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
AU Dean's Scholarship
The Dean's Scholarship was created to enhance the undergraduate academic experience for new first-time and transfer students enrolled in a major within the College of Arts & Sciences. It is a merit-based, renewable scholarship of $1,500 that can be "stacked" on top of other awarded AU academic scholarships. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in unique academic communities with a focus on career coaching and preparation.
Ashland University has been awarded a grant from the state of Ohio to provide Choose Ohio First Scholarships to outstanding students with interests in the natural and physical sciences. These scholarships support academically strong students who plan to continue to graduate school, health-related professional programs or employment in STEM industries after completing a bachelor’s degree.
A Promising Career
The median annual salary for information security analysts was $112,000 in 2022. The expected growth rate in employment is 32 percent through 2032, much faster than the average three percent 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