Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree Completion Program
Program Announcement - Cybersecurity B.P.S.
After thoughtful analysis of today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape and regional workforce demand, we have made the difficult decision to pause admissions to our Cybersecurity B.P.S. program, effective Fall 2026.
Current students will be able to complete all degree requirements and graduate as previously planned. Please continue to work with your academic advisor to plan out your remaining semesters.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope that you will continue to follow us as we expand program offerings through GW RevU, our flexible and affordable lifelong learning platform. We also encourage you to explore our Master's degree in Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management.
From the Equifax breach to interference in the 2016 Presidential election, no target has proven too big for cyberspace’s bad actors. And as thousands of would-be criminals, terrorists and spies are using their knowledge to exploit vulnerabilities worldwide, those who wear the white hat need to stay a step ahead in safeguarding society.
Our Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Completion program combines highly technical, hands-on curriculum in labs and virtual environments with invaluable collaboration with government agencies, private companies and the military experts fighting every day on cyberspace’s front lines. Designed for students with associate’s, applied associate's or non-technical bachelor’s degrees who are looking to advance in the field, you will learn the ins and outs of attack tools, IT defense countermeasures, encryption and more to help solve cyber’s toughest problems.
Program at a Glance
You can complete your bachelor's degree in as little as 24 months through evening and weekend courses, convenient for working professionals.
The instructors are nationally and internationally recognized experts, and bring first-hand experience and real-life scenarios to the classroom.
GW has been designated a Federal Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
Where You'll Study
Classes are held at two Virginia locations, including the GW Education Center in Arlington and the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn.
What You'll Study
The program targets competencies defined by the National Initiative for Cyber Security Education (NICE). Through significant technical and hands-on learning using computer labs and virtual environments, as well as our collaboration with government agencies, private companies and the military, you will learn to:
- Understand and implement Cybersecurity requirements
- Investigate and analyze Cybersecurity incidents
- Protect and effectively defend computer networks against malicious activities
- Identify and correct computer network vulnerabilities through penetration testing and hacking techniques
- Initiate and undertake critical analysis of security issues to develop and implement security policies and to solve problems
- Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals
- Course Schedule
Students take 60 credits of required courses. There are 15 courses, each 4 credits, and they are taken in lockstep as part of a cohort group of students.
To graduate in as little as 24 months, students take 12 credits per semester and are advised to discuss scheduling with a faculty advisor.Fall Semester/Year 1
PSCS 3100: Principles of Cybersecurity (4 credits)
PSCS 3103: Ethics, Law & Policy (4 credits)
PSCS 4110: Data Communications & Networking Technology (4 credits)Spring Semester/Year 1
PSCS 3105: Governance, Risk Management & Compliance (4 credits)
PSCS 3107: IP Security & VPN Technology (4 credits)
PSCS 2304: Incident Response (4 credits)Summer Semester/Year 1
PSCS 3109: Network Security (4 credits)
PSCS 3110: Cloud Security (4 credits)
PSCS 3111: IT Security System Audits (4 credits)Fall Semester/Year 2
PSCS 4102: Intrusion Detection & Vulnerability Management (4 credits)
PSCS 3113: IT Security Defense Countermeasures – BLUE TEAM (4 credits)
PSCS 3115: Cyber Investigations & Threat Intelligence (4 credits)Spring Semester/Year 2
PSCS 4202: Attacker Tools & Techniques – RED TEAM (4 credits)
PSCS 2302: Digital Forensics (4 credits)
PSCS 3117: Project Management for IT (4 credits)- Course Descriptions
PSCS 2302: Digital Forensics (4 credits)
An introduction to digital forensic science and the systematic process of acquiring, authenticating, and analyzing digital evidence. Forensic methods and laboratories; tools, techniques, and methods used to perform computer forensics and investigation; and emerging technologies. Theoretical and practical experience using forensic equipment and software.
PSCS 2304: Incident Response (4 credits)
Principles and techniques for detecting and responding to current and emerging computer security threats. Data breaches, advanced malware, and targeted attacks. Law and policy related to incident response.
PSCS 3100: Principles of Cybersecurity (4 Credits)
Basic principles and concepts in information security and information assurance; technical, operational, and organizational issues of securing information systems.
PSCS 3103: Ethics, Law, and Policy (4 credits)
Overview of ethical, legal and policy issues related to the impact of modern technology on society; ethical theories and decision making, professional responsibility and codes of ethics, copyright and intellectual property, information accountability, freedom of information and privacy, the Internet and considerations associated with information sharing and social networking.
PSCS 3105: Governance, Risk Management & Compliance (4 credits)
Foundations of data protection from a risk management perspective with an introduction to the governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) framework. Data protection technologies, special technology requirements for compliance, governance, data security.
