FIU’s College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) is offering a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity that will prepare graduates for careers in a high-demand field. The college is hosting a series of virtual information sessions on Thursday, March 25^th and Tuesday, June 29^th from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for those interested in enrolling in this new program for Fall 2021.

Geared to train students for jobs in areas such as data security, systems security management and network threat analysis, program students will work on solutions to high tech 21^st-century problems, such as how to safeguard devices, software and data from cyber threats as well as protect power grids from hackers.
 
The curriculum ties in with FIU’s master’s degree in cybersecurity, as well as the university’s other cybersecurity education and research efforts.  
 
As part of the program, students will complete a capstone project on security, working collaboratively with information technology and computer science students and cybersecurity researchers. They also will engage in research early on in their college career through programs sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), such as the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU),  Security of Smart Things another Research Experience for Undergraduates, FIU’s Discovery Lab, Cyber Security and Privacy Research Lab,  Cyber-Physical Systems Security Lab (CSL) and Advanced Wireless and Security Lab (ADWISE).
 
Undergraduate and graduate students interested in scholarship opportunities can explore The CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) program at FIU, which is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and co-sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The SFS is a prestigious opportunity for FIU students that provides them with scholarships in cybersecurity education and training. In addition, FIU’s Center for Advancing Education and Studies on Critical Infrastructures Resilience (CAESCIR), which is funded by a Scientific Leadership Award granted by the United States Department of Homeland Security, also provides scholarship opportunities to qualifying students.
 
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is the leading analyst of job outlook statistics in the U.S., the number of cybersecurity positions is expected to grow by 32 percent through 2028, with a current median annual salary of $99,730 nationwide ($91,580 in Florida) – more than twice the median wage for all occupations.
 
The deadline for enrolling in the undergraduate degree program this upcoming fall semester is April 1, 2021.