New Cybersecurity, Risk Management Degree To Launch in Fall

The University of Texas at Dallas has launched a new Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and risk management to help meet market demands for a workforce able to bridge technical expertise and business strategy.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in April approved the Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) degree program, which is set to launch this fall.

Dr. Steven Haynes, an assistant professor of practice in finance and managerial economics and director of the new degree program, said the increasing occurrence of cybersecurity threats, the growing complexity of organizational risk environments, and the widening gap between technical specialists and business leaders prompted the school’s leadership to create the program.

“Industry leaders have consistently highlighted the need for graduates who can understand technical threats, navigate regulatory requirements, manage enterprise risks and support organizational resilience,” Haynes said. “This program was designed to meet that demand by producing graduates proficient in the technical foundations and the strategic aspects of cybersecurity and risk management.”

Curriculum Focus

Haynes said the program’s curriculum will equip graduates with a balanced and interdisciplinary skill set, including foundational technical skills such as basic coding, systems architecture and cybersecurity frameworks. Students also will gain business management skills such as risk assessment and management techniques, enterprise risk management, operational risk, compliance and governance practices.

“Complex problem-solving and critical thinking are essential for addressing evolving and ambiguous cyber and organizational risks,” Haynes said. “We will teach these, along with communication and leadership skills. This knowledge will enable graduates to present risk findings effectively, influence decision-makers and support business continuity. In addition, we will teach the ethical and legal understanding of cybersecurity issues, which will foster responsible and sustainable cybersecurity practices.”

The new program is strategically situated at the crossroads of technology and business, Haynes said.

“While many programs tend to be either heavily technical or purely policy-focused, our curriculum is intentionally integrated,” he said. “Students learn to translate technical cybersecurity risks into business impacts, a critical but often missing skill in the workforce.”

Students in the program also will benefit from the school’s strong partnerships with Dallas-Fort Worth area businesses, which will provide internships, mentorships and employment opportunities.

“Our students will have experiential learning opportunities such as case studies, risk simulations, cybersecurity exercises and real-world consulting projects,” Haynes said.

Career Preparation

Graduates of the program will be prepared for a wide range of career paths, including cybersecurity analyst; risk-management specialist; information security risk consultant; governance, risk and compliance analyst; cyber risk underwriter; business continuity and resilience manager; security awareness and training specialist; regulatory compliance analyst; and enterprise risk analyst.

“Graduates will be well-suited for positions in corporate security departments, consulting firms, financial institutions, insurance companies and government agencies due to their hybrid technical and strategic skill set,” Haynes said.

Because the cybersecurity and risk management landscape continually evolves, the program is designed to adapt.

“Students will develop lifelong learning skills, including adaptability, cross-disciplinary thinking and ethical reasoning,” Haynes said. “These skills will prepare them for emerging technologies, regulatory changes and new threat environments.”

Leadership Perspective

Dr. Hasan Pirkul, Caruth Chair and Jindal School dean, said the school remains committed to preparing students for success in today’s technology-driven economy.

“We created the cybersecurity and risk management program to offer an innovative, interdisciplinary education that responds to the evolving needs of industry — particularly the increasing importance of managing risk,” he said. “By bridging technology and strategic management, this program reflects our broader commitment to developing graduates who can solve complex problems and lead organizations to become more resilient with every passing day.”

Dr. Dawn Owens, associate dean for undergraduate programs in the Jindal School, said the new degree aligns with the school’s vision and strengthens its undergraduate offerings.

“JSOM is committed to offering innovative, high-quality undergraduate programs that equip students with practical, in-demand skills,” she said. “This new major enhances the school’s portfolio of programs by providing a multidisciplinary education that bridges business, technology and risk management — a combination highly sought after by employers.”