May 6, 2021, Abilene, Texas – Thursday, May 6, is World Password Day. How strong are your passwords? According to