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Benjamin '21
Through a lot of prayer, I was led here, and everything’s just fallen into place ever since. Of course, it helps that Montreat has one of the top cybersecurity programs in the country.
Program of study:
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For over 30 years, Montreat College’s School of Adult and Graduate Studies has empowered students to acquire essential skills, complete their degrees, and advance their careers. Montreat offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs both in the classroom and online.
Montreat College is designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The AI minor provides students with a focused foundation in AI-driven security solutions, data analytics, and ethical decision-making. This Montreat College Online program integrates business ethics, data science, and cybersecurity principles to equip students with the technical expertise and critical thinking skills necessary to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity protocols, identify vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Students explore AI applications in cybersecurity, including machine learning for threat detection, data mining techniques, and AI-enhanced security audits. Core courses cover data analytics, algorithm development, machine learning, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) auditing through an AI lens.
Eligibility for the AI minor depends on current progress toward your degree. Talk with your academic advisor to see how this minor might fit into your academic plan.
Learn more about the AI Minor with information from the academic catalog and a course list.
With six start dates a year for most programs you have the flexibility to start when makes the most sense for you. Chances are we have classes starting in the near future, providing you the opportunity to move forward with your academic goals. Please see the admissions page for specific enrollment and start dates.
Applicants must submit the following for admissions consideration:
*All final transcripts must include graduation information
Apply for admission today!

Start your success story at Montreat.
Montreat College’s renowned Bachelor of Science program in Cybersecurity offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field. Students benefit from experienced faculty and a curriculum designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring they receive relevant and up-to-date education. With a focus on ethical hacking and responsible cybersecurity practices, graduates are prepared to make a positive impact as cybersecurity professionals in various industries.
Courses are offered online.
A Bachelor’s Degree is 120 credit hours and can take one to four years to complete depending upon the amount of credits you transfer in.
All courses are eight-week sessions. There are 2 sessions in a semester. To be considered a full-time undergraduate student, a student must take 12 credit hours per semester. For the 12 credit hours, the student must take 2 courses (6 credit hours) the first eight-week session and 2 courses (6 credit hours) the second eight-week session. Semesters in this program are Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Montreat College programs are competitively priced, and we offer multiple forms of financial aid to help you achieve your educational goals. Please see the current Online Tuition and Fees page here. Also, please keep in mind that there are multiple college and government financial aid programs available to help mitigate the cost of your education. You can learn more about your financial aid options.
According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market for Cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow 28% from 2016-26, much faster than the job market generally. Cybersecurity jobs include: security analyst, security engineer, security architect, security administrator, security software developer, chief information security officer, director of security, security consultant/specialist, intrusion detection specialist, computer security incident responder, source code auditor, virus technician, vulnerability assessor/researcher, penetration tester, malware analyst, disaster recovery analyst, business continuity analyst, cyber forensics investigator, and many more.
Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high, as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.
Business Elective
An in-depth study of computer hardware covering the domains of the A+ Certification Test 1001. Focus is on identification, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of field replaceable components. Topics include microprocessors, all types of memory, expansion bus, motherboards, power supplies, storage, removable media, video, audio, portable PCs, printers, networks, the Internet, computer security, and installation of current Windows operating systems and installation of Linux in a dual boot environment.
An in-depth study of computer operating systems covering the domains of the A+ Certification Test 1002. Focus is on current Windows operating systems, current Linux distributions and Mac OS X. This includes installation, maintenance, and management of desktops and servers.
This course introduces computer programming and problem solving in a structured program logic environment. Topics include language syntax, data types, program organization, problem-solving methods, algorithm design, and logic control structures. Upon completion, students should be able to use top-down algorithm design and implement algorithmic solutions in a programming language. Examples and assignments will be in C++.
This course offers an in-depth introduction to scripting languages, including basic data types, control structures, regular expressions, input/output, and textual analysis. Examples and assignments will be in Python. Prerequisite: CYBR 1211
A course introducing the student to the logic, design, implementation, and security of organizational. Particular emphasis is placed on relational database management that focuses on the logical nature of databases. Popular database programs and SQL constructions will be utilized. This course will touch on newer NOSQL databases as well.
