Cybersecurity

Protect Critical Information From Criminal Behavior

Alvernia’s Cybersecurity major focuses on protecting internet-connected systems such as hardware and software from cyberthreats and protecting electronic data systems from criminal or unauthorized behavior. Cybersecurity is very important in this era of information. As cybersecurity technologies and services are increasing, government, military, corporate, financial, and medical organizations need more graduates with cybersecurity backgrounds.

A Cybersecurity major provides opportunities and guided experiences through which the student will be introduced to the knowledge and skills essential to pursue careers in industrial, governmental, and professional fields, and attend graduate school in various areas of computer science.

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Getting Started

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, and visit our FAFSA page to stay up to date on the latest from federal student aid. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Career Outlook

Cybersecurity majors develop the expertise necessary for careers in various sectors, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, banks, non-profits, and local, regional, and national organizations. Graduates may pursue roles such as:

   • Information Security Analyst
   • Cybersecurity Analyst
   • Digital Forensics Specialist
   • Network and Computer Systems Administrator
   • IT Specialist
   • Security Consultant
   • Incident Responder
   • Security Software Developer
   • Security Policy Analyst
   • Penetration Tester
   • Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
   • Cryptographer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment as an information security analyst is projected to grow 32 percent and the median salary is $112,000. 

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Washington Center Experience

Alvernia students have an opportunity to earn college credit by spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. where they serve as interns in a congressional office, government agency, major corporation, newspaper or news network, or agencies devoted to legal affairs, international relations, or business and economics. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. In addition to their internship, students select one seminar dealing with the arts and humanities, communication, public policy, the legal system, business, and government. Interested students should see their academic advisor.

Program Accreditation

Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.