A 2024 study by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) found that the number of cybersecurity jobs worldwide - 5.8 million - stayed the same, while the shortage of workers - 4.8 million - grew by 19%, dwarfing other job markets. The field is projected to keep growing because malicious actors are always evolving their tactics and procedures.
Taught by industry professionals, ¶¶ÒõÃâ·Ñ’s cybersecurity major focuses on current and future threats affecting individuals, networks and infrastructures. Coursework is specifically designed to prepare students for employment in the private and government sectors. Students interested in cybersecurity might also consider the data science and computer science majors.
A degree is needed but certifications are essential. At ¶¶ÒõÃâ·Ñ, students in the cybersecurity program learn skills that are sought after in the field and ready to sit for industry certification exams that showcase mastery and proficiency in cybersecurity and related fields. By the time students graduate, they will be prepared for up to six industry certifications:
Berks Cyber Alliance
¶¶ÒõÃâ·Ñ created the Berks Cyber Alliance, a consortium of industry professionals meeting quarterly to discuss current threats and trends. Students in ¶¶ÒõÃâ·Ñ's cybersecurity program are able to participate in meetings, which gives them the ability to network with professionals within the cybersecurity field. Speakers include professionals from FBI, CIA, Secret Service and private industry. Attendees include CIOs, CISOs and other technology experts from Berks County.
Research
¶¶ÒõÃâ·Ñ strives to provide the highest level of research opportunities. Examples include AI crimes research and creating a mobile hacking station from a robot dog. We work with multiple governmental and private entities to come up with the most interesting and relevant research.
