Grambling State News

New Program at Grambling State Receives Greenlight from State Board of Regents

GRAMBLING, LA – December 12, 2018 – Today, Grambling State University, Louisiana’s top producer of African-American Computer Science graduates, received final state approval to offer the state’s first Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity in 2019.

At a Wednesday, December 12 meeting, the Louisiana Board of Regents offered its approval and support for the University’s new program that aims to enroll its first cohort in Fall of 2019.

“We’re excited because of what this means for our students and their futures,” said President Rick Gallot of Grambling State. “We know that in the next year alone, there will be more than two million jobs available in the field. As this market grows, so does the opportunity for well-trained talent; including our graduates.”

Program Interest & Student Opportunity

For six years, Grambling State has led Louisiana as the top producer of African-American Computer Science graduates. Today, more than 100 students on campus have completed at least one of the nine active courses in cybersecurity offered at Grambling State. These courses count toward the new degree or a concentration for current students majoring in Criminal Justice, Computer Information Systems, and Engineering Technology.

A Fall 2017 student survey showed 75 percent of GSU students expressed some level of interest in the new degree.

“Cybersecurity is one of the top issues right now in the world of technology,” said GSU computer science major, Jarrid Richards. “If I were not graduating this fall, I would definitely change my major. I think every student should consider the field; cybersecurity is technology’s next big opportunity.”

According to third-party data published by Indeed.com, salaries for entry-level jobs in cyber security range from approximately $36,101 per year for internships to $113,851 per year for IT Security Specialist nationwide.

Program Overview & Next Steps

The new program’s director will be Dr. Yenumula B. Reddy, a current Grambling State faculty member, researcher and member of the Louisiana Cybersecurity Commission; who has spearheaded the program’s development.

“We are excited about the work of Dr. Reddy and his team,” said President Gallot. “Their innovation in research and the classroom have a tremendous impact on our students.”

As proposed, the Grambling State University Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity will require the completion of 120 credit hours; including specialized coursework in computer science, criminal justice, and network architecture and security.

As a next step, the University is now recruiting for its first cohort of students online at gram.edu/cybersecurity and will prepare to open 12 new courses in Cybersecurity during the 2019-2020 academic year pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

“With the vision of your team and the support of this Board, we are confident Grambling is prepared to educate cybersecurity professionals the market is demanding,” said  University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors Chair Al Perkins to President Gallot. “These graduates will be equipped with highly sought-after skills to protect us as technology becomes more prevalent in our daily lives.”

For interviews and more information, please contact mediarelations@gram.edu or call (318) 243-5012.

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About Grambling State University

Grambling State University, located in Grambling Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901. The University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The 590-acre campus offers 41 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Grambling State University is a member of the University of Louisiana System. For more information visit gram.edu