Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Cyber Operations

Overview

The Cyber Operations concentration builds upon the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity foundation in math, science, computer science and cybersecurity with advanced technical cybersecurity topics including defensive and proactive activities, industrial control systems cybersecurity, cyber investigations, cyber detection and response, and communications and wireless technologies.

Graduates will be able to holistically address the latest cybersecurity threats by applying the full spectrum of knowledge and advanced technical capabilities acquired.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a concentration in Cyber Operations from UH West O‘ahu will be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in planning and execution of modern cyber operations.
  • Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of industrial control systems (ICS) network architectures, communications protocols, specialized hardware, and associated cyber security requirements.
  • Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of mobile and wireless technologies and the corresponding cyber security considerations.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the strategies, techniques and procedures to detect and respond to cyber security events and incidents.
  • Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the laws, procedures and techniques for conducting cyber investigations

Internships / Practicums

Internships and student practicums available include multiple sectors in the state and federal governments as well as positions working with industry. Students have served with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Congress, State Prosecutor’s office, financial institutions, technology companies, hotel industries, research corporations, the healthcare sector, and within many other cyber security and cyber operational positions.

Practicum opportunities are available in cyber security, cyber operations, information security, network security, penetration testing, digital forensics, cyber security of industrial control systems, homeland defense, and other related fields.

Careers and Earning Potential

Job opportunities in Cyber Security are abundant and highly lucrative. Globally, the shortage of cyber security professionals is over 4 million. Positions that graduates are typically qualified to pursue include cyber analyst, digital forensics investigator/analyst, penetration tester, forensic analyst, network security engineer, cyber operations professional, and information technology project manager. Graduates may work in cyber security positions responsible for protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber intrusion or similar positions with industry, healthcare, or community service organizations.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a Cyber Security Analyst earns roughly $92,000 a year. The projected employment for Cyber Security Analysts and Information Security Professionals from 2016 to 2026, is expected to grow much faster than average at 28 percent. The federal government is expected to greatly increase its hiring of cyber security analysts to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure sectors. In addition, as the healthcare industry expands its use of electronic medical records, ensuring patients’ privacy and protecting personal data are becoming more important. More cyber security professionals are needed to create the safeguards that will protect patient information.

For more information on careers and earning potential, visit the Hawaiʻi Career Explorer website.