List of Cybersecurity Degrees at East Carolina University 2026

East Carolina University (ECU) offers a range of cybersecurity-focused academic pathways designed for both traditional students and working professionals. With a strong emphasis on online learning and transfer-friendly options, ECU provides flexible programs that address modern cybersecurity challenges across technical and strategic domains.

For students researching an ECU cybersecurity degree, the university integrates cybersecurity education into technology, industrial, and security studies programs. This guide outlines the cybersecurity-related degrees, minors, and certificates available at ECU, including undergraduate and graduate options.

Does East Carolina University Offer Cybersecurity Degrees?

Yes, East Carolina University offers multiple cybersecurity-related degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Cybersecurity is available through dedicated technology degrees, specialized concentrations, and interdisciplinary security studies programs.

In addition to full degree programs, ECU offers minors and graduate certificates that allow students to add cybersecurity expertise to another field of study. Many of these programs are available fully online, making them accessible to distance learners and transfer students.

Cybersecurity Certificates and Minors at ECU

ECU offers cybersecurity-focused minors and certificate-style credentials designed to complement other majors or provide targeted skill development. These options are well suited for students who want to add cybersecurity knowledge without completing a full degree.

• Minor in Information and Cybersecurity Technology

This fully online minor consists of 18 credits and covers topics such as network security, cloud fundamentals, and core cybersecurity concepts. It is commonly paired with majors in criminal justice, business, or information technology.

Associate Degrees in Cybersecurity

East Carolina University does not award associate degrees in cybersecurity directly, but it offers clearly defined transfer pathways for students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or similar technical degree at a community college. These pathways are designed to help transfer students apply prior technical coursework toward a bachelor’s degree.

Students with an associate degree in fields such as information technology, networking, or industrial technology may be especially well positioned to continue into ECU’s cybersecurity-related bachelor’s programs. This approach supports a seamless transition from community college into an online or on-campus bachelor’s degree.

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in a technical field (transfer pathway)

Bachelor’s Degrees in Cybersecurity

ECU offers multiple bachelor’s degree options that incorporate cybersecurity education, allowing students to choose between hands-on technical training and strategy-focused study. These programs are designed to serve both first-time college students and transfer students.

Available bachelor’s degree options include:

• Bachelor of Science in Information and Cybersecurity Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (Information and Cybersecurity Concentration)
• Bachelor of Science in Security Studies

The BS in Information and Cybersecurity Technology is the university’s flagship technical program and is available fully online with a cybersecurity concentration. The BS in Industrial Technology is designed as a degree-completion option for students with prior technical education, while the BS in Security Studies emphasizes cyber warfare, homeland security, and policy rather than programming or systems engineering.

Master’s Degrees in Cybersecurity

East Carolina University offers graduate programs that combine technical cybersecurity engineering with strategic and policy-focused study. These programs are designed for professionals seeking advancement into senior technical, infrastructure protection, or leadership roles.

Graduate cybersecurity-related degree options include:

• Master of Science in Information and Cybersecurity Technology
• Master of Science in Security Studies (Science and Technology Security Concentration)

The MS in Information and Cybersecurity Technology offers three online concentrations: Cybersecurity, Critical Infrastructure, and Network Technology Management. The Critical Infrastructure concentration is particularly distinctive, focusing on securing industrial control systems (ICS), utilities, and Internet of Things (IoT) environments, while the MS in Security Studies explores cyber threats through a policy and strategic lens.

Graduate Certificates at ECU

ECU offers stackable graduate certificates that allow students to build specialized cybersecurity expertise or apply credits toward a master’s degree. These programs are well suited for working professionals who want focused training without committing immediately to a full graduate program.

Available graduate certificates include:

• Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Professional
• Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management
• Graduate Certificate in Security Studies

These certificates typically require 12 to 15 credit hours and may align with related master’s programs at ECU, allowing students to continue their studies if they choose.

Other Related Degrees at ECU

In addition to its cybersecurity-focused programs, East Carolina University offers several related degrees that may appeal to students interested in information technology, infrastructure, and security strategy. These programs intersect with cybersecurity and may support careers in IT management, industrial systems, and public safety.

