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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
High tech computer security software

Security and Risk Analysis

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.

Request Information About the Security and Risk Analysis Major

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 Degree Contacts

Contact Dave Barnes, the Security and Risk Analysis Degree Program Coordinator, or reach out to any of our Security and Risk Analysis faculty and staff.

Request Admissions Information

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Security and Risk Analysis

  • SRA Degree Information
  • SRA Faculty and Staff

Suggested Academic Plan

Suggested Academic Plans (SAPs) are sample semester-by-semester guides you can use to meet degree requirements.

Security and Risk Analysis SAP for Prospective Students

View the SAP for the B.S. in Security and Risk Analysis.

Security and Risk Analysis SAP for Current Students

To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

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Connect with Student Resources

Student Success Center

Located in room 125 on the lower level of the Eiche Library, the Student Success Center supports two main functions:

  • To GET HELP for those students who need academic and non-academic assistance, and
  • To GET AHEAD for those students ready to take the next steps in their education.
Learn more about the Student Success Center

Out-of-Class Learning

Out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including:

  • Study Away Programs
  • Academic Internships
  • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
Learn more about Out-of-class Learning

See Also

  • Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations Degree Program
  • Information Technology Degree Program
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

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.
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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
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • 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
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • 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
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