Master of Science in Cyber Security (Online | On Campus)
Erie, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
Blended, Distance Learning, On-Campus
Key Summary
Master of Science in Cyber Security (Online | On Campus)
The global rise in cybercrime has created an unprecedented demand for cybersecurity professionals. As an international leader in intelligence and cyber education, Mercyhurst University’s new online Cyber Security master’s program will prepare you to analyze cyber threats to computer systems, networks, and networked devices, and protect those systems from cyber attacks. Through engaging online coursework, you’ll also learn to evaluate the legal, regulatory and ethical issues related to cybersecurity and privacy, and effectively communicate complex cybersecurity information.
A master’s in Cyber Security is excellent preparation for career advancement in the rapidly growing cyber professions. Mercyhurst’s program is one of the few in the nation to address cyber threats to business as well as national and international security. Grads of our program are well-positioned for careers as cyber analysts and IT security specialists in virtually any industry.
Fast Facts
- Cyber Security faculty includes experienced professionals with decades of experience in government, national security, and private business
- Our unique program will train students for jobs with government intelligence agencies as cyber analysts as well as IT security specialists in large and small private enterprises
- Mercyhurst's Cyber Security program is housed in the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Science, named after Erie native Tom Ridge, the 43rd governor of Pennsylvania and the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
- A full-time student will complete this 36 credit program in two years
- Cyber Security students will never take more than one class at a time, making this program ideal for working professionals
The Ridge Advantage
Mercyhurst University pioneered the field of intelligence studies in the mid-1990s and is home to the largest and oldest academic intelligence enterprise in the United States. Founded in 1996, the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences has earned a reputation throughout the world for the quality and cutting-edge skills of its graduates. Mercyhurst intel alumni work in all 17 federal intelligence agencies and dozens of Fortune 500 companies, working to assist corporate and government leaders and decision-makers around the globe.
As new threats and technologies have emerged, Mercyhurst has invested heavily in both data science and cybersecurity, developing new online master’s programs in Cyber Risk Management and Cyber Security. Drawing on the diverse learning resources and experienced faculty of the Ridge College, these programs harness our national security bona fides to offer unparalleled instruction in some of today’s most dynamic fields.
“The construction of new cyber training facilities ensure Mercyhurst remains the vanguard of the field.”—Tom Ridge
Online Access
The Cyber Risk Management master’s curriculum is offered both on-campus (as of Fall 2020) and 100 percent online, making the program an ideal fit for both students hoping to study in the U.S. and working professionals looking to complete their education from anywhere in the world.
As online learning has become increasingly popular in higher education, it is essential for colleges and universities to maintain the same educational standards across on-campus and online course delivery. At Mercyhurst, the Office of Distance Learning ensures online course delivery is consistent and predictable for an engaging, rewarding student experience.
Each online course is carefully mapped out to provide you with a guided learning experience. Courses progress sequentially, building on previous concepts to help you gain mastery of the course material. In addition to lectures and individual assignments, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with classmates and professors in real-time through group projects, review sessions, debates, and presentations.
As with any Mercyhurst education, students benefit from close personalized attention from faculty, with opportunities to connect via email, phone, Skype, or office hours.
High Tech Facilities
With resources available to both online and on-campus students, the MCPc Cyber Education Center includes four separate spaces:
- A Cyber Security Lab
- A Security Operations Room
- Two Computer Labs
The Cyber Security Lab features 20 individual terminals, each outfitted with high-end computing power and large monitors. The lab operates on an independent network with its own servers and firewalls, completely isolated from the campus network. In addition, the lab features virtual forensic workstations, mobile devices for exploitation tests, threat-analysis software packages, and other relevant platforms.
The Security Operations Room is staffed and operated by Cleveland-based technology firm MCPc. Two full-time MCPc employees work with and hire Mercyhurst students to address real-time cybersecurity threats.
The Computer Labs provide hands-on education to undergraduate and graduate students in Mercyhurst’s cyber, data science, and intelligence programs.
Certifications
Successful completion of the Cyber Risk Management coursework will earn students two-course waivers toward the prestigious Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation from The Institutes.
Career Opportunities
Few professionals today have the in-demand skills to assess and monetize cyber risk.
Our grads will be well-positioned for the careers of the 21st century. As cyber coverage becomes more popular in the insurance marketplace, insurers and businesses are discovering a shortage of professionals with the cybersecurity and risk management skills needed to excel in this emerging field. In fact, banking/finance/insurance represent the largest industry employing cyber professionals. A 2016 skills gap analysis from ISACA estimated a global shortage of 2 million cybersecurity professionals by 2019.
Cyber Alliance
Mercyhurst University recently announced a new cyber alliance with two other leading institutions. In February 2018, Mercyhurst University announced a new cutting-edge cyber alliance between Mercyhurst, Case Western Reserve University, and Cleveland State University. Known as the North Coast Cyber Research and Training Alliance, the agreement to jointly develop cybersecurity education, research, and training programs will leverage the unique combination of strengths of the three schools: cyber intelligence threat analysis from Mercyhurst, cyber engineering from Case Western, and regulatory and policy analysis from Cleveland State’s law school.