Program Overview
The Cybersecurity Master of Science degree from Mercy University equips students with the technical and analytical skills to protect data, networks, and critical infrastructure. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering network security, information assurance, cryptography, and incident response. Graduates are prepared for careers as information security analysts, network security engineers, and cybersecurity consultants.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Cybersecurity Master of Science degree prepares students with the technical and analytical skills to secure data files, defend computers, shield computer networks, and protect critical national electronic infrastructure.
Objectives:
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in cybersecurity.
- Graduates will be able to apply technical knowledge and skills to design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity systems.
- Graduates will be able to communicate effectively about cybersecurity issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
Program Description:
The Cybersecurity M.S. program is a 30-credit program that can be completed fully online, on-campus, or through a hybrid of the two. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Network security
- Information assurance
- Cryptography
- Malware analysis
- Vulnerability assessment
- Incident response
- Risk management
Outline:
Program Content:
The Cybersecurity M.S. program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Cybersecurity Core: 6 Credits
- Application Category: 3 credits
- Network Category: 3 credits
- Legal/Management Category: 3 credits
- Special Category: 3 credits
- Major Electives: 9 credits
- Capstone: 3 credits
Course Schedule:
The Cybersecurity M.S. program can be completed in as little as 12 months. The program is offered in a cohort-based format, with students taking the same courses together. The following is a sample course schedule:
- Fall Semester:
- IASP 500: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- IASP 501: Network Security
- IASP 502: Information Assurance
- Spring Semester:
- IASP 503: Cryptography
- IASP 504: Malware Analysis
- IASP 505: Vulnerability Assessment
- Summer Semester:
- IASP 506: Incident Response
- IASP 507: Risk Management
- IASP 508: Capstone Project
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students in the Cybersecurity M.S. program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Projects
- Presentations
- Research papers
Assessment Criteria:
Students are assessed on their knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, their ability to apply cybersecurity skills, and their ability to communicate effectively about cybersecurity issues.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The Cybersecurity M.S. program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Hands-on exercises
- Case studies
- Simulations
Faculty:
The Cybersecurity M.S. program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their field. The faculty includes:
- Dr. John Yoon, Professor and Program Director
- Dr. Usman Rauf, Assistant Professor
- Mr. George Ackerman, Adjunct Instructor
- Mr. Guozhen An, Lecturer
- Mr. Yang Kim, Lecturer
- Mr. Glenn Marchi, Senior Lecturer
- Mr. Matthew Seligman, Instructor
- Mr. Shabad Sood, Executive Director for Information Security and Technology Services and Instructor
Unique Approaches:
The Cybersecurity M.S. program at Mercy University has a number of unique approaches, including:
- The program is offered fully online, allowing students to complete the program from anywhere in the world.
- The program is offered in a cohort-based format, which provides students with a sense of community and support.
- The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their field.
- The program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals, with courses offered in the evenings and on weekends.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the Cybersecurity M.S. program are qualified for a wide range of careers in cybersecurity, including:
- Information security analyst
- Network security engineer
- Cybersecurity consultant
- Incident responder
- Vulnerability assessor
- Penetration tester
- Cybersecurity manager
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the Cybersecurity M.S. program have a high rate of career success. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median annual salary for information security analysts is $122,000. The job outlook for information security analysts is also very strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 32% increase in employment from 2020 to 2030.
