Cybersecurity Program Overview
As technology grows and changes, so do those who use it to attack others, making cybersecurity a must. When you study cybersecurity at Ashland University, you gain the expertise to protect against malicious cyber-attacks on individuals, companies and governments. You will develop quick thinking and problem-solving skills, a wide knowledge of computer systems, effective analytical abilities and a deep understanding of the laws and regulations of information security.
Learning Experiences
When you major in Cybersecurity, you will work with dedicated faculty and leading-edge technology to master your skills. At AU, you will:
- Receive personal attention from each of your professors, who will guide you with their knowledge of and experience with technology of all kinds.
- Access state-of-the-art computers in the classroom and computer labs.
- Work in Jones and Bartlett virtual labs, where you can practice your security skills in a safe, secure environment.
- Participate in national and international cybersecurity competitions to further build your skills among peers.
Internships and Career Opportunities
Internship opportunities at local and regional companies allow you to gain real-world experience, college credit and a steady paycheck.
Recent cybersecurity majors had opportunities at:
- Ashland University Information Technology
- Bath Township Police Department
- J.M. Smucker Co.
- Lippert Enterprises
- An NSF-sponsored REU in Hardware and Embedded Systems Security and Trust
Sample Curriculum
Learn more about the cybersecurity curriculum by reviewing the Four-Year Curriculum Guide, Academic Catalog, Course Descriptions and Course Rotation.
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
A Promising Career
The median annual salary for information security analysts was $112,000 in 2022. The expected growth rate in employment is 32% through 2032, much faster than the average 3% growth rate for all occupations. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
With a degree in cybersecurity, you will be equipped to pursue any of these careers:
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Cryptographer
- Cybersecurity consultant
- Computer forensics analyst
- Chief information security officer
- Information security analyst
- Penetration tester
- Security architect
- Malware analyst
- Cloud security specialist
Employers of Recent Graduates:
- Christian Wellman, ’22 IAM engineer at Medical Mutual
- Joshua Marchand, ’22 Security analyst at J.M. Smucker Co.
- Zane Van Fossen, ’21 Cybersecurity engineer at Computer Technology Management Services