Cybersecurity

Bachelor of Computer Science Program “Cybersecurity Track”

The Bachelor of Computer Science program at Manar Al Janoub College, located in the Jazan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aims to equip students with the necessary skills to meet the evolving demands of the Saudi labor market. The program is structured around three specialized tracks: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence, aligning with the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the national economy and promote a knowledge-based society.

This report presents an evidence-based analysis of the program’s alignment with labor market needs, supporting the program’s market-oriented launch. In response to the growing demand for IT professionals within the Kingdom, the program ensures the preparation of qualified graduates who can contribute effectively to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.

Market Needs Analysis

• Saudi Vision 2030 and National Strategies

The program supports Vision 2030 by preparing specialized technical professionals aligned with the goals of digital transformation.

• Demand for IT Specialists

The Kingdom is witnessing rapid growth in the demand for technical talents, particularly in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

• Skills Gap

The program aims to bridge the gap between higher education outcomes and the skills required in the Saudi job market.

Program Overview and Learning Outcomes

The Computer Science program at Manar Al Janoub College addresses local and regional market needs through a comprehensive curriculum and high-quality practical training opportunities. It is distinguished by its diverse career pathways, enabling students to specialize in high-demand fields aligned with national development priorities.

Career Tracks and Employment Opportunities

Computer Science Track

• Software Developer
• Database Administrator
• IT Project Manager

Cybersecurity Track

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Security Operations Center (SOC) Engineer
• Digital Forensics Specialist

Artificial Intelligence Track

• AI Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Computer Vision Specialist

Sectoral Demand for Specializations

Computer Science

The market is expanding in areas related to software development and IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity

Government, healthcare, and banking sectors represent approximately 60% of job opportunities in this field.

Artificial Intelligence

Demand is increasing in areas such as smart city applications, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare analytics.

Quality Assurance and Academic Accreditation

The program adheres to rigorous quality assurance standards, including:

• Compliance with International Standards

Alignment with the guidelines of the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

• Stakeholder Engagement

Regular feedback collection from employers, alumni, and industry partners.

• Continuous Improvement

Annual review of program content and effectiveness based on evolving market trends and needs.