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Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development, BS
Secure Software Development Degree
Why Choose UCM for Your Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development BS?
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development at the University of Central Missouri delivers hands-on coding and computer programming expertise to defend vital digital assets against cyberattacks. Offered online and on campus in Warrensburg, this program equips you with the technical skills to build resilient applications and identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA and DHS, UCM features ABET-accredited instruction, 20+ expert faculty — including SANS GIAC-certified professors — and industry-aligned project experience. Whether you are aiming for advanced certifications or direct entry into high-paying secure developer roles, UCM provides an affordable, high-value pathway. Take the next step toward launching your career in cybersecurity engineering.
UCM's Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development BS at a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science | Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Warrensburg | Online
- #1 Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Program in Missouri by Programs.com (2026)
- #14 Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Program Nationwide by Cybersecurity Guide (2027)
- One of the few ABET-accredited cybersecurity programs in the U.S.
- Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
ContactDr. Trang Horn |
What will you learn in UCM's Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development BS?
Built on industry standards established by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD), the curriculum combines computer programming, software engineering and systems defense. You will develop technical, organizational, and human-centered skills to write secure code, design software models and fix vulnerabilities across enterprise applications.
Core Topics Covered:
- Secure Computer Programming: Learn foundational and advanced coding practices to eliminate security flaws at the source.
- Secure Software Engineering: Apply engineering principles to build robust software systems resilient to modern cyber threats.
- Software Security: Analyze software models to detect, patch and prevent vulnerabilities in production code.
- Information Assurance: Protect data confidentiality, integrity and availability across digital infrastructure.
- Usable Privacy and Security: Balance technical security controls with user accessibility and privacy requirements.
- Certification Preparation: Build foundational knowledge aligned with industry certification exams, including CISSP, CSSLP and Security+.
Unique learning opportunities in UCM's Secure Software Development BS program
- 24/7 NDG NetLab Access: Work in an isolated virtual environment across eight dedicated labs to practice ethical hacking, coding forensics and secure software development using industry-standard tools.
- Industry Project Presentations: Design real-world software engineering projects in partnership with Commerce Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank, with select student work showcased at the Money Museum in Kansas City.
- Corporate Internships: Build practical job experience with regional and national corporations to gain a competitive edge in secure developer hiring.
- Cybersecurity Competitions: Test your ethical hacking and defensive coding skills in national events like the National Cyber League, Midwest Regional CCDC and National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC).
- Student Organizations: Connect with secure software engineering professionals through UCM chapters of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), National Cybersecurity Student Association (NCSA) and Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE) honor society.
Fast facts about UCM's Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development BS
- Program Formats: Offered fully online and on campus in Warrensburg, Missouri
- ABET Accredited: One of the few ABET-accredited cybersecurity programs in the U.S. and one of the first two in Missouri accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
- National Designation: Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) since 2022, jointly sponsored by the NSA and DHS
- Top Ranked: #1 Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Program in Missouri by Programs.com (2026) and #14 Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Program Nationwide by Cybersecurity Guide (2027)
- Faculty Expertise: Taught by 20+ faculty members, including SANS GIAC-certified instructors
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Financial Aid and Scholarships for UCM's Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development BS
As a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid advisor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education. Recognized for offering low tuition rates compared to regional institutions in the Kansas City area and beyond, UCM provides multiple financial assistance resources.
Departmental Scholarships for Cybersecurity Majors:
- Cybersecurity Achievement Awards
- Cooper Scholarship
- Chelsoft Scholarship
- Harmon Scholarship
- ACM Scholarship
- Griffith Scholarship
Search eligibility criteria using the UCM Scholarship Finder and partner with your financial aid advisor to coordinate your funding options.
The next steps to your Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development degree:
① Request information about Cybersecurity at UCM.
② Schedule a visit or Connect virtually with a UCM admissions rep.
Career opportunities and outcomes for a Secure Software Development BS
A degree in Secure Software Development positions you for an in-demand career pipeline where employer demand for qualified software security professionals far exceeds the supply. UCM graduates possess the computer programming and secure engineering qualifications required for strong entry-level placement and rapid career advancement across finance, tech, healthcare and government sectors.
Leading Employers Hiring UCM Graduates:
- Federal Reserve Bank
- Commerce Bank
- SAIC
- Garmin
- H&R Block
- Cyderes
- Honeywell
- Oracle Health
Apply to UCM's Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development BS program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Take your degree further.
Is your goal to continue your studies and master the secure development model? Do you want to advance your potential to earn a higher salary in secure software engineering, computer programming or related fields? If so, then you may be interested in these graduate programs at UCM:
Make yourself more marketable.
Your Cybersecurity BS in Secure Software Development can be further enhanced by other areas of study. For a competitive advantage in the job market, consider a minor in a related program, such as:
Explore programs related to secure software development.
If you’re interested in cybersecurity but not convinced it’s the right career field for you, you may want to explore these degree programs in similar disciplines:
Frequently Asked Questions
You will study secure computer programming, secure software engineering, software security, information assurance and usable privacy. Coursework focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in code, writing secure applications and applying industry standards from the NSA and DHS.
Yes. The curriculum helps prepare you for industry-recognized certification exams, including CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CSSLP (Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional) and Security+.
Yes. Students gain hands-on experience through 24/7 access to the NDG NetLab virtual environment, corporate software projects presented to industry leaders, internships and national cyber defense competitions.
Yes. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET and holds the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation sponsored by the NSA and DHS.
Yes. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: Secure Software Development is offered both fully online and on-site at the Warrensburg campus.
Cybersecurity students can apply for university-wide financial aid as well as program awards, including the Cybersecurity Achievement Awards and the Cooper, Chelsoft, Harmon, ACM and Griffith scholarships.
