Economics and Cybersecurity (B.S.)

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the United States, with employment for information security analysts projected to increase by 35 percent from 2021–2031. Prepare for a career in this exciting field with Illinois Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Economics and Cybersecurity degree.

This cross-disciplinary program offers a technical and security-focused degree with a strong grounding in business and economics—a background that can position you for career advancement into management and leadership roles. The STEM-oriented curriculum is taught by world-class faculty from Illinois Tech’s Stuart School of Business and College of Computing, and combines core knowledge in economics, statistics, and management with an understanding of conceptual and practical computer science and cybersecurity skills.

You’ll learn how cybersecurity, technology, management, compliance, and legal issues intersect to ensure the reliability and security of cyberspace. Courses in economics and business provide analytical and quantitative skills and expertise for investigating financial aspects of cybersecurity for a business or organization, such as cost/benefit analysis of cybersecurity systems, potential economic exposure from data breaches or other attacks, and the optimal level of budgets and investments in cybersecurity.

Through Illinois Tech’s one-of-a-kind Elevate program, you are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences—such as internships, group projects, and research—where you connect your classroom learning with real-world practice. You also receive mentoring to guide your academic studies and to prepare you to land a great job when you graduate.

Chicago is an international business and financial center with a diverse metro area economy that includes a variety of data-intensive industries and a growing tech business hub. With Illinois Tech’s deep connections across the city’s private and public sectors, you’ll have access to remarkable resources for internships, networking, and employment opportunities.

STEM-Designated Program

This is a STEM-designated program, and international graduates of the program are eligible to apply for an extension for Optional Practical Training, which allows selected students to stay and work in the United States for up to three years after graduation.

Honored for Excellence
Illinois Tech has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.

Program Overview

The STEM-designated B.S. in Economics and Cybersecurity program combines study and training in cybersecurity and information technology systems, economics, statistics, management, and business. Students develop a comprehensive set of skills and expertise that can provide a distinctive edge in launching and advancing their careers.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the B.S. in Economics and Cybersecurity program are well prepared for careers in business, consulting, government, and nonprofit organizations in a wide range of research, analyst, management, and leadership roles.

For example, the following three occupations are rated among the six best technology jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report due to their high pay and low unemployment rates. The estimated median annual pay in 2022 and projected employment growth from 2022–2032, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is shown for each:

• Information security analyst—median pay of $112,000; employment growth of 32 percent (much faster than the average of all occupations)
• Computer systems analyst—median pay of $102,240; employment growth of 10 percent (faster than average)
• Data scientist—median pay of $103,500; employment growth of 35 percent (much faster than average)