Cyber Operations and Resilience Program degrees at top of Forbes, Cybersecurity Guide lists

The Cyber Operations and Resilience Program (CORe) has been recognized as a top online cybersecurity degree of 2023 by Forbes and Cybersecurity Guide. The program launched in the fall of 2021 and in just its third year, the program has seen enrollment rise beyond 300 students this semester. 

The collaborative degree program between the College of Engineering and Extended Studies offers an online bachelor’s and master’s in cyber operations and resilience where students are able to anticipate cyber threats and mitigate their harm. The curriculum is designed to meet industry needs, as well as allow students to gain certification. 

“This well-deserved recognition highlights the program’s commitment to meeting industry needs for a cybersecurity-educated workforce,” College of Engineering Dean JoAnn S. Lighty said. “The program is producing highly skilled professionals who can address the evolving challenges of the 21st century’s digital landscape.”

Forbes selected the CORe program for its fully online, stackable degree format with no in-person requirements. The format allows students the ability to choose cyber depth electives to customize the degree. The program’s learning lab builds hands-on experience in cyber operations as students strengthen their knowledge of cybersecurity tools and techniques.

While the Forbes recognition focused more on the undergraduate level, Cybersecurity Guide ranked the program’s online master’s degree as the 8th best across the country for affordability. 

Affordability is typically a primary factor for prospective students when identifying their school and program of choice. With a Top-10 ranking, the graduate program features a cost per credit of $525 and tuition of $15,750.

“Cybersecurity is about people, process and technology. These education and workforce development pathways provide an opportunity for anyone, anywhere to be part of the workforce,” CORe Director Sin Ming Loo said. “With cybersecurity professionals as instructors in our courses, we bring experienced, up-to-date knowledge to students.”

In both degree programs, learners complete classes with no set class times, which provides the highest level of flexibility. This unique program feature was highlighted by both Forbes and Cybersecurity Guide. Weekly virtual office hours are available for students. The technical and non-technical tracks allow students to find the pathway to a cybersecurity career focused on the design and operation of resilient information systems.

The program has also been touted as an ideal degree option for those with professional, military or law enforcement backgrounds, making it part of Boise State’s best ranked online programs for veterans by the U.S. News and World Report.

Boise State offers close to 100 online programs and 900-plus unique online courses. Explore bachelor’s and graduate degrees or individual online classes at boisestate.edu/online.