Cybersecurity at WWU on the Peninsulas
Western Washington University's Cybersecurity program in Poulsbo is designed to provide students and IT professionals the opportunity to continue their education to the bachelor’s degree level in the emergent field of cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity degree will prepare graduates for high-demand professional roles such as cybersecurity manager, cyber defense analyst, secure software assessor, secure software development specialist, or systems security analyst.
The hands-on program covers topics across the broad field of cybersecurity, including ethics, compliance, legal, and privacy issues while exploring the technical underpinnings of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity students have the opportunity to participate in cybersecurity clubs and competitions and to hone their skills on Cyber Range Poulsbo, a secure and controlled virtual environment used for cybersecurity training and cyber technology development. As the Washington State educational cyber range. Cyber Range Poulsbo provides support for cybersecurity instruction to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities across the state and has a leading role in national cyber education initiatives.
WWU has been designated an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity, BS
The Cybersecurity program at Western Washington University on the Peninsulas is a 2+2 degree and applicants must first obtain a specific cybersecurity associate's degree from one of our partner colleges. The program provides a blend of technical and non-technical courses covering cybersecurity fundamentals, software security, policy, compliance, risk management, and ethical issues, with a practical, hands-on approach that prepares graduates for advanced roles in the field.
Offered in Poulsbo
Cybersecurity, Certificate
Cybersecurity issues are pervasive throughout all aspects of life in modern times. The issues are complex and have far ranging consequences such that it has become too important to leave only to technologists. The Cybersecurity certificate provides a means for students from all disciplines to become knowledgeable about the challenges and potential solutions to cybersecurity problems, and to apply cybersecurity principles across all aspects of an organization.
Offered in Poulsbo
Career Paths for Cybersecurity Graduates
Cybersecurity graduates have diverse career paths focused on digital security. They can work as cybersecurity analysts to detect and prevent threats or as penetration testers to find system vulnerabilities. Other roles include security consultants, advising companies on best practices, and incident response specialists, managing security breaches. Careers in governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) are also popular, where graduates ensure organizations meet security standards and regulations. These roles are crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining digital infrastructure.
Careers
- Software Developer
- Enterprise Architect
- Data Analyst
- Technical Support Specialist
- IT Program Manager
- Cyber Legal Advisor
- Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
- Exploitation Analyst
- Cyber Intel Planner
- Law Enforcement & Counterintelligence Forensic Analyst
Admission Requirements
Western's Cybersecurity BS is a 2+2 program. Students must first obtain a specific cybersecurity Associate's degree from one of our partner colleges in order to transfer into our program.
- Complete a specific cybersecurity Associate's degree at one of our thirteen local partner colleges
- Achieve a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Complete CSCI 141, CSCI 145, and MATH 124, or recognized equivalents
Learn what community college courses are equivalent to WWU courses.
Take the Plunge
Planning for your degree program and career can bring questions - and we want to help answer them!
Reach out for more information and connect with one of our WWU on the Peninsulas admissions counselors.