Cybersecurity
A degree in Cybersecurity Information Assurance prepares you to be an active participant in a world where Cybersecurity is in high demand. The twenty-first century promises to be one of the unmatched opportunities for individuals with Cybersecurity skills to protect businesses and personal assets.
Major in Cybersecurity
Program Overview
The West Liberty University Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in Cybersecurity – offered 100% online – prepares students to protect organizations in an increasingly digital, data-driven world. As cyber threats continue to grow in frequency and sophistication, businesses, governments, and nonprofits rely on skilled professionals to secure systems, manage risk, and safeguard sensitive information. This program blends technical cybersecurity knowledge with a strong understanding of business operations, equipping graduates to address real-world challenges from both a technical and strategic perspective.
Students develop the ability to identify vulnerabilities, respond to cyber incidents, and implement security solutions that protect organizational assets. Graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact in the workforce – whether working remotely or on-site – by helping organizations maintain trust, ensure compliance, and operate securely in a constantly evolving threat landscape.
Who This Program is For
- Cyber Defenders – Students motivated to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.
- Working Professionals – Individuals seeking to enter or advance in cybersecurity while maintaining employment.
- Tech-Savvy Problem Solvers – Students interested in diagnosing vulnerabilities and developing security solutions.
- Future Security Leaders – Those aiming for leadership roles in cybersecurity, IT governance, or risk management.
- Flexible Learners – Individuals who need a fully online format to balance academic, professional, and personal commitments.
Skills Learned
Threat Detection & Risk Analysis – Identify vulnerabilities and assess organizational exposure to cyber risks.
Technical Security Proficiency – Utilize cybersecurity tools, platforms, and monitoring systems effectively.
Problem-Solving in High-Stakes Environments – Respond quickly and effectively to evolving cyber threats.
Communication & Policy Development – Translate technical risks into actionable business strategies and policies.
Students completing the Cybersecurity program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Cybersecurity.
The Gary E. West College of Business Cybersecurity program is housed in Main Hall. One classroom is a dedicated Cybersecurity lab; other labs are available for Cybersecurity students. The curriculum provides instruction in the area of Cybersecurity Information Assurance within the Business Information Systems arena. Coursework is centered around cyber threats, cyber vulnerabilities, cyber risks, digital forensics, network security, and network penetration.
The curriculum emphasizes Hypertext Markup Language (HTML & CSS), Java, and Operating Systems. Additionally, students will obtain Personal Computer (PC) and Networking skills that are needed for the communication of loT devices. Overall, students will get practical hands-on industry-related experience.
Students graduating from the Cybersecurity specialization are entering a job market offering numerous opportunities for employment such as:
- Security Analyst
- Cyber Information Assurance Analyst
- Information Assurance Security Specialist
- Business analyst
- Computer Network Analyst
- Technical Security Analyst
- Security consultant
- Security policy
- Audit Analyst
- System Vulnerability Analyst and more.
Cybersecurity careers are available in all types of organizations around the world.
Curriculum Overview & Program Structure
The fully Online Cybersecurity concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) at West Liberty University is designed to develop technical security expertise alongside a strong understanding of business operations and risk management. The curriculum progresses from foundational business and information systems knowledge to advanced cybersecurity applications, preparing students to protect digital assets and support secure organizational decision-making in a flexible online environment.
Program Components Include:
- General Education Foundation – Courses that strengthen communication, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking skills essential for evaluating risk and solving complex problems.
- Business Core Coursework – A comprehensive overview of key business disciplines, providing context for how cybersecurity aligns with organizational strategy, governance, and operations.
- Cybersecurity Major Courses – Specialized coursework in network security, information assurance, cybersecurity principles, risk management, and ethical hacking concepts.
