The week UNLV launched its new online bachelor’s in cybersecurity, Nevada state government suffered a massive data breach. The ransomware attack — and similar, frequent data breaches spanning all manner of industry — is indicative of the program’s in-demand and on-time nature.

“It’s a well known area right now,” said Greg Moody, director of the UNLV cybersecurity bachelor’s and graduate programs and a Lee professor of information systems. “Every time you look in the news, there’s a new data breach.”

That might be one reason why the program, which officially launched on Aug. 25, has already exceeded enrollment projections and is anticipating more demand in spring and fall 2026.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 29% job increase in cybersecurity through 2034, and there are over 500,000 cybersecurity job openings across the U.S. according to Cyber Seek. 

“Every single industry has this need right now,” said Moody. “There is not a single company or a single industry that does not rely upon data stored in a computing device and the transmission of that data. It’s only becoming more and more embedded into how we do things.”

The bachelor’s degree — developed jointly between Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering and Lee Business School — is the latest offering in a long-term strategic plan to bolster cybersecurity education opportunities and research at UNLV. The two colleges already jointly offer UNLV’s master’s in cybersecurity, developed in response to industry demand and a lack of skilled professionals in an ever-burgeoning field both in Nevada and across the nation.

The bachelor’s program was the next logical step, with both colleges bringing their respective areas of expertise to create a robust and unique, industry- and technology-responsive program.

What Sets UNLV's Cyber Program Apart

The B.S. degree builds off of an already strong partnership between the College of Engineering and Lee Business School, blending technical, data, and computer expertise with the managerial aspects of security, compliance, and risk management. 

“The interdisciplinary nature of the program makes our students well-rounded cybersecurity experts,” said Juyeon Jo, professor of computer science and director of the UNLV Cybersecurity Center, a National Center of Academic Excellence. “They can operate at the intersection of technology and business. And, our unique program model places a strong focus on integrating AI in cybersecurity applications.

“Our graduates are prepared to address today’s risk and tomorrow’s challenges.”

Hands-On, High-Tech Learning

• Innovative, fully online curriculum: Students start out learning the basics of business and programming. Higher-level coursework addresses the comprehensive, technical aspects of how to secure data and networks with a focus on perimeter security, wireless networks, digital forensics and incident response and secure software analysis and design. The program boasts a strong focus on AI and machine learning, as well as OT infrastructure — the technologies and processes that undergird critical infrastructure like power grids and transportation systems. And, the program is offered fully online, providing flexibility for students from all backgrounds.

Responding to Workforce Needs

• Responsive to industry needs: The B.S. degree launched this fall as part of a long-term strategic plan that began in 2017 with local industry approaching UNLV to develop graduates with cyber skills. At the time, UNLV offered a handful of cyber courses but not a well-rounded, robust curriculum. A committee was formed, with the first step being the development of the master’s program, geared toward helping full-time professionals tool up and advance their careers. When new courses are created for both the master’s and bachelor’s program, industry advisors are part of the development process to ensure course content aligns with their current needs. 

Join a Top-Ranked Program

• Recognized regionally and nationally: Last year, Fortune Magazine ranked the M.S. degree No. 2 in the nation, the latest accolade for a cybersecurity program designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. This summer, UNLV hosted its largest-ever cohort during the popular GenCyber program, which introduces middle- and high-school students to the field of cybersecurity. And, the student-led Cyber Clinic, now entering its fourth year, continues to provide free cybersecurity assessments to help small businesses shore up their cyber defenses. The clinic is a win-win for both the students gaining hands-on experience and the local businesses who receive the services.

Gaining Real-world, Hands-on Experience 

Hayden Williams recently left corporate America and is now a senior lecturer in cybersecurity for UNLV. In previous roles, he recalls talking to students who possessed the necessary domain knowledge, but lacked the hands-on experience companies were looking for.

And, to be sure, every company is looking for cyber protection.

“From airlines and retail, to banking and healthcare, there’s a huge demand for cyber,” Williams said. “Everything is becoming digitized, and it’s on your network. So, we have to have ways to protect all these devices. The cloud is becoming a new point of vulnerability too. On top of that, the rate of cyber crime is increasing, with cyber criminal operations having their own HR departments."

Ten years ago, mining companies — one of the state’s biggest industries — didn’t have cybersecurity on their radar. Now, cyber protection is paramount.

“They keep a lot of proprietary data on, for example, the best geological spaces to mine,” Moody said. “If that data gets breached, they can lose both their competitive advantage and a lot of money. It’s a big deal.”

One of the key selling points about the program is its focus on real-world, hands-on experience. Students in the cybersecurity program are encouraged to join and get active in the cyber-affiliated student organizations on campus including the Cyber Clinic, Layer Zero, ISACA, and WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity). Students are also presenting at conferences and attending conferences, like Black Hat and DEF CON, the world’s largest hacker conference hosted annually in Las Vegas.

Embedded into the required coursework, students are also gaining certifications that most companies often require of job applicants. The certifications bolster students’ resumes, making it easier to obtain a job after graduation.

“Students are getting certifications to show their domain knowledge but they’re also getting hands-on experience through hands-on labs, working with UNLV’s Office of Information Technology, and also working with the community,” Williams said.

Following the state’s data breach, UNLV cybersecurity program leaders see an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience monitoring Nevada’s data, networks, and devices if plans for a statewide security operations center move forward.

“We’re training our students to be entry-level, tier 1 analysts who can identify prevent incidents before they happen and investigate and respond to real-time cyber threats,” Moody said. “They’re going to have real, hands-on applied experience by the time they graduate — skills that any company in the world would be lucky to have.”