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology
• Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

These programs provide broader foundations in technology systems, industrial operations, or public safety administration. Students pursuing these degrees may complement their studies with cybersecurity coursework or consider adding a minor in Information and Cybersecurity Technology.

Master’s Degrees

• Online Master of Science in Technology Management

This graduate program focuses on advanced technical systems, leadership, and operational efficiency. While not exclusively cybersecurity-focused, it may benefit professionals working in technology-driven industries where infrastructure protection and systems management are priorities.

Admissions Requirements for Cybersecurity Programs at ECU

Admissions requirements for ECU cybersecurity programs vary depending on degree level and whether a student is entering as a first-time freshman or transfer student. Applicants should review specific program criteria before applying.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Undergraduate applicants to cybersecurity-related programs typically must meet ECU’s general admission standards. Requirements may include:

• high school diploma or equivalent
• minimum GPA requirements
• official transcripts
• completion of prerequisite coursework for technical majors (if applicable)
• transfer credit evaluation for students with an associate degree

Graduate Admission Requirements

Graduate cybersecurity programs require prior academic preparation. Common requirements include:

• bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• official transcripts
• minimum undergraduate GPA (program dependent)
• statement of purpose
• relevant technical background or professional experience (program dependent)

Careers You Can Pursue With an ECU Cybersecurity Degree

Graduates of ECU cybersecurity programs are prepared for a variety of roles across technical, operational, and strategic areas of information security. Because ECU offers both hands-on technology programs and policy-focused degrees, career outcomes depend on the specific program and concentration.

Common career paths include cybersecurity analyst, network security specialist, information security manager, digital forensics investigator, critical infrastructure security analyst, and risk or compliance specialist. Graduates of management- and policy-oriented programs may also pursue roles in homeland security, intelligence analysis, or public sector cybersecurity leadership.

Accreditation and Program Quality at ECU

East Carolina University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its cybersecurity-related programs are designed to meet academic quality standards while aligning with workforce needs.

ECU places a strong emphasis on applied learning and critical infrastructure protection, particularly through its Information and Cybersecurity Technology programs. The university’s focus on online delivery, transfer pathways, and specialized concentrations helps differentiate its cybersecurity offerings from many traditional programs.

FAQs About ECU Cybersecurity Degrees

Prospective students often have questions about how cybersecurity programs are structured at ECU and which options best fit their goals. The FAQs below address common considerations.

Does ECU Offer an Online Cybersecurity Degree?

Yes, ECU offers multiple cybersecurity-related programs in fully online formats. These include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, minors, and graduate certificates. Online students complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

What Is the Difference Between ECU’s Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degrees?

The BS in Information and Cybersecurity Technology focuses on hands-on technical skills and enterprise security. The BS in Industrial Technology with an information and cybersecurity concentration is designed for transfer students completing a bachelor’s degree online. The BS in Security Studies emphasizes cyber policy, strategy, and homeland security rather than technical implementation.

Can Transfer Students Earn a Cybersecurity Degree at ECU?

Yes, ECU is known for its transfer-friendly pathways. Students with an Associate of Applied Science or similar technical degree may be able to apply credits toward a bachelor’s program. Transfer credit policies vary by program and academic history.

Does ECU Offer Graduate Certificates in Cybersecurity?

Yes, ECU offers several graduate certificates in cybersecurity-related areas. These certificates provide focused training and may be applied toward a master’s degree. They are designed for working professionals seeking targeted skill development.

Is an ECU Cybersecurity Degree Respected by Employers?

ECU is a regionally accredited public university with established online programs. Its cybersecurity degrees emphasize practical skills and real-world application. Graduates work in private industry, government, and critical infrastructure sectors.

Discover Online Cybersecurity Degree Programs

If you’re exploring cybersecurity education options, visit Learn.org to compare online cybersecurity degree programs and request information from schools. Learn.org can help you identify accredited programs that align with your academic background and career goals.