- Advanced & Applied Learning Experiences – Virtual labs, simulations, and case-based projects that allow students to identify vulnerabilities, respond to threats, and apply security solutions in real-world scenarios.
| Required Courses – Cybersecurity Major | Credit Hours |
| West Liberty University General Studies | 37 |
| Gary E. West College of Business Core | 45 |
| CIS 341 Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
| CIS 366 Data Communication | 3 |
| CIS 440 Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities, Risk Assessment | 3 |
| CIS 441 Digital Forensics | 3 |
| CIS 442 Network Security | 3 |
| CIS 443 Cyber Attacks and Network Penetration | 3 |
| CIS 481 Web & Application Development | 3 |
| CIS 482 Networking/Hardware | 3 |
| CIS 444 Restricted Elective | 3 |
| Business Minor Course | 11 |
| Total | 120 |
Click below to see detailed course requirements for the B.S.B.A. with a major in Cybersecurity. Current students can access their detailed requirements and completed courses in WINS using DegreeWorks.
- Academic 4-Year Plan(s)
- BS – Cybersecurity 4 Year Plan
- BS – Cybersecurity Online 4 Year Plan
Program Value & Career Trajectory
The fully online Cybersecurity concentration at West Liberty University prepares graduates for entry into one of the fastest-growing and most critical fields in today’s economy. Students gain the skills needed to protect organizations from cyber threats, leading to careers in cybersecurity analysis, risk management, and information assurance, with strong potential for advancement into specialized and leadership roles. The online format also supports career entry and advancement in remote and technology-driven work environments.
Career & Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for careers in cybersecurity, information assurance, and IT risk management across industries, with opportunities in both traditional and remote work environments and pathways into advanced and leadership roles.
Career Opportunities Include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Information Security Specialist
- Network Security Analyst
- Risk & Compliance Analyst
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Digital Forensics or Incident Response Specialist
ROI of the Online Cybersecurity Major
This fully online program provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity and business strategy, preparing graduates to protect organizations while supporting operational success. Students develop the technical expertise and professional skills needed for certification pathways and long-term career advancement.
Time to Completion & Program Structure
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Following a traditional full-time schedule of 15 credit hours per semester, students can complete the program in approximately four years. The fully online format allows students to complete coursework from anywhere, offering flexibility to balance academic, professional, and personal commitments.
Throughout the program, students engage in structured online coursework that integrates foundational business knowledge with advanced cybersecurity training. The format emphasizes both independent learning and virtual collaboration, supported by interactive tools and applied learning experiences that enhance technical proficiency and career readiness.
Admissions & Program Entry
Admission to West Liberty University follows the university’s general undergraduate admissions requirements. Students pursuing the online Cybersecurity concentration within the College of Business are not required to meet additional selective admission criteria beyond university admission.
Students may enter the program by declaring Cybersecurity as their concentration, providing a clear and accessible pathway into a high-demand, fully online, career-focused degree.
Why Choose West Liberty University
At West Liberty University, the online Cybersecurity concentration offers a flexible, industry-aligned education designed to meet the needs of today’s learners and employers.
Students benefit from:
- 100% Online Flexibility – Complete your degree from anywhere while balancing work and personal commitments.
- Industry-Aligned Curriculum – Coursework reflects current cybersecurity frameworks and best practices.
- Experienced Faculty – Learn from faculty with expertise in cybersecurity, information systems, and business.
- Applied, Hands-On Learning – Engage in simulations, case studies, and real-world security scenarios.
- Career-Focused Preparation – Emphasis on employability, certification readiness, and advancement in cybersecurity careers.
Cybersecurity Minor
The cybersecurity minor offers students the opportunity to develop a proficiency in cybersecurity while maintaining an auxiliary focus in another area.
| Required Courses – Cybersecurity Minor | Credit Hours |
| CIS 482 Networking/Hardware | 3 |
| CIS 440 Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities, Risk Assessment | 3 |
| CIS 441 Digital Forensics | 3 |
| CIS 442 Network Security | 3 |
| CIS 443 Cyber Attacks and Network Penetration | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Cybersecurity Certifications
| Comp TIA Certification Prep Courses | |
| CIS 490 A+ Certification | |
| CIS 491 Network + Certification | |
| CIS 492 Security + Certification |