PSCS 3107: IP Security and VPN Technology (4 Credits)
Risks associated with an organization’s network being connected to the public Internet; defensive technologies, types of encryption, enterprise firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, and access control technologies; active threat agents and exploitation techniques used to compromise the digital infrastructure.
PSCS 3109: Network Security (4 Credits)
Security aspects of networks and network technology; intrusion detection, virtual private networks (VPN), and firewalls; types of security threats, security policy design and management; and security technologies, products, and solutions.
PSCS 3110: Cloud Security (4 Credits)
This course will examine Cloud Security architecture and explore: security design principles, design patterns, industry standards, applied technologies and address regulatory compliance requirements critical to the design, implementation, delivery and management of secure Cloud-based services. In addition, this course will examine risks to Cloud Security architecture, by identifying and mitigating threats and vulnerabilities and protecting and isolating physical and logical infrastructures.
PSCS 3111: Information Technology Security System Audits (4 Credits)
Theory, methodology, and procedures related to IT system audits; proper audit procedures for discovering system vulnerabilities; documenting findings according to the standards of compliance based auditing.
PSCS 3113: Topics in IT Security Defense Countermeasures (4 Credits)
Theory, methodology, and practical experience relating to IT defense countermeasures; system vulnerabilities and how adversaries can exploit them. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See department for more details.
PSCS 3115: Cyber Investigations & Threat Intelligence (4 Credits)
The investigative framework and tools needed for the investigation of cyber crime. Crimes that involve computer technology. Procedural and tactical issues associated with the prosecution of cyber crime.
PSCS 3117: Project Management in Information Technology (4 Credits)
Concepts and basic functions of the project management body of knowledge, including scope, quality, time, cost, risk, procurement, human resource, and communication management and integration of these functions into a project management system; roles and responsibilities of various project staff.
PSCS 4102: Intrusion Detection and Vulnerability Management (4 Credits)
The use of intrusion detection systems (IDS) as part of an organization’s overall security mechanisms; implementation and testing of IDS security plans, security monitoring, intrusion detection, alarm management, analysis of events and trends, and vulnerability management.
PSCS 4110: Data Communication and Networking Technologies (4 Credits)
Overview of the networking technologies deployed by modern enterprises. Hardware and software used to transfer information from source to destination, including switches, routers, firewalls, Ethernet, and the TCP/IP protocols suite. (Same as PSIS 4141).
PSCS 4202: Cyber Attack Tools and Techniques (4 Credits)
Linux-based introduction to traditional and contemporary attack tools and technologies used by threat actors. Constructing an effective computer network defense.
PSCS 2301: Cyber Investigation (4 credits)
The investigative framework and tools needed for the investigation of cyber crime. Crimes that involve computer technology; procedural and tactical issues associated with the prosecution of cyber crime.
PSCS 2302: Digital Forensics (4 credits)
An introduction to digital forensic science and the systematic process of acquiring, authenticating, and analyzing digital evidence. Forensic methods and laboratories; tools, techniques, and methods used to perform computer forensics and investigation; and emerging technologies. Theoretical and practical experience using forensic equipment and software.
PSCS 2303: Compliance and Risk Management (4 Credits)
Data protection from a risk management perspective. Data retention; security and protection technologies; technology requirements for compliance, governance, and data security; the importance of e-discovery for civil litigation; the impact of third-party services in conjunction with data protection; and data processing facets, such as the role of tiering and server and storage virtualization.
PSCS 2304: Incident Response (4 credits)
Principles and techniques for detecting and responding to current and emerging computer security threats. Data breaches, advanced malware, and targeted attacks. Law and policy related to incident response.
PSCS 3100: Principles of Cybersecurity (4 Credits)
Basic principles and concepts in information security and information assurance; technical, operational, and organizational issues of securing information systems.
PSCS 3103: Ethics, Law, and Policy (4 credits)
Overview of ethical, legal and policy issues related to the impact of modern technology on society; ethical theories and decision making, professional responsibility and codes of ethics, copyright and intellectual property, information accountability, freedom of information and privacy, the Internet and considerations associated with information sharing and social networking.
PSCS 3107: IP Security and VPN Technology (4 Credits)
Risks associated with an organization’s network being connected to the public Internet; defensive technologies, types of encryption, enterprise firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, and access control technologies; active threat agents and exploitation techniques used to compromise the digital infrastructure.
PSCS 3109: Network Security (4 Credits)
Security aspects of networks and network technology; intrusion detection, virtual private networks (VPN), and firewalls; types of security threats, security policy design and management; and security technologies, products, and solutions.
