Plymouth State University to offer new cybersecurity programs

PLYMOUTH — Cybercrime continues to grow as a significant global threat, and cyber-attacks are becoming more complex and unpredictable. A World Economic Forum report shows that nearly four million cybersecurity professionals are needed worldwide, a talent shortage that could grow to 85 million by 2030.

Plymouth State University is taking a major step to address the expanding need for skilled professionals to protect against sophisticated cyber threats by offering a new, 96-credit three-year applied bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity, as well as a traditional four-year program and a certificate program.

The PSU cybersecurity three-year program is one of five recently announced 96-credit three-year applied bachelor’s programs planned to launch in fall 2025. A new four-year degree in cybersecurity is expected to launch in fall 2026. PSU previously offered cybersecurity as an academic minor.

One million dollars in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, will be used to create state-of-the-art cybersecurity labs and teaching spaces incorporating advanced network security equipment and software. The programs will also feature partnerships with local and state law enforcement agencies and interdisciplinary overlap with computer science, criminal justice, robotics and psychology programs. The grant was included in the Congressionally Directed Spending bill signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2024.

For more information, visit plymouth.edu.