Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

Start your standout story.

You've got a knack for technology and a mind for puzzles. You're good at identifying the root of a problem and coming up with effective solutions. You also care about the details and know how to adapt when things don't go according to plan. If this sounds like you, you might have a future as a cybersecurity professional.

Northwestern's cybersecurity major will give you a strong foundation in programming, while also teaching you how to evaluate the security of computer systems. You'll also learn how to control systems access, detect intrusions, and respond to bugs and malicious software.

Why NWC?

At Northwestern, we view cybersecurity as an opportunity to serve others. By programming with a security mindset, you'll keep your future employer's computer systems safe, protecting company data and the privacy of its customers. Your professors will also help you understand technology as a way of advancing God's kingdom while they prepare you to become a cybersecurity expert. You can further your expertise with related minors in business administration, criminal justice, project management, psychology or statistics.

CONTACT

Mark Haselhoff '12Department Chair

100%GRAD PLACEMENT100% of 2023 computer science graduates found a job or started grad school within six months of graduation.

REGION'SBESTNWC's computer science students placed among the region's top 20 teams at a 2022 programming contest.

AWARDWINNERIn 2024, an NWC student was part of a winning team at HackHarvard, a computer coding event with more than 1,000 competitors.

15 TO 20STUDENTSAverage size of a cybersecurity class

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in information security are expected to grow 33% (much faster than average), placing cybersecurity in the top five fastest-growing occupations between 2022 and 2032. It's also estimated that there are 3.5 million cybersecurity job vacancies around the globe, with 750,000 of them in the United States.

Experience

Networking opportunities

Staff Northwestern's help desk

Programming contests

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Internships

Off-campus study

Make an impression on future employers by becoming a student member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), where you'll connect with computing professionals from across the country.