PSCS 3111: Information Technology Security System Audits (4 Credits)
Theory, methodology, and procedures related to IT system audits; proper audit procedures for discovering system vulnerabilities; documenting findings according to the standards of compliance based auditing.
PSCS 3113: Topics in IT Security Defense Countermeasures (4 Credits)
Theory, methodology, and practical experience relating to IT defense countermeasures; system vulnerabilities and how adversaries can exploit them. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See department for more details.
PSCS 3117: Project Management in Information Technology (4 Credits)
Concepts and basic functions of the project management body of knowledge, including scope, quality, time, cost, risk, procurement, human resource, and communication management and integration of these functions into a project management system; roles and responsibilities of various project staff.
PSCS 4102: Intrusion Detection and Vulnerability Management (4 Credits)
The use of intrusion detection systems (IDS) as part of an organization’s overall security mechanisms; implementation and testing of IDS security plans, security monitoring, intrusion detection, alarm management, analysis of events and trends, and vulnerability management.
PSCS 4103: Securing Operating Systems (4 Credits)
The security techniques and technologies integrated into Microsoft operating systems, which are a frequent target of attacks; primary threats and protection mechanisms developed by Microsoft and others; tools used to defend against known risks and vulnerabilities; client and server operating systems, OS hardening, application security, and Active Directory.
PSCS 4110: Data Communication and Networking Technologies (4 Credits)
Overview of the networking technologies deployed by modern enterprises. Hardware and software used to transfer information from source to destination, including switches, routers, firewalls, Ethernet, and the TCP/IP protocols suite. (Same as PSIS 4141).
PSCS 4202: Cyber Attack Tools and Techniques (4 Credits)
Linux-based introduction to traditional and contemporary attack tools and technologies used by threat actors. Constructing an effective computer network defense.
Tuition & Aid
GW tuition and fees are comparable to the national average for private universities. These costs, set by the GW Board of Trustees, generally increase from year to year and may vary by program and location.
- Costs and Aid
Please use this information as an estimate based on current tuition rates and fee structures. Total tuition and fees will vary according to the courses taken and the timeframe in which you complete your coursework. If needed, you can find financial aid opportunities as well as specific grants offered for students in this program. If applying for loans, keep deadlines in mind.
2026-2027 Rates in Effect for Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 TermsTuition: 60 credits @ $1,009 per credit hour
15 courses (typically completed in 2 years)
$60,540 Registration fees: 5 registration sessions @ $35 each $175 TOTAL: Tuition + fees over the average completion time $60,715 (approx.)
Other Costs to Consider: Application fee: $80*; Textbooks: $1,800 (approx.); Matriculation fee (one time): $259. Students admitted to the program will be required to have a laptop computer.*The application fee may be waived for students submitting complete applications by the priority deadline.
Grants
- Virginia State Grants: The Commonwealth of Virginia has two grant programs which students attending Virginia-based programs may qualify for. These programs include the Two-Year College Transfer Grant Program and the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant. More information about these programs, eligibility and application steps are available through GW's Office of Student Financial Assistance.
- National Science Foundation Scholarships for Service (NSF-SFS Grant): There are five scholarships available for eligible students attending Prince George’s, Northern Virginia and Anne Arundel Community Colleges. Contact your community college's academic advisor for more information.
Veteran's Benefits
Information regarding veteran's education benefits may be obtained from the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services, Foggy Bottom Campus. Students should contact at vetserve
gwu [dot] edu (vetserve[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-2083 with questions. A signed certificate attesting to the student's status must be obtained from the appropriate dean's office and mailed with the registration schedule and statement at the time of payment. Those students who are veterans and requesting benefits must communicate their status to the Veterans Benefits Office, at least 30 days prior to course start date, in order to obtain an advance payment from the VA. Payment takes approximately 6-8 weeks.- Virginia State Grants: The Commonwealth of Virginia has two grant programs which students attending Virginia-based programs may qualify for. These programs include the Two-Year College Transfer Grant Program and the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant. More information about these programs, eligibility and application steps are available through GW's Office of Student Financial Assistance.
"We live, work, and play in cyberspace. However, our increasing reliance on cyber technologies makes us more vulnerable to those adversaries who would attack our digital infrastructure with the intent of undermining our security and our economic prosperity. Graduates of GW’s cybersecurity bachelor’s degree completion program are well prepared to address a variety of threats facing our nation today and in the future."
Dr. Scott J. White, Ph.D.
Professor and Director,
GW Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
Contacts
Faith Kachurak
Student Success Coach
202-994-1419 | f [dot] kachurakgwu [dot] edu (f[dot]kachurak[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Scott White
Professor
Director, Cybersecurity Program
cybersecgwu [dot] edu (cybersec[at]gwu[dot]edu)