An in-depth study of computer networking theories and concepts covering the domains of the Network+ Certification. Focus is on the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network devices using appropriate network tools and understanding of the features and purpose of network technologies. Prerequisite: CYBR 1111.
This course introduces students to the concepts of defense-in-depth, a security industry best practice. Topics include firewalls, backup systems, redundant systems, disaster recovery, Web and distributed systems security, specific implementation of security models and architectures, and incident handling. Upon completion, students should be able to plan effective information security defenses, backup systems, and disaster recovery procedures. Prerequisites: CYBR 2221
An in-depth study of computer and systems security covering the domains of the Security+ Certification. Focus is on the knowledge and skills required to identify risk and participate in risk mitigation activities, provide infrastructure, application, operational and information security, apply security controls to maintain confidentiality, integrity and availability, identify appropriate technologies and products, and operate with an awareness of applicable policies, laws and regulations. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
A practical application of the theories and practices for prevention of cyber-attacks. Students will discuss and practice countermeasures including encryption, policymaking, monitoring of access controls, development of secure systems, as well as the review of verification and validation measures. Primary focus will be on Windows systems software. Pre- or Co-requisite: CYBR 2221
Examination of current standards of due care and best business practices in Cybersecurity. Includes examination of security technologies, methodologies and practices. Focus is on the evaluation and selection of optimal security posture. Topics include evaluation of security models, risk assessment, threat analysis, organizational technology evaluation, security implementation, disaster recovery planning and security policy formulation and implementation. Prerequisite: CYBR 2311 or Comp TIA Security+. (3 credit, 8 weeks online)
A study of the impact of cybercrimes affecting various entities and organizations engaged in cyberspace transactions and activities including the government, military, financial institutions, retailers and private citizens. The course covers broad areas of law pertaining to cyberspace, including Intellectual Property (Copyright, Patent, Trademark, and Trade Secret), Contract, and the U.S. Constitution. The study of Cyberethics addresses a definition of ethics, provides a framework for making ethical decisions undergirded by a biblical worldview, and analyzes in detail several areas of ethical issues that computer professionals are likely to encounter in cyberspace and in business. Prerequisite: CYBR 2311
This course discusses the hardware/software tools and techniques associated with the protection of computer systems and networks, including Linux software. Students learn how to protect network resources in live in-course simulations. Course topics include policy and practice associated with the protection of communication resources, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and use of anti-virus, patching practices, as well as personnel and physical security practices. Prerequisite: CYBR 222
A detailed examination of real-world cybersecurity knowledge, enabling recognition of vulnerabilities, exploitation of system weaknesses, and safeguards against threats. Students will learn the art of penetration testing through hands-on exercises and a final project. Students who complete this course will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to analyze and evaluate systems security. Prerequisite: CYBR 2222
An examination of the detailed aspects of incident response, digital forensics, and contingency planning consisting of incident response planning, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity planning. Developing and executing plans to deal with incidents in the organization is a critical function in information security. This course focuses on the planning and processes to respond appropriately using cyber threat intelligence in the event of a potential cyber event. Prerequisite: CYBR 3312
CYBR 4073 Advanced Cybersecurity Internship and Senior Project
This advanced supervised internship provides students with the opportunity to integrate classroom instruction with on-the-job training in an area associated with coursework completed. Students will be required to document a minimum of 90 clock hours of internship engagement and to produce a comprehensive cybersecurity project reflective of the completed program of study. Potential senior projects include security assessments for current businesses, which can include business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans. Course can be taken concurrently with CYBR 4542. Prerequisite: CYBR 4523 (Offered by department discretion.)
OR
CYBR 4643 Cybersecurity Capstone
This capstone project allows students to integrate classroom instruction with an area of identified need. Students will be required to document research into an issue in cybersecurity and to produce a comprehensive cybersecurity project reflective of the completed program of study. Potential cybersecurity capstone projects include comprehensive assessment of small businesses or nonprofits or case study cybersecurity assessments and improvement criteria. (Capstone projects require preapproval of supervising faculty) Prerequisite: CYBR 4542 (Offered by department discretion.)
Find 4-year-plans and degree requirements in the academic catalog.
Find 4-year-plans and degree requirements in the academic catalog.