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Industry-ready from day one — learning from cyber experts in Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program

Cybersecurity is about more than technology. It’s about protecting people, organizations and entire communities from threats that can disrupt daily life. Boise State’s online cyber operations and resilience program helps students meet these challenges head-on. You’ll learn directly from industry professionals and practice with tools used by leading cybersecurity companies.

From the start, students don’t just study theory. They build skills employers want now.

Learn from professionals who work in the field

In this program, students learn from faculty who also work as cybersecurity professionals. They bring real-world experience into the virtual classroom and share insights from active industry challenges.

That means you won’t just read about threats. You’ll see how today’s experts detect, prevent and respond to them.

“The program has made me realize I don’t have to be a certain type of person to go into cyber,” said Marissa Wilson, a graduate of the program. “I can bring my own perspective, and that’s valuable.”

Gain hands-on experience with industry leaders

The online Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience program is designed to go beyond lectures by giving students real-world practice with the same tools professionals use. Through partnerships with VMware, Palo Alto Networks and Cisco, students gain access to training, labs and certifications that are highly respected in the industry.

This means you’ll graduate not only with a bachelor’s degree, but also with skills and credentials that employers recognize and trust.

For Jacorious Smith, who transitioned from military service to cybersecurity, the ability to earn certifications while completing his degree was a major advantage. 

“It’s the best of both worlds,” he explained. “I’m building toward my degree while gaining the hands-on skills and certifications that make me stand out in the job market.”

Build resilience across people, processes and technology

Unlike traditional cybersecurity programs that focus mostly on coding or hardware, Boise State’s program takes a holistic approach. Students learn how to build resilience across entire systems — people, processes and technology — using a systems-thinking model.

That means graduates leave prepared not only to stop attacks, but also to design strategies that help organizations recover quickly and minimize damage when incidents occur.

This broader perspective prepares students for leadership roles and makes them valuable contributors to any organization.

Tyler Dibble, another student in the program, explained it this way: “I like that it’s not just about the technical side. It’s about how people and processes fit into the bigger picture. That’s what makes this program different.”

Flexible and inclusive for all backgrounds

Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program was built to welcome students from a variety of backgrounds — military, law enforcement, IT and even non-tech fields. Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to move into a leadership role, the program is designed to meet you where you are.

With a stackable structure, students can earn certificates and credentials along the way, making progress visible and meaningful. Many also bring in credit for prior learning or industry certifications, helping shorten the time it takes to earn a degree.

And because the program is fully online, students can balance school with work, family and other responsibilities.

Industry-ready from day one

Boise State’s online Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience program prepares students to make an immediate impact in the workforce. With expert faculty, industry-aligned training and a flexible design that supports students at every stage, graduates leave ready to protect and strengthen the systems that power our economy and daily lives.

Learn more about the cyber operations and resilience program

Earning an online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step. 

Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.

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