Cybersecurity Degrees at CTU Aurora

Organizations and government agencies face cyberthreats and potential data breaches every day. In fact, the number of reported data breaches increased by as much as 44.7% in 2017 alone.¹ Due to the increased frequency in the number of cyberattacks, companies across multiple industries are finding themselves in need of information security experts. Employment rates for information security analysts are projected to grow by 28% through 2026, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations.²

At CTU Aurora, our online and on-campus Cybersecurity degree programs offer students the opportunity to learn how to prevent, detect and combat cybercrimes. Classes blend critical thinking, technology, and forensic and investigative techniques to protect data and networks from cyberattacks and track the perpetrators behind security violations.

We understand that some of our Cybersecurity students will choose to take industry certification exams such as those for CompTIA Network+ and Security+ designations. Therefore, our Cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program is designed to help students prepare for these certification exams, both of which validate industry expertise to potential employers. In fact, according to a 2015 CompTIA survey, 96% of HR managers used IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria during recruitment. ³

Campus and Online IT Programs

Our Aurora location and Virtual Campus offer the following Cybersecurity degrees and concentrations:

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

From private corporations to government entities, cybersecurity specialists play a critical role in the development of network security systems and protocols that protect vital data. CTU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program provides students with the opportunity to develop the fundamental knowledge to help them prepare for a career in this field, and our core curriculum is built on a broad foundation of industry-relevant concepts related to computer forensics, vulnerability assessment, security compliance and software assurance. CTU also offers two concentrations for students in the Cybersecurity field: Computer Systems Security and Information Assurance.

Our bachelor’s degree program in Cybersecurity has been recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Examples of courses you could take in the bachelor degree program include Introduction to Homeland Security, Problem Solving Concepts with C++, and Principles of Network Security.

Cybersecurity Job Growth

Behind every headline announcing a new hack or data breach, there’s a company trying to contain the damage. Because of these threats, the field of Cybersecurity is in demand. Every year in the United States, 40,000 Cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled, and a global shortage of two million Cybersecurity professionals is expected by 2019.⁴ Colorado too has been affected by this shortage as there were as many as 9,500 open Cybersecurity positions in 2017.⁵

The Best of Both Worlds

At CTU Aurora, we realize that today’s students want to reach their educational goals in a way that fits their lifestyles. Some students have careers. Some students have families. And some students are active military members stationed around the world. To meet this demand, we give our students the opportunity to combine on campus and online learning. Many students appreciate the convenience and flexibility this affords them, and find they are able to continue to make time for work, family, and extracurricular activities while also pursuing their degree.

Prepare for Your Career

CTU’s bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity is designed to help prepare you for CompTIA certification exams. CompTIA certifications may be a good way to get your foot in the door with potential employers. In fact, according to a 2015 CompTIA survey, 80% of certified individuals claim their certification helped them get their foot in the door for a job interview.³

In addition, CTU Aurora’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the U.S. National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.*

Try a Fast Track Exam

The CTU Fast Track^™ program is a smart way for students who already have knowledge and experience to earn credit towards their degree. With Fast Track, you can participate in a series of exams that will test your knowledge of core course objectives. If you pass, you can earn college credit for this knowledge and complete your course requirements faster. By passing CTU Fast Track^™ exams, you can save up to 30% in time and money. As an added bonus, Fast Track exams are available at no extra cost to all CTU students.

Are you interested in learning more about our Cybersecurity degree program? Request information our CTU Aurora Admissions Advisors.

1. “2017 Annual Data Breach Year-End Review.” Identity Theft Resource Center. Retrieved from: https://www.idtheftcenter.org/2017-data-breaches (Visited 2/15/18).
2. “Information Security Analysts.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (Visited 2/15/18).
3. “You Can Do IT with CompTIA.” CompTIA. Retrieved from: https://certification.comptia.org/docs/default-source/downloadablefiles/02032-you-can-do-it-infographic-online_final.pdf (Visited 2/15/18).
4. Kauflin, Jeff. “The Fast-Growing Job with a Huge Skills Gap: Cyber Security.” Forbes. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffkauflin/2017/03/16/the-fast-growing-job-with-a-huge-skills-gap-cyber-security/#5868e85e5163 (Visited 12/6/17).
5. Grossman, Dan. “More than 9,500 Vacant Cybersecurity Jobs are in Colorado.” 9News. Retrieved from: http://www.9news.com/tech/more-than-9500-vacant-cybersecurity-jobs-are-in-colorado/478943606 (Visited 2/15/18).

Colorado Technical University does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by Colorado Technical University but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to Colorado Technical University. Therefore, Colorado Technical University cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

*CTU has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity for academic years 2014-2021 for its cybersecurity and information assurance programs.

**The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition depends on the number of Fast Track exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are unlikely to transfer. Not all programs are eligible for possible 30% reduction in time and money.