Information Security (Cybersecurity) Bachelor’s Degree
Become the person organizations trust to protect their data. Shawnee State's B.S. in Information Security combines deep cybersecurity training — ethical hacking, penetration testing, digital forensics, and network defense — with a business foundation, so you can talk to engineers and executives alike.
Program Overview
The Information Security (Cybersecurity) Bachelor of Science degree at Shawnee State University is about protecting computers, networks, and information from cyber threats like hackers and viruses. In today's digital world, nearly everything relies on technology, from your online banking to government systems. This program trains you to be the guardian of that digital information, learning how to stop bad actors from stealing data, causing damage, or disrupting important services. It's a hands-on career path for anyone who is interested in technology, problem-solving, and defending against online dangers.
In this program, you will learn how cyberattacks happen by learning how to "think like a hacker" – but for good! This includes practicing ethical hacking and penetration testing, where you learn to find weaknesses in systems before criminals do. You will also learn about digital forensics, essentially a detective for cybercrime, collecting clues after a security incident. Beyond the technical skills, you will build a strong foundation in business administration because cybersecurity professionals work closely with business leaders to make sure security measures fit the company's goals. You can even prepare to later earn valuable industry certifications like Cisco® CCNA and CompTIA® Security+, which are highly recognized by employers.
Unlike some universities where cybersecurity is just a small part of a larger computer science degree, SSU offers a full Bachelor of Science specifically in Information Security. This means you get a dedicated and in-depth education in this specialized field. You will benefit from smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention and one-on-one mentoring from instructors who have real-world experience protecting data and systems. Plus, you will work with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you learn on the same kind of technology used in the professional world.
Choosing this degree at Shawnee State University is a valuable investment in your future. The tuition rates are among the lowest in Ohio, making it a very affordable option for a high-quality education. The program also offers flexibility in its courses and schedules, which can be a big advantage if you have other commitments. With a dedicated focus on information security, a strong business foundation, opportunities to earn industry certifications, and a supportive learning environment, SSU’s Information Security degree prepares you for a rewarding and in-demand career protecting our digital world.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Information Security (Cybersecurity) Bachelor’s Degree
Degree
B.S.
Format
On campus
Length
4 years
Class Size
12:1
Location
Advanced Technology Center, Main Campus
Why Study Information Security (Cybersecurity) Bachelor’s Degree at Shawnee University
This is a full Information Security degree — not a cybersecurity concentration tacked onto a CS major. You get four years of focused, in-depth training.
You'll earn a Business Administration minor automatically. The core builds in the business courses you need to work effectively with leadership and across departments.
You'll be prepared for the certifications employers want — Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+/CySA+/PenTest+, and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker.
Your instructors have actually defended real networks. You learn the work from people who've done the work. Classes are small, so more personalized instruction is available.
Tuition stays among the lowest in Ohio, with a four-year rate guarantee.
Beyond the General Education Program (GEP), the B.S. in Information Security includes:
- 51 credit hours of Security Core and required courses
- 12 credit hours of Security electives
- 15 credit hours of general electives
Coursework covers ethical hacking, penetration testing, digital forensics, network security, cryptography, secure software development, and the business and policy context that surrounds it.
Classes and Sequence
- Degree Class List (PDF)
- Degree Suggested Course Sequence (PDF)
Students may also opt to start with the two-year Information Security Associate's Degree and then continue for two more years to earn the bachelor's degree in a "2+2" format.
View the full curriculum and sample schedule in the Academic CatalogYou won't just read about attacks — you'll run them in lab environments and then defend against them. Coursework regularly puts you on the same tools and infrastructure real businesses use, so the gap between classroom and first job is short.
By the time you finish the program, you'll be able to:
- Conduct ethical hacking and penetration testing to find system weaknesses before attackers do
- Perform digital forensics to gather and analyze evidence after a cyber incident
- Apply core network security components and devices across an IT environment
- Secure small-to-medium business networks: identify threats, protect data, and respond to incidents
- Apply the core security principles — confidentiality, integrity, and availability — across physical, software, device, policy, and human layers
The Information Security B.S. is offered through the Department of Engineering Technology in the College of Business and Engineering Technology. Classes meet in the Advanced Technology Center on Shawnee State's Main Campus in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Graduates of this program go on to roles like:
- Security analyst or security specialist
- Penetration tester
- Incident responder / handler
- Security auditor
- Digital forensics analyst
- Network security engineer
Cybersecurity professionals are needed everywhere computers handle sensitive data — financial services, healthcare, government and defense, e-commerce, technology, manufacturing, and more.
Free Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State's tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
See if you Qualify for Free Tuition
Ohio students can apply to receive a $1,500 scholarship up to full-tuition when you apply and are accepted.
Learn More about Choose Ohio FirstInformation Security (Cybersecurity) Bachelor’s Degree Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates work as security analysts, penetration testers, incident handlers, security auditors, digital forensics analysts, and network security engineers — the roles companies are most actively hiring for as cyber threats grow.
Nearly every industry — finance, healthcare, government and defense, retail and e-commerce, IT, and manufacturing all need security professionals.
Yes. The curriculum aligns with the major certifications: Cisco CCNA, CompTIA (Security+, CySA+, PenTest+), and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker.
No. The program takes you from foundational concepts through advanced topics, regardless of background.
Program handbook
For questions about program policies, learning expectations, or requirements, contact:
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
