Cybersecurity
- Overview
- Careers
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
Cybersecurity professionals protect data in computers and networks from crimes such as hacking and data theft.
Illinois State’s Cybersecurity major focuses on security basics, cryptography, ethical hacking, security defenses, and forensics. It covers current tools and techniques, and managing security risks.
To be successful in these areas, you'll get a background in programming and networking as well as basic knowledge of computer hardware and systems software.
Why Study Cybersecurity?
Hacking and cybercrimes are major problems for any organization. Our strong dependence on digital technologies calls for increased security. Because of these factors, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand.
The Cybersecurity program at Illinois State gives you practical, hands-on experience. You'll develop system and network defenses, and perform simulated attacks on computers to test their security. You also get exposure to computer forensics. This teaches you how to gather and preserve evidence from devices to use in a court of law.
Related Skills
- Ability to communicate well
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills
- Logical thinker
- Flexible thought process and ability to cope with constant change
- Strong organizational skills
- Good team member
- Strong understanding of computer languages and networking
Related Fields
- Cryptanalyst
- Cyber Crime Investigator
- Database Security Analyst
- Forensic Investigator
- Information Security Analysts
- Information Technology Consultant
- Malware Analyst
- Network Security Administrator
- Network Security Engineer
- Penetration Tester / White Hat Hacker
- Risk Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Security Architect
- Security Consultant
- Security Manager
- Security Software Developer
- Software Security Engineer
- Web Security Analyst
- Web Security Tester
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debbie Ungson-Walbert | 208 Bone Student Center | dungson@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tal Parmenter | Old Union 202A | taparme@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3718 |
Applying to Illinois State
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Applying to Illinois State
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Minimum GPA
2.30
Middle 50% GPA
2.72 - 3.57
Required Courses
None
Recommended Courses
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
- Statistics (MQM 100 or ECO 138)
- Fundamentals of Information Assurance & Security (IT 250)
- Data Communications (IT 276)
- Finite Mathematics (MAT 120) or Calculus I (MAT 145)
- Structured Problem Solving Using the Computer (IT 168)
- Microeconomics (ECO 101)
- Hardware and Software Concepts (IT 254)
- Elementary Discrete Mathematics (MAT 160)
Without IT 168 in Java or both IT 168 and either 178 or 179 in any language, it is difficult to complete the program in 4 semesters even with an associate's degree.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laurie Helms | Old Union 302C | ljhelms1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8338 |
Minimum GPA
2.30
Middle 50% GPA
2.72 - 3.57
Application Period
Applications will be available year-round.
Application Information
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laurie Helms | Old Union 302C | ljhelms1@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8338 |