University of North Georgia to offer cybersecurity degree

April 19, 2017 Dahlonega - University of North Georgia Dahlonega Campus on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Credit: Hyosub Shin

April 19, 2017 Dahlonega - University of North Georgia Dahlonega Campus on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

The Georgia Board of Regents on Tuesday approved the University of North Georgia’s proposal to create a cybersecurity degree program.

The degree is part of an effort that could enhance the university’s credentials as a hub for cybersecurity. All 14 U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia signed a letter last month urging the House’s Armed Services Committee to put funding for a cyber institute at the university and five other colleges in the National Defense Authorization Act.

“These institutes will deepen the cyber expertise of future military and civilian leaders,” the letter said.

UNG is a federally designated Senior Military College and a federal center that specializes in cyber defense education. The university hopes the new degree will attract students who can analyze cybersecurity threats and investigate incidents in industry, government or the military.

Demand for cybersecurity courses has more than tripled since 2015, from about 60 students enrolled in courses to about 220 students in the Spring 2018 semester, according to Board of Regents documents.

UNG has been offering a concentration in information assurance and security through its computer science degree program since 2004.