleshoot, secure and administer computer networks are increasingly in demand as society, industry and government agencies rely on a digital infrastructure.

BW's cybersecurity analyst major offers outstanding opportunities to gain the insights and skills needed for this in-demand career field.

You'll learn to apply creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to write computer programs, design and administer computer networks and assess and manage the security of a network, which is increasingly necessary for the success of today's businesses and organizations.

The major provides a strong foundation for addressing current technologies and adapting to new ones as they emerge.

Real-world experience is integral to the program. Experiential learning, including participation in network security based competitions and attendance at local security conferences, is encouraged as part of the program. Through a required internship, you'll gain valuable networking contacts, boost competencies and acquire firsthand insight into this rewarding career field. BW's proximity to Cleveland puts you within a 20-minute drive to outstanding opportunities.

Computer Network Security Professor in Lab Computer Network Security Student

Career Opportunities

Network engineer/architect
System administrator
Penetration tester
Computer support specialist

Career on the Rise

Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Combined BS/MBA

An optional five-year BS/MBA program combines a computer science major with a minor in business administration and an MBA degree. This program prepares graduates for positions in computer and information systems management that require a strong technical background, good communication skills and in-depth understanding of the business world.

Expand Your Studies

Students interested in the computer network security major may also be interested in computer science, software engineering and interactive design.

Caleb Gindelberger

BW students shine in National Cyber Defense Competition March 31

Caleb Gindelberger '25 claimed third place in the 2025 U.S. Department of Defense Conquer the Hill® Command Competition.

Learn More >

Ryan Reffner presenting poster

BW receives nearly $780,000 in new 'Choose Ohio First' STEM funding December 9

The State of Ohio awarded BW new Choose Ohio First funding — enabling the University to provide students with scholarships and learning opportunities.

Learn More >

BW CyberSec team at the national CyberForce competition

BW students prevail at US Department of Energy CyberForce Competition November 15

BW's Cybersecurity team placed 6th in the nation out of 95 teams competing to protect the U.S. energy infrastructure.

Learn More >

CURRICULUM

The cybersecurity analyst major prepares you for immediate employment and graduate programs.

The common core of all the programs in BW's computer science department includes programming and problem solving, as well as exposure to the mathematics, computer architecture, paradigms and the theory that underlie the computing discipline.

There is a required capstone internship.

The cybersecurity analyst major prepares students to:

Establish a core of foundational knowledge of the computing discipline and will have demonstrated an understanding of that knowledge by applying it to the design, implementation, and evaluation of software and/or hardware systems
Acquire a historical and current perspective in the technical concepts and implementation of system hardware and software, including areas such as computer architecture, programming languages, telecommunications systems and their use in technology and operating systems
Demonstrate proficiency in the basic theory and mathematics that underlie computing, including discrete mathematics and models of computation
Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental skills such as programming, problem solving, and algorithm development
Successfully apply fundamental skills to a variety of practical problems
Acquire technical skills necessary to design, implement, and manage information networks in business, government, and other areas
Demonstrate proficiency in programming particularly with regard to scripting applications for network analysis
Demonstrate the ability to design and build local area networks
Demonstrate the ability to administrate networks
Acquire an understanding of the legal and ethical issues that impact the design and administration of computer networks
Demonstrate an understanding of security issues in the design and administration of computer networks and develop proficiency in the defense of network and system integrity
Develop effective organizational and communication skills required of computing professionals
Demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communication
Develop teamwork skills and be exposed to software applications that support collaboration and management of large-scale projects
Successfully apply organizational and communication skills in an internship setting

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions, requirements for the major and additional information can be found in the University Catalog.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Small class sizes, individual attention and faculty mentoring are at the core of BW's computer science program.

Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities that include:

INTERNSHIPS/FIELD EXPERIENCES

BW's 20-minute proximity to Cleveland puts you within easy access to technology firms, corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Students often secure internships early in their academic careers, sometimes as soon as the summer following freshman year. Most students have multiple internships prior to graduation.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent study offers students enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom for individualized and advanced study. Students work one-on-one with a faculty member.

RESEARCH

In addition to curriculum-based research opportunities, students can get involved with an ongoing research group, Computing Research at BW.

Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program

The BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program is open to Ohio residents who are entering Baldwin Wallace in the fall as a first-year student or transfer student and are interested in cybersecurity. Students are eligible to apply to the program which also offers the Choose Ohio First scholarship, awarding substantial annual, renewable scholarships.

STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Personally and professionally rewarding, student organizations and activities foster skills in leadership and teamwork. Opportunities include:

ACM Student Chapter

This computer club sponsors the annual Baldwin Wallace University High School Programming Competition each April, hosts speakers and organizes several social events, including a LAN party and more.

Programming Team

Student teams compete in several intercollegiate programming contests each year.

Cyber Defense Team

This organization is comprised of students interested in network issues. They meet regularly with a faculty member to discuss topics of interest and work on special projects related to computer networks. Members of this group compete in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

Student Achievements

Computer & network science students are regularly recognized for their achievements. The UPE National Computer Science Honorary is a national organization for juniors and seniors who have excelled in their computer studies.

At the annual Honors Ceremony in the spring, recognitions include:

The Anthony and Patricia Lauria Scholarship in Computer Science and Information Systems (in honor of Dr. Anthony Lauria, a professor of mathematics and computer science 1984-2002, and Patricia Kirby Lauria '91).
The Charles and Elsie Little Scholarship (honoring the parents of Dr. Richard Little, professor of mathematics 1975-2013).
The Lubrizol Computing Award (funded by the Lubrizol Foundation)
Outstanding Computing Student Award (in honor of Kenneth Weiss, Jr. who taught at BW 1972-2010).
Outstanding Senior Awards, which recognize a student in each of the computing majors.
The Sullivan/Schmidt Prize for Computing (in honor of Chris Sullivan, who was an administrator/adjunct faculty member, and his grandparents).

STUDY ABROAD BOOSTS CAREER MARKETABILITY

The opportunity to experience another culture and gain an international perspective is invaluable to your professional development and will add to your career options. Benefits include:

Understanding computing issues from an international perspective
Expanding cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
Preparing for an increasingly diverse and international workplace
Broadening academic horizons
Improving language skills (although most classes are taught in English)
Experiencing a different culture
Building an international network of contacts

ALUMNI SUCCESS

At Baldwin Wallace, you'll experience personal and professional growth in a supportive community that challenges and inspires you to succeed.

Baldwin Wallace has long championed the success of its students. Evidence of this can be seen in the extraordinary achievements of its alumni spread throughout the United States and the world. Among recent accolades, 92 percent of graduates from the Class of 2014 reported being in rewarding jobs or in graduate school studies within six months after graduation.

Recent network security graduates are finding success in a variety of careers.