Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity

Bachelor of Science
WPI student in server room with laptop
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A cybersecurity degree redefined: blending hardware engineering and computer science to deliver unmatched rigor that goes beyond software-only programs.

At a Glance

School & Program

 

School of Arts & Sciences
Cybersecurity Program

STEM-Designated Degree

Qualifies international students for extended U.S. work authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT)

BS/MS Available

Accelerated five-year program

Career Outlook

Notable Employers*: MITRE, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, U.S. Department of Defense, and RTX 
Job Outlook: Security management specialist is the No. 5 fastest-growing job of 2025–30 (World Economic Forum). 

*For WPI Class of 2024 computer science graduates. Cybersecurity program data will be available as graduates enter the workforce. 

Application Deadlines

Early Decision/Early Action I: Nov. 1 

Early Decision/Early Action II: Jan. 5 

Regular Decision: Feb. 1 

Explore This Degree

Options

Program Options

Bachelor of Science

  • BS in Cybersecurity
  • Four-year degree

Bachelor of Science + Master of Science

  • BS/MS in Cybersecurity
  • Complete both degrees in five years

Customize Your Path

Build your unique expertise through strategic elective choices. Focus your studies on the areas that align with your career goals and personal interests.  

Potential Minors

Want to strengthen your cybersecurity degree with complementary skills? Consider a minor that aligns with your interests:

  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • Data Science
  • Business
  • Writing & Rhetoric 
Continue Your Studies
Master’s in Cybersecurity
Graduate Certificate for High School Teachers
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management

Undecided? No problem. Apply now and explore before committing to a specific path. 

Why WPI

What Makes WPI’s Cybersecurity Degree Distinct

In WPI’s project-based cybersecurity degree, you prepare for the digital security challenges of tomorrow.  

Through WPI's immersive seven-week terms and hands-on project work, you will pursue pathways to:

Protect

software and hardware systems using computer science, engineering, and cryptography to stop cyber threats

Discover

vulnerabilities in web apps to microchips, using the same techniques attackers use to break systems

DEVELOP

defense systems that keep data, networks, and devices secure against sophisticated attacks

BUILD

a professional portfolio of completed projects at one of our 50+ project centers worldwide

 

CUSTOMIZE

your expertise by choosing a mix of electives or a concentration to match your interests

Collaborate

with teams across disciplines to develop solutions for today's complex challenges

Resources & Tech You'll Tap Into

Students in server room

Isolated Cyber Range

Attack and defend computers and networks using vulnerability scanners and cryptographic techniques in a dedicated security network.
Semiconductor

Semiconductor Research

Conduct real, hands-on hardware research with our semiconductor microscope, one of only two at universities nationwide.
WPI students in computer lab working on security project

Autonomous Systems

Secure and design autonomous systems at the Autonomous Vehicle Mobility Institute with wireless testing equipment that exposes weaknesses.

Research & Partnership Opportunities 

Work with faculty, government agencies, and industry partners on critical areas of cybersecurity: 

  • Digital forensics
  • Cryptography
  • Hardware vulnerabilities 
  • Network security 
Projects

Project-Based Learning Experiences

Apply cybersecurity theory and practice from day one. Build a professional portfolio with real work that matters.

At WPI, learn in an immersive environment where classroom concepts transform into hands-on projects, thanks to our intensive, seven-week terms. Complete increasingly advanced projects for industry partners and community organizations, both local and global. Present your solutions directly to organizations that will implement what you create.  

Below, explore real cybersecurity projects completed by WPI students.

Student in server room with laptop

Global Cybersecurity Solutions

Teams developed secure web practices and digital protection guides for an organization supporting asylum seekers.
📍Berlin, Germany

Students created GDPR compliance systems and data protection policies for Cycling Without Age International.
📍Copenhagen, Denmark

Industry-Sponsored Projects

Teams analyzed phishing threats and user experience to identify automation opportunities and provide recommendations for protecting organizational data.

Students delivered AI workforce impact analysis to Workcred and ANSI, mapping cybersecurity risks and developing ethics frameworks.
📍Washington, DC

Campus Research Projects

Students developed secure image sensors with on-chip encryption for protecting sensitive visual data.

Students analyzed system-level behaviors of malware, using machine learning to identify pathway patterns.
Skills

Skills You'll Gain

With WPI’s cybersecurity degree, you’ll gain the hands-on experience and industry-ready skills to defend systems, stop attacks, and lead the innovations that protect what matters most.

Explore opportunities to build skills such as:

Security Engineering and Implementation 

  • Code secure systems with automated testing tools and write software that stops attacks before they start. 

Network Defense and Monitoring 

  • Deploy firewalls and intrusion systems to catch live threats, protect real networks, and respond in real time. 

Cryptographic Systems 

  • Build and test encryption that safeguards thousands of users. Manage keys and uncover your own cryptographic flaws. 

Ethical Hacking and Vulnerability Assessment 

  • Legally hack systems with scanners and analyzers, then document and fix every vulnerability you find. 

Digital Forensics and Incident Response 

  • Investigate breaches by tracing malware and network activity, following the same evidence protocols used by the FBI. 

Technical Leadership and Communication 

  • Lead real security assessments and turn complex threats into clear, actionable strategies that non-technical teams can act on. 
Career

Cybersecurity Career & Salary Outlook

Career Path 

Industry Sector 

Entry Level (0-5 years) 

Mid-Level (5-10 years) 

Senior Level (10+ years) 

Information Security 

Technology 

Information Security Analyst 
$125K 

Senior Security Analyst 
$175K 

Director of Information Security 
$250K 

Software Security 

Technology  

Security Software Developer 
$133K 

Senior Security Engineer 
$187K 

VP of Security Engineering 
$266K 

Network Security 

Defense 

Network Security Architect 
$130K 

Senior Network Security Architect 
$183K 

Chief Information Security Officer 
$261K 

Threat Intelligence 

Government 

Security Researcher 
$125K 

Lead Threat Intelligence Analyst 
$175K 

Director of Threat Operations 
$250K 

Data Security 

Finance 

Database Security Administrator 
$123K 

Senior Database Security Architect 
$172K 

Director of Data Security 
$246K 

Security Leadership 

Healthcare 

IT Security Manager 
$171K 

Senior Security Operations Manager 
$240K 

Chief Security Officer 
$342K 

Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Preview
Cost

Financing Your Future

College is a great investment in your future—and we’re here to help you plan for it. Explore WPI’s cost of attendance and learn how our Office of Financial Aid can guide you through options for funding your education. 

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Start Building Your Future Today

WPI's simple formula helps students thrive: “Go to class. Do the work. Ask for help.” With our cybersecurity degree, you’ll gain the skills, experience, and connections to protect critical systems and create secure technology that makes the world safer. 

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