Which cybersecurity degree path is best for you? Exploring Ohio University’s options

With data playing a role in nearly every part of our lives, from banking to health care to personal finance, protecting vital information has become a top priority for many people. The stakes are high for both organizations and individuals, making cybersecurity more essential than ever.

Thinking of making a career of cybersecurity? At Ohio University, you can choose from three specialized pathways in cybersecurity, each designed to equip you with the skills needed for specific career goals. Let’s explore the programs in Cybersecurity Engineering, Cybersecurity Operations and Business Cybersecurity Management, providing a clear overview of what each pathway offers and helping you determine which one best aligns with your career aspirations.

Why choose a career in cybersecurity?

Cybercrime is predicted to cost the global economy $12 trillion in 2025. That is a whopping $1.37 billion per hour! Organizations are in dire need of professionals who can anticipate, mitigate and respond to these growing threats. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that cybersecurity jobs will grow 33% through 2033, far outpacing most other fields.

Cybersecurity engineering: Building the digital defenses of tomorrow

If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving and thrives on the technical aspects of technology, the Cybersecurity Engineering pathway may be the perfect fit.

What you’ll learn

This program, within the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, focuses on the nuts and bolts of cybersecurity, from designing secure systems to defending against advanced threats. Students gain expertise in:  

• System security and encryption: Learn to build robust systems that protect sensitive data through encryption techniques.  
• Embedded system security: Analyze supply chain security and protect low-power systems such as microcontrollers and Internet-of-Things (IoT).
• Hands-on simulations: Work with industry-standard tools to practice securing virtual environments and responding to real-world challenges.

Real-world application

Imagine being part of a team that stops a ransomware attack on a hospital, like the one that targeted Ascension Hospital, ensuring patient data stays secure and operational systems remain unaffected. This is the kind of work Cybersecurity Engineering graduates are trained for.

Career options

Graduates often pursue roles such as:

• Cybersecurity engineer
• Network security analyst
• Security systems developer

These positions are in high demand across industries like finance, health care and government.

Cybersecurity operations: Securing networks and business systems in a data-driven world

If you're interested in protecting digital assets, defending against cyber threats and ensuring the security of business and industrial operations, OHIO’s new B.S. in Cybersecurity Operations is designed for you. Starting in the fall of 2025, this degree program is offered through the J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies in collaboration with the College of Business and the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. This interdisciplinary program provides the technical and analytical skills needed to safeguard information networks, manage cybersecurity risks and support critical business functions.

Key learning areas

• Problem-solving: Understand foundational cybersecurity concepts such as confidentiality, integrity and availability. Learn to apply theoretical concepts to challenging computing environments such as remote sensor sites and their connections to large data centers.
• Data analysis: Use industry-standard tools and techniques for rapid detection and mitigation of cyber threats. Interpret complex security findings and communicate them to business personas like managers, engineers and C-suite personnel.
• Business skills: Gain foundational knowledge of compliance, governance and security audits. Through projects and case studies, you can understand how to help organizations navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape while optimizing cost and reducing risk.
• Hands-on skills: Experience immersive labs and sector-specific cyber scenarios to identify vulnerabilities and implement multilayered security strategies. Use artificial intelligence to design intrusion detection systems.
• Securing modern communication networks: Prepare for future challenges by examining the security of next-generation 5G infrastructure, industrial control systems and cloud infrastructure.

Why it matters

The industry sectors are on the move! Industries must navigate emerging threats rapidly to stop attacks from disrupting business needs. Our program's dual focus on business and communication prepares the next-generation professionals who can meet the agile pace of the industry and contribute toward a highly secure future. The professionals become adept at navigating business data security, preserving privacy and securing next-generation communication frameworks while using industry-recognized tools and techniques.

“Cybersecurity really is for everyone these days. We all need to know the basics of how to keep our digital lives secure,” said Chip Linscott, director of the McClure School. “But businesses and institutions need much more than the basics. In the McClure School, we train the next generation of experts who will keep systems safe and help them run at peak efficiency.”

Students seeking a broader focus on network security and management can explore the Cybersecurity Track, which covers cybersecurity principles alongside communication and business strategies.

Business cybersecurity management: Where risk meets strategy

If you have a passion for technology and strategy, and if you want to be a part of solving one of the biggest business challenges of the future, OHIO’s College of Business is collaborating with the McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies to offer a Certificate in Business Cybersecurity Management that aligns with your ambitions.

What you’ll gain

This program combines managerial skills with cybersecurity technical expertise to prepare students for in-demand roles. Coursework includes:

• Risk management: Learn to assess organizational vulnerabilities and create mitigation strategies.
• System and database security: Dive into securing databases and maintaining data integrity.
• Business security: Gain foundational insight and strategies employed to protect business services.
• Information networks: Learn the fundamentals of how data and information networks operate in a business setting through theory and hands-on experiences.
• Privacy: Acquire strategic knowledge about data privacy and its relevance in personal and business settings.
• Network security and data encryption: Learn how secure systems are built and data is secure for transmission.

Make a practical impact for organizations worldwide

This program allows graduates to assist with the increasing cybersecurity needs that exist in every organization. Graduates from this program might lead initiatives like improving a team’s cloud security protocols to meet compliance requirements. The dual focus on technical and managerial skills makes this program a great fit for both business-focused and tech-focused students.

“This program combines the strengths of two colleges. Students will get a cutting-edge understanding of business cybersecurity needs from the College of Business and hands-on cybersecurity systems training from the Information and Telecommunications Systems area in the Scripps College of Communication,” said Gabriel Giordano, associate dean of  Graduate & Professional Programs and O'Bleness Professor of Analytics & Information Systems in the College of Business. “This combination of skills will enable students to lead the cybersecurity efforts of their future teams and organizations!”

Which cybersecurity education path is right for you?

Selecting the right pathway depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals:

• Choose cybersecurity engineering if you enjoy hands-on problem-solving and want to focus on technical roles.
• Select the cybersecurity operations degree if you're excited about working with cutting-edge network systems and tackling the challenges of rapidly evolving technologies.
• Pursue the business cybersecurity management certificate if you want to complement your specific major and broaden your career possibilities.

Not sure which path fits best? Ohio University’s advisors are here to help you explore your options and tailor a program that meets your aspirations.

Building essential skills for cybersecurity success

No matter which pathway you choose, a career in cybersecurity is a strong and rewarding option. Developing both technical and soft skills is essential for success in this field. Ohio University focuses on cultivating a well-rounded skill set, including:

Technical skills 

• Ethical hacking: Learn to identify and address system vulnerabilities.
• Cloud security: Gain expertise in securing cloud-based platforms.
• Cryptography: Master data encryption techniques to protect sensitive information. 

Soft skills 

• Adaptability: Stay ahead in a constantly evolving field.
• Communication: Bridge the gap between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem-solving: Tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions.

The time to act on launching your career in cybersecurity is now  

The field of cybersecurity offers immense opportunities for growth and real impact, and Ohio University provides the pathways to achieve your goals. Take the first step today and explore Ohio University’s cybersecurity programs to find the path that’s right for you.