San Jacinto College to Launch Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity

New program to begin in fall 2024

The San Jacinto College Board of Trustees has approved a new bachelor’s degree in information technology ("IT") with an emphasis in cybersecurity. Scheduled to begin in fall 2024, this will be the third bachelor’s degree that the College will offer.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics ("BLS") projects a 35% employment growth in the cybersecurity field from 2021 to 2031, which is one reason that the College is launching this degree program. The demand for highly skilled professionals is critical in industries with an online presence and will only continue to grow. While entry-level positions accept associate degree holders with industry credentials and relevant experience, employers often prefer candidates with bachelor's degrees. A Bachelor of Applied Technology ("BAT") in IT with an emphasis in Cybersecurity will provide students with a more effective pathway to enter and advance in the cybersecurity workforce.

“We know that industries across the board have seen a dramatic increase in cyber-attacks and our industry partners have asked us to design this program with hands-on experiences that address situations that students will encounter in the field.” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “This new bachelor’s degree is imperative to address the escalating demand for highly trained and professional individuals who possess the skills employers need to respond to and combat these digital threats.”

In its consideration of developing this new degree program, San Jacinto College received feedback from IT leaders and representatives from a number of industries. The program will equip students with both technical and academic competencies and prepare graduates for advanced degrees and careers in related fields.

“The development of the Bachelor’s of Applied Technology in IT with an emphasis in Cybersecurity is critical to address the expected job growth,” added Kevin Morris, dean of business and technology at the San Jacinto College South Campus. “Companies and organizations continue to invest in advanced cybersecurity solutions, and with the addition of this degree program, San Jacinto College will be poised to help fill the expanding workforce pipeline.”

With the approval of the new bachelor’s degree by the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, the next step for the College is to notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Higher Education Regional Council. The College will also need to develop a curriculum proposal which will be submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Schools.

San Jacinto College anticipates admitting an initial cohort of 40 students beginning fall 2024.