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  1. Home
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  3. Bachelor's Degrees
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Security and Risk Analysis

Explore more by clicking through the links in the menu. If you don't see the menu, click the "More" button on the left-hand side of your screen.

Contact the SRA Program Coordinator to learn more

Why major in Security and Risk Analysis?

A degree in Security and Risk Analysis (SRA) is a degree in demand. Over the past two decades, the need for security-trained professionals has grown exponentially in response to an equally precipitous growth in the threats that confront responsible governments and organizations.

Individuals trained in security are needed to deal with threats ranging from violent physical attacks on people and property to countless cyber threats to information and computer systems. The failure to confront these dangers will result in the compromise of information, the destruction of property, and the loss of lives. Our society, people, and organizations must be well prepared to defend and respond.

Program Highlights

Penn State Altoona’s Security and Risk Analysis major prepares the next generation of cyber security experts and leaders to deal with these important global issues. On the technical side, you will study basic computer networking and more advanced network security to better understand both how to operate networks and the way in which adversaries attempt to compromise network systems. In addition, you’ll learn about operating systems and computer forensics in order to protect underlying computer systems before an attack and to diagnose the nature of a problem after it has been discovered.

Coursework encompasses general risk assessment to information technology-oriented risk management. The curriculum includes programming, decision theory, and courses on the role that the law plays in managing security problems, as well as balancing society’s need for safety with personal privacy.

The majority of SRA graduates pursue technical careers in areas such as system administration, networking, computer security, network security, and other computer-related work. However, a substantial number of graduates also follow non-technical career paths in risk-related areas such as insurance, health care, business, and government. Whether your interests in risk and security are technical or non-technical, SRA-related employment is readily available in an outstanding job market.

Security and Risk Analysis

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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

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  • Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations Degree Program
  • Information Technology Degree Program
  • Division of Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences & Technology
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Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
  • twitter
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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