“The cybersecurity program is much more hands on and much more focused. That’s what really sets Penn state apart—we are on the cutting edge.”

Finding Your Fit

Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations might be the right program for you if:

• you enjoy working with and on computers, as well as with their operating systems and applications
• you want to protect digital information, data stores, and computer networks from threats
• you want to learn the defense strategies used to anticipate, recognize, and defend against cyberattacks
• you're passionate about keeping sensitive information out of the hands of cybercriminals, terrorist organizations, and malicious agents
• you enjoy working on a team to solve technical problems for organizations
• you are interested in business, computer programming, and mathematics

Developing Your Skills

In the Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations program, you will take hands-on courses based around technical cyber defense strategies, risk management, and data-driven cybersecurity analytics. Teamwork, project management, and collaboration also play vital roles in your IST experience. You will have opportunities to apply your newfound knowledge and skills through semester-long projects with your peers.

Discovering Your Path

At the College of IST, every undergraduate student is required to complete at least one internship before graduating. With more than 300 organizations actively recruiting students and a dedicated Career Solutions team, you’ll have the resources and opportunities to get your career off to a strong start.

Potential Careers

“Cyber is the new frontier, where cyberattacks get more complex and more frequent day to day. At the federal government level, highly classified information could be leaked if cybersecurity wasn’t a thing. It has a universal application, and I’m excited to be a part of this adventure.”