William Paterson University Adds Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree

William Paterson University launched a new standalone cybersecurity bachelor's degree this spring, splitting the concentration out of its existing computer science major after years of employer requests for graduates with more specialized security training.

The new degree includes coursework in network defense, digital forensics, and regulatory compliance, along with a required internship placement with one of the university's growing list of corporate security partners. Faculty say the program was designed with direct input from North Jersey employers in financial services and healthcare, two industries facing near-constant pressure from regulators to strengthen data security practices.

"We used to fold all of this into two or three electives inside the computer science major, and it just wasn't enough depth for what employers are asking for now," said William Paterson Computer Science Department Chair Oren Katz. "Ransomware attacks on hospitals and banks aren't hypothetical anymore — they're a weekly headline, and companies need graduates who've actually trained for that reality."

The university enrolled 85 students in the program's inaugural cohort this semester, exceeding its initial target of 60. Officials expect enrollment to grow further once the first cohort begins securing internships, which they say will help build word-of-mouth interest among prospective students.

William Paterson says it is in talks with two additional regional employers about sponsoring scholarships tied to the new degree, though no formal agreements have been finalized.