Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1746-7171

Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

Committee Chair

Katerina Goseva-Popstojanova

Committee Co-Chair

Robin Hensel

Committee Member

Robin Hensel

Committee Member

Brian Powell

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion of cybersecurity programs across higher education institutions in response to the widening skills gap in the cybersecurity job market. This study adopts quantitative and qualitative approaches to identify factors influencing West Virginia University (WVU)’s LANE Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (LCSEE) students’ confidence and sense of belonging in the cybersecurity field. The results are based on data collected from surveys administered to LCSEE students in April 2022 and April 2023. The responses were analyzed using descriptive & inferential statistics and logistic regression techniques. Additionally, the 2023 data was utilized for predictive modeling using machine learning.

The results indicate that traditional demographic factors such as minority status have a lesser impact on student confidence and sense of belonging compared to financial and familial background factors. Specifically, variables such as caregiver educational attainment significantly influenced student confidence and sense of belonging, which can subsequently affect retention rates in academic programs. Despite small sample sizes, these findings suggest that to effectively recruit and retain students in undergraduate cybersecurity programs similar to those at WVU, institutions should not only promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives but also ensure that students are provided with resources and co-curricular activities that support the completion of their degrees. This comprehensive support is crucial for equipping students to succeed academically and contribute to addressing the cybersecurity workforce shortage.

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