Pennsylvania Colleges with Cybersecurity Programs

Pennsylvania colleges with cybersecurity programs are helping meet the growing demand for skilled professionals who can protect systems, secure data, and respond to digital threats. As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, the need for trained experts continues to rise across industries. Whether you are just beginning your college journey or planning to transfer, look for programs that offer hands-on learning and real-world preparation, like Alvernia University’s Cybersecurity major. 

Explore what a cybersecurity career might look like and how Alvernia offers a unique, values-driven path to success.
 

Where Can a Cybersecurity Degree Take You? 

From defending sensitive data to preventing attacks before they happen, cybersecurity professionals help keep digital systems safe and secure. The field offers a variety of career paths, daily challenges, and opportunities to make a real impact. 

Here’s a closer look at what a career in cybersecurity can involve: 

• Network Security – defending internal networks from threats
• Digital Forensics – investigating cybercrimes and data breaches
• Penetration Testing – ethically hacking systems to find weaknesses
• Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance – ensuring organizations follow regulations
• Cloud Security – protecting data stored in cloud-based environments
• Security Architecture – designing secure IT infrastructure
   

Depending on the role, daily tasks might include:

• Monitoring networks for suspicious activity
• Investigating data breaches or attempted intrusions
• Running vulnerability scans and penetration tests
• Developing and implementing security protocols
• Managing firewalls, anti-virus, and encryption tools
• Training staff on best practices for cyber hygiene
   

Cybersecurity professionals are in demand across industries, with a 33% increase expected in the next decade. Career opportunities span tech, finance, healthcare, retail, government, education, nonprofits, and consulting. Many professionals work in office or hybrid environments, and some roles (like SOC Analysts or Incident Responders) may require shift work to provide 24/7 coverage. 

A career in cybersecurity is both rewarding and impactful. Professionals in the field enjoy strong earning potential, with a median salary of around $120,000 per year. It’s also a constantly evolving field, offering lifelong learning opportunities as new technologies and threats emerge, keeping the work both challenging and engaging.
 

Why Choose Alvernia University? 

Alvernia’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity is a 123-credit program designed to prepare students to defend against growing digital threats in today’s interconnected world. The major focuses on safeguarding internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, networks, and data from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyberattacks.

Students gain a strong foundation in core topics, including:

• Computer programming and operating systems
• Network and systems administration
• Cybersecurity principles and practices
• Digital forensics and ethical hacking
• Risk management and incident response
   

Alongside technical training, the curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making and critical thinking, reflecting the university’s Franciscan values. Students learn to approach challenges with integrity and a sense of responsibility, preparing them to be skilled professionals and ethical leaders. Through lab-based coursework, internships, and real-world projects, they develop practical experience that equips them for careers across diverse industries such as government, healthcare, finance, education, military, and nonprofit sectors.

Small class sizes and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensure personalized support and mentorship, while Alvernia’s strong partnerships with regional employers and organizations provide meaningful internship experiences and career connections. Opportunities like The Washington Center further expand students’ professional networks. With added support from the Academic Success Center and the Office of Career Development, students graduate well-prepared to step confidently into the workforce or pursue advanced cybersecurity or computer science studies.
 

Kickstart Your Career at Alvernia University

As you explore Pennsylvania colleges with cybersecurity programs, it’s important to look for a school that goes beyond technical classroom training. At Alvernia University, you will gain hands-on experience, ethical leadership skills, and the academic support needed to kickstart a rewarding career in cybersecurity.

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