About Cybersecurity and Faculty
Cybersecurity is about being on the offensive and defensive at all times. That's why we created a cutting-edge cybersecurity program with three different levels of instruction, so you can choose your professional route in this in-demand, future-forward industry.
With our cybersecurity bachelor's degree, you'll build a strong foundation and learn the intricacies of this rapidly evolving field. In our master's in cybersecurity, you'll hone your skills and set yourself apart from your peers. You can showcase your expertise in an industry niche by earning our graduate certificate in cybersecurity.
No matter your program, you will gain a diversified knowledge base of the infrastructure that prevents breaches and cyberattacks. Be prepared to make a real difference.
Two colleges. One program. Double the opportunity.
Our cybersecurity programs are a part of both the Haworth College of Business and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Each college has resources that help you pursue your purpose and prepare for a successful future, which means you get double the support. Explore each college and learn more about the resources available.
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Security lies in this unique area where you have to understand the business side and the technical side.
Jason Johnson, faculty specialist in cybersecurity
Student quote
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"The industrial manufacturing sector has been going through an amazing transformation in the last decade, and cybersecurity is at the center of it all."
Edjola Hoxha, M.S.'23, senior automation engineer at Pfizer
Our cybersecurity faculty are industry experts
Our programs are taught by recognized industry experts with a wide range of knowledge and experience. The cybersecurity faculty have years of experience and play a key role in guiding a curriculum focused on relevant applications.
Alan Rea, Ph.D.
Alan Rea is a professor in the Department of Business Information Systems in the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University. He regularly teaches courses in information assurance, risk management, system security and digital forensics. In his courses, he implements free and open-source software whenever possible to emphasize the changing environment within information systems.
His research concentrates on secure system development, organizational information assurance and risk management approaches. In particular, he has examined security implications associated with developing, deploying and managing cloud and web services, Internet of Things devices and mobile applications. He is frequently featured as a media expert on his research.
Rea's research has been published in the Journal of Information Systems Education, Journal of Information Systems Security, Journal of Information Privacy and Security, Journal of Computer Information Systems, Communications of the ACM, Industrial Management & Data Systems and Journal of Digital Forensics, Security and Law.
He serves on various academic and industry security working groups and is a co-director of WMU's cybersecurity programs.
Jason Johnson
Jason Johnson is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Western Michigan University. He spent several years working in biometric capture technology as a field support engineer. When his interests shifted to computer science, he enrolled at Western Michigan University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 2010 and his Master of Science degree in 2012.
Additionally, he holds several certifications, including GIAC Security Essentials Certification, GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator, GIAC Certified Web Application Defender, and Mile2 Certified Professional Ethical Hacker. His teaching interests include cybersecurity, algorithms, computer architecture, and operating systems. He serves as co-director of WMU's cybersecurity programs.