What will I learn in a cybersecurity education program?

Cybersecurity threats exist at a wide range of levels. On one end are relatively unsophisticated threats, such as accidental leaks of information via email or a lost USB drive. More sophisticated attacks such as covert data interception by wireless radios, distributed denial of service server attacks, covert channel attacks and evolving malware exist on the opposite side of the continuum.

Because of this diverse nature of cybersecurity threats, education in cybersecurity requires an understanding of technical architecture, social and political context, business implications and consumer behavior. Our students receive cybersecurity training that draws on these diverse areas, enabling students to bring holistic cybersecurity solutions to a wide range of industries.

Cybersecurity job outlook in Nevada

Cybersecurity has also been identified as a key area for economic development in Nevada. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, projects an estimated 28 percent increase in information security or cybersecurity jobs in the decade from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than average growth. In Nevada, many of these jobs should be in sectors such as banking, health care, data centers and online gaming. In 2018, information security analysts had a mean annual wage of $98,350, according to the BLS. Nevada graduates with cybersecurity training can be positioned for well-compensated careers in established and emerging economic sectors in Nevada.

 

Undergraduate programs in cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity Center is offering the National Science Foundation CyberCorp Scholarship for Service (SFS) program for students interested in government service in the cybersecurity field. SFS offers up to two years of funding for undergraduates or up to three years for accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program students. Learn more about the SFS program.

Interdisciplinary cybersecurity, minor

The interdisciplinary minor in cybersecurity provides a well-rounded look at cybersecurity from a range of disciplinary perspectives. 

Cybersecurity, minor

The minor in cybersecurity consists of six computer science courses that provide hands-on, in-depth technical expertise in cyber defense. 

Advising information

Students with advising questions about the either of the cybersecurity minors should contact Nancy LaTourrette, deputy director of the Cybersecurity Center, at nancy@unr.edu or  (775) 784-4014.

 

Graduate programs in cybersecurity

Graduate certificate in cybersecurity

Open to current graduate students as well as working professionals, this four-course certificate program emphasizes teamwork and developing real-world cybersecurity solutions in an interdisciplinary context.

Online M.S. in cybersecurity

Our flexible program allows you to earn a dedicated master's degree in cybersecurity entirely online, taught by expert professors at the University of Nevada, Reno. 

Advising information

For admissions and advising questions about the graduate certificate, please contact Shamik Sengupta, executive director of the Cybersecurity Center, at ssengupta@unr.edu  or  (775) 784-6953.

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