Cybersecurity

You can have one of the hottest careers in America and earn a generous salary right out of school.

Cybersecurity


Jewell cybersecurity graduates will be ready to describe, critique, and evaluate issues, problems, and solutions in cybersecurity for individuals, organizations, government and society. This major is interdisciplinary study with cyber security, business organizations and leadership, and national security in global dynamics.

Why Cybersecurity at Jewell?

Cybersecurity is one of the hottest career fields in the U.S. A study by Enterprise KC found a shortage in Kansas and western Missouri, with over 12,000 unfilled cyber security positions, with two-thirds requiring a college degree. With virtually zero percent unemployment in the field, and approximately 466,000 unfilled positions in the United States, graduates will be "in demand" from day one. Jewell cybersecurity stands out blending cyber security, business, and political science coursework. The program is led by an executive security leader and veteran of the CIA, Tesla and Uber.

Cybersecurity at Jewell leverages the College's Core Curriculum to ensure students develop core competencies in critical thinking, communication fluency, ethical reasoning and global perspectives. Cybersecurity majors will also learn to:

  • Understand the range of cyber threats present in modern society
  • Conduct a cyber forensic investigation after a security breach
  • Secure technical resources against a range of cyber threats and attacks
  • Identify and test vulnerabilities in a system
  • Protect both individual and organizational online privacy
  • Identify threat actors

Hilltop Technologies Partnership

William Jewell College has partnered with Hilltop Technologies, a pioneering cybersecurity firm founded by alumni. This groundbreaking collaboration combines academic excellence with hands-on experience, providing you with unparalleled opportunities from the start of your academic journey. 

  • Early Career Integration: Begin interning with Hilltop Technologies in your first year, gaining experience in a leading cybersecurity environment that many professionals only dream of
  • 24/7 Security Operations Exposure: Collaborate with Hilltop’s round-the-clock Security Operations Center (SOC), acquiring practical knowledge and skills in a live security setting
  • Real-World Investigations: Engage in actual cyber investigations, applying theoretical knowledge to solve complex problems in real-time scenarios
  • Cyber Ranges: Train in simulated environments to prepare for the intricacies of real-world cyber threats, enhancing your readiness for professional challenges

Exclusive Certification Opportunity
A hallmark of this program is the opportunity for you to earn the prestigious Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification upon graduation. This certification is highly regarded in the cybersecurity industry and provides a significant career advantage, setting you apart as you enter the workforce.

“Jewell's partnership with Hilltop Technologies opens up incredible opportunities for our students to get hands-on experience with cutting-edge cybersecurity technology. Key courses will be taught by faculty with deep real-world experience in business and government. For example, Nick Gicinto, a decorated U.S. intelligence officer who also has years of experience in corporate cybersecurity, will teach both the intro course and the capstone.”

Dr. Gary Armstrong, program chair

Executive security leader and CIA veteran


Nick Gicinto, Professor of Practice

An insider threat, intelligence and security specialist with the CIA, Tesla and Uber talks about the powerful differentiator of Jewell's program and the kind of students who will excel in the cybersecurity field.

Featured on Kansas City's KMBC


Students appear on Kansas City's ABC affiliate, sharing their role in safeguarding organizations from global cyber attacks.

Skills and Classes

 

  • Program Outcomes

    You will be ready to describe, critique and evaluate issues, problems and solutions in cyber security for individuals, organizations, government and society. As a cybersecurity graduate, you will demonstrate:

    • Critical thinking and problem skills in relation to a wide range of cybersecurity challenges for individuals, business, government and society
    • The ability to analyze and investigate cyber attacks and their aftermath
    • The ability to provide security governance, risk management and audits for a variety of organizations including business and government
    • The ability to describe, critique and evaluate various approaches to professional, ethical and legal issues relating to cybersecurity
    • Strong skills to communicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
    • Preparation to adapt to emerging threats within their field
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  • A Hybrid Approach to Learning

    Cybersecurity at Jewell mixes the best of on campus and online learning. Each term students in the program will take a mix of in-person classes at the William Jewell campus in Liberty, Missouri, with online coursework. The hybrid approach allows students to interact with leaders in the industry and learn from a variety of experts. The hybrid schedule also gives students more flexibility day to day helping them more easily manage practical experiences into a rigorous major.

    • DTS 190 Intro to Programming (4 credits)
    • BUS 202 Principles of Management (4 credits)
    • BUS 231 Business Law & Ethics (4 credits)
    • COM 260 Organizational Communication (4 credits)
    • ENT 205 Introduction to Project Management (2 credits)
    • POL 234 Cyber Conflict (4 credits)
    • POL 250 Introduction to World Politics (4 credits)
    • CYB 100 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 credits)
    • CYB 200 Cybercrime and Governance (3 credits)*
    • CYB 250 Modern Cybersecurity (3 credits)*
    • CYB 300 Network and Systems Security (3 credits)*
    • CYB 350 Cyber Forensics (3 credits)*
    • CYB 400 Capstone (3 credits)
    • CYB 450 Senior Seminar (1 credit)

    *online course

    Students must complete 3 elective courses (9-11 credits):

    • POL 334 US National Security Policy (4 credits)
    • PSY Introduction to Psychological Science (4 credits)
    • ITM 1 Introduction to Information Technology Systems (3 credits)
    • ITM 2 Networking Technologies & Telecommunications (3 credits)
    • Cloud 0 Google Cloud Computing Foundations (3 credits)
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