Cybersecurity | Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
is critical to every aspect of our technologically connected society. It’s about protecting not just computer systems and mobile applications, but businesses, and governments, along with individuals’ privacy and life savings. The ubiquitous use and critical importance of these systems make them targets for cyber criminals, who invade and manipulate computers for financial or political gain.
Faculty and student researchers at WPI are working together to make the world safer from all kinds of increasing and imminent cyber threats. And our faculty members are working to train the next generation of professionals who will defend our cyber systems.
WPI Launches a Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity
WPI's recent launch of a new bachelor's degree in cybersecurity builds on the university's expertise and helps create a workforce prepared for what comes next.
Learn more about WPI's bachelor's degree in cybersecurity
CONTACT
cybersecurity@wpi.edu
Safeguarding our Networked World
Just as the need for cybersecurity has spread throughout our lives, teaching cybersecurity at WPI is integrated throughout our curriculum. As it affects so many aspects of our society, it can’t just be taught in the confines of computer science. Cybersecurity concepts are interwoven into several disciplines, including engineering, social sciences, business, and management. Designated by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research, WPI is advancing cybersecurity research and education in software security, cryptography, analysis of security policies and protocols, network security, embedded system security, online privacy, and more.
With an expected 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity-related jobs in the U.S. by 2021, this is a pivotal time for students to ready themselves to enter the field and set themselves up for an important and lucrative career. Students in this program become skilled professionals who safeguard the online systems and data upon which our society depends.
Finding Your Path at WPI
Undergraduate students interested in this field can pursue a
cybersecurity concentration
within their BS degree in Computer Science. Graduate students can pursue an
MS in Cyber Security
or an MS or PhD in Computer Science with a
cybersecurity specialization
. The Computer Science concentration and specialization focus the student’s research projects and elective coursework on security topics taught by our
interdisciplinary faculty
Hands-On Experience
Through WPI’s project-based curriculum, students study cybersecurity cases and other technical issues within real companies and organizations. They gain experience working on interdisciplinary teams and applying their skills to solve real problems. Both
Interactive Qualifying Projects (IQP)
and
Major Qualifying Projects (MQP)
take our students beyond the classroom and provide collaborative experiences. Prospective employers value the teamwork experience, research skills, and ability to work in a self-structured manner that our students learn through these projects.
CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service
WPI is one of only three universities in Massachusetts that participate in the federal
Scholarship for Service
program funded by the National Science Foundation. This competitive scholarship provides full tuition for up to three years of a recipient’s full-time study of cybersecurity at the graduate or undergraduate level.
Cybersecurity Resources for Current Students
Mailing List for Cybersecurity Program
Concentration Completion Form (Undergraduate)
Area of Study
Filter by:
Bachelor
Minor
BS/MS
Certificate
Master
PhD
Computer Science
bachelor
minor
certificate
master
phd
This degree is eligible for a dual bachelor + master option.
Computer Science (MCS)
master
This degree is also offered
Online
This degree is eligible for a dual bachelor + master option.
Cybersecurity
bachelor
master
Cybersecurity Management
Online certificate
Data Science
master
This degree is eligible for a dual bachelor + master option.
Electrical & Computer Engineering
master
This degree is eligible for a dual bachelor + master option.
Information Technology
master
This degree is eligible for a dual bachelor + master option.
Teaching Cyber Security for High School Teachers
certificate
This degree is also offered
Online
Advance with the BS/MS Dual Degree Program
Fast-track your education and career with the BS/MS program by earning a dual degree―an accelerated academic pathway to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Saving both time and money while building advanced knowledge and skills could help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.
Discover more about the BS/MS program
and your options to earn a BS/MS dual degree at the links below.
FAQs about the BS/MS program
BS/MS program academic catalog information
Center of Excellence Recognition
WPI has been recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research (NCAE-R). This recognition is a testament to the diverse and extensive research and other academic efforts by our security-related faculty.
Learn more about NCAE
CyberCorps: Scholarship For Service
The National Science Foundation has partnered with WPI on the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service initiative. This prestigious program funds cybersecurity education for undergraduate and graduate students in exchange for a period of government employment after graduation.
News
See More News
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Builds on Three Decades of Cybersecurity Leadership with New Degree Tackling Global Skills Gap
December 04, 2025
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WPI Selected as Key Partner in National Cybersecurity and AI Training Initiative to Advance U.S. Automotive Innovation
August 13, 2025
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Media Coverage
See More Media Coverage
Worcester Business Journal
WPI launches bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity
WPI has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program to prepare students to design, analyze, and secure modern computing systems across industries.
Dark Reading
SWEEPS Educational Initiative Offers Application Security Training
WPI is offering educational programs aimed at improving the country’s software security. The Strengthen Workforce Education for Excellence in Programming Securely (SWEEPS) program will include a variety of options focused on improved security in computer coding, including online courses and certificate programs, offered by a coalition of universities and colleges. "The increasing frequency of large-scale cyberattacks reinforces the need for more experts in secure programming," said Xiaoyan (Sherry) Sun, associate professor of computer science, an administrator of the program.
Additional Publications:
Daily Democrat
Worcester Business Journal
WPI launches new cyber security master’s program
The Worcester Business Journal reported on WPI creating a Master’s in
Cybersecurity
, a new graduate program that prepares students to be leaders in the fields of cybersecurity and computer science. The program launches in fall 2021 and applications are currently being accepted. “We recognize that the workforce needs professionals who can combine technical expertise in security with an understanding of its impact on people and businesses,” Craig Shue, associate professor of computer science, said in a statement.
Forbes
Cyber Expert Shortage Leaves Networks Vulnerable
Forbes
interviewed
Michael Ahern
, director of corporate and professional education, on the cybersecurity training programs he and his team have been creating for several ‘critical’ industries, for this article. “I was an engineer in the power industry for 30 years, and I know that some of these companies are being attacked thousands of times a day,” Ahern said. “There are not enough cybersecurity workers at a time when the trend is that more and more hacks are successful.”
Graduate Admissions
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Online Admissions