In our increasingly technology-reliant world, cyber threats are a major concern. With so much sensitive data going online, advanced cybersecurity measures must be created to protect sensitive data, and those measures must be monitored to ensure their efficacy. Because of this, the field of cybersecurity is in desperate need of a wide range of well trained experts, with high salaries going to top talent.
There are 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally, with over 450,000 in the US right now. Almost 4,000 of those vacant jobs are in Oklahoma, with more than 600 currently vacant in the northeast part of the state. The OU Polytechnic Institute is designed with this in mind, working with local and state industry partners to develop programs, like the BS in Cybersecurity, to meet the skyrocketing demand for these jobs.
This is a bachelor's completion program. Students traditionally transfer to OUPI once they have earned an associates degree or taken at least 24 hours from an accredited institution, such as Tulsa Community College.
This 60 hour bachelor degree completion program is designed to be completed in two years and developed with the needs of local, state, and regional employers in mind. Upon graduation, students will hold a Bachelor's of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Oklahoma. All classes, which start Fall of 2024, are in person, hands on, and right here in Tulsa.
Your OU degree in cybersecurity will make you uniquely prepared to take advantage of the multitude of career opportunities available in northeast Oklahoma and around the world. Combining hands-on learning with projects that span multiple relevant fields of study, you'll make real world connections, including internships and industry-sponsored senior design projects.
At the OU Polytechnic Institute on the OU-Tulsa campus, most classes are strategically scheduled only two days a week, with some variations. Class days are grouped together and may vary by semester to accommodate program needs. This schedule allows students to complete their degree while balancing time for work, internships, and personal growth.
The University of Oklahoma offers a variety of scholarships to admitted transfer students or those specifically enrolled in the OU Polytechnic Institute based on criteria such as academics, leadership, and community involvement. OUPI students are eligible to receive any of these scholarships for which they qualify. In addition, a fund has been established to provide stipends necessary for technology purchases including laptops or software. Qualified OUPI students can receive stipends of up to $1,000 for technology purchases.
Graduates of the program will be able to:
Some typical career paths include:
OU Polytechnic Institute graduates will be qualified for job openings in industries such as:
OUPI has articulation agreements with Tulsa Community College and Seminole State College in Cybersecurity. Following these agreements helps students save time and money, ensuring a smooth transition to completing their Bachelor's Degree. Each agreement is based on a semester-by-semester guide from a partner institution, showing how courses transfer to specific bachelor's degree programs. These are just one example of how a student may successfully complete degree requirements for both programs.
Students should regularly consult with their advisors and review the official degree sheets to stay on track. It is crucial for students to understand the program, admission, and transfer requirements for OU and to complete the necessary requirements as outlined in the official degree sheet for each major.
Stay tuned for new articulation agreements coming soon! Check back regularly for updates.
High school students interested in pursuing a Cybersecurity degree at OU-Tulsa can begin their academic journey by spending their first two years at OU-Norman, majoring in Software Development and Integration (SDI), an OUPI program. After completing their initial coursework at OU-Norman, students seamlessly transition to the Cybersecurity program at the OU-Tulsa campus, where they will continue their studies.
The first two years of SDI align perfectly with the requirements for Cybersecurity majors at OU-Tulsa, ensuring a smooth progression. This alignment means that all SDI courses taken at OU-Norman during the first two years fulfill the foundational requirements for the Cybersecurity program. It’s an ideal path for students planning to specialize in Cybersecurity.
It’s important to note that the Cybersecurity program is exclusively available at the OU-Tulsa campus, making this structured pathway a unique opportunity for prospective students.
Your degree in Cybersecurity from OUPI can open doors that set you off on a journey of a lifetime. Sign up for reminders at the link below.
