Cybersecurity Major or Minor

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Cybersecurity is needed in every industry setting making the number of opportunities for cyber professionals fairly large.

       

Minor

Major

Walker School of STEM

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Cybersecurity Program at Olivet Nazarene University: Excellence in Cybersecurity Education

The Cybersecurity Defense program at Olivet Nazarene University offers a robust, hands-on learning experience designed to prepare students for the challenges of today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. With a curriculum that integrates practical skills, cutting-edge technology, and valuable certifications, Olivet equips students for successful careers in cybersecurity and IT. The program is built upon five core pillars that ensure a comprehensive and industry-relevant education.

  1. NCAE-CD Alignment: Meeting National Standards

Olivet’s Cybersecurity Defense program is proudly aligned with the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-CD), a designation that reflects the program’s commitment to high-quality cybersecurity education. This alignment ensures that the curriculum, from theory to practice, meets the NCAE-CD’s rigorous standards, providing students with knowledge and skills directly applicable to the needs of the cybersecurity workforce.

  1. Industry-Certified Credentials: Preparing for the Workforce

Recognizing the value of industry certifications, Olivet partners with leading organizations such as CompTIA, EC-Council, Amazon, and PearsonVUE. Students can earn globally recognized certifications like Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and AWS Certified Solutions Architect during their studies. The program also provides an on-campus PearsonVUE testing center, allowing students to seamlessly transition from learning to certification, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

  1. Hands-On Learning: Bridging Theory and Practice

Olivet’s program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, ensuring students are equipped to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges. From day one, students work in state-of-the-art labs designed for cyber defense exercises, simulating everything from network security to malware analysis. By blending theory with practice, students develop the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern digital world.

  1. Industry Perspective: Guided by Experts

The program benefits from the expertise of an Advisory Council composed of leaders from various industries, including banking, manufacturing, information technology, and education. This council provides up-to-date insights on industry trends and best practices, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant. Through the Center for Cybersecurity Outreach (CCO), Olivet stays connected with both the industry and the community, offering students access to networking, internships, and career opportunities.

  1. Pracademic Instructors: Learning from Professionals

Olivet’s pracademic instructors—professionals actively working in the cybersecurity field—bring real-world experience into the classroom. This ensures that students are learning the most current information and technologies as they are being implemented in the industry. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, pracademic instructors provide timely, relevant instruction that keeps the program aligned with industry advancements, while maintaining the rigor and integrity of course objectives.

Why Choose Olivet Nazarene University’s Cybersecurity Program?

Olivet’s Cybersecurity Defense program stands out for its combination of NCAE-CD accreditation, industry-recognized certifications, and a hands-on learning approach. Graduates leave the program with the practical skills, certifications, and professional connections necessary to launch a successful career in cybersecurity. Whether you’re interested in becoming a cybersecurity analyst, network security engineer, or IT specialist, Olivet provides the training and opportunities to help you excel in the field.

Explore how Olivet Nazarene University’s Cybersecurity Defense program can prepare you for a rewarding career in cybersecurity. Apply today and take the first step toward becoming a leader in protecting digital systems and data.

Empowering students with practical skills and ethical leadership in cybersecurity.

ONU Cybersecurity

ONU Cybersecurity Earns Recognition From NSA

Olivet’s Cybersecurity program achieved a major milestone by earning the prestigious National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Defense designation. This recognition, awarded by the National Security Agency (NSA), is a mark of excellence that places the program among an elite group of educational institutions.

For students enrolled in the cybersecurity program, this designation offers a significant advantage. As Dr. Rice explained, “Their transcripts will have a notation indicating that they graduated from an NSA-recognized Center of Academic Excellence. Certain employers specifically seek graduates from these designated universities.” This additional credential can be a deciding factor for employers looking for top-tier candidates to fill cybersecurity roles.

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$7474K

average entry-level salary for cybersecurity

<55

years of experience needed

300300k

open positions in the U.S.

Center for Cybersecurity Outreach

Olivet’s Center for Cybersecurity Outreach exists to help our local community and educate others on cybersecurity. CCSO students work with professional guidance to bring cybersecurity tips and service to others.

CCSO

Classes

This course introduces basic concepts of cybersecurity and information assurance. The course introduces students to the global characteristics of cyber crime, security principles, technologies, and procedures to defend networks. Through interactive, multimedia content, lab activities, and multi-industry case studies, students build technical and professional skills to pursue careers in cybersecurity.

This course provides students with necessary skills to administer Linux based systems. Topics include installation, configuration, and management with focus on security.

Students will learn risk assessment, security documentation processes, how to respond to cyber security related incidents and threats, and chain of custody protocols leading to an understanding of critical infrastructure protection (CIP). This course may be waived with evidence of EC Council Certified Incident Handler Proficiency Exam and Certification, credits to be replaced by additional COMP elective or other University approved course.

This course covers the monitoring of network and computer systems as well as the techniques and tools to detect system intrusions and events.

This course discusses the management of risk and disaster planning in the context of an enterprise network. Learners will develop policies, procedures, and establish a business continuity plan.

This course will cover the discovery and reporting of system vulnerabilities and solutions. This course may be waived with evidence of EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker Proficiency Exam and Certification, credits to be replaced by additional COMP elective or other University approved course.

Basic Linux shell programming. Students will learn and practice: editing files with vi, using built-in bash commands, and writing bash shell script programs for improving productivity and automating system administration tasks.

This course provides students with necessary skills to administer Windows based systems. Topics include installation, configuration, and management of Windows servers and systems with focus on security.

This course dives into an advanced understanding of packet construction and compliance with established protocols and standards. Attention will be placed on using tools to perform packet analysis and the understanding of cybersecurity concerns relating to corrupt or altered packets.

This course focuses on cryptographic systems including public key infrastructure, symmetric and asymmetric encryption, and methodologies. The course also covers the use and application of Blockchain. This course may be waived with evidence of EC Council Encryption Specialist Proficiency Exam and Certification, credits to be replaced by additional COMP elective or other University approved course.

The study of human behavior and social engineering on cybersecurity and cyber crime. Attention will be given to reducing human error and developing techniques to mitigate risk.

Learners in the course will be exposed to techniques and tools needed for cyber investigations and to preserve court admissible evidence.

Olivet Nazarene University Cybersecurity Department

Jeffrey Rice

Director Cybersecurity and Computer Science, Professor

Cybersecurity, Mathematics and Computer Science, School of STEM

Where Your Future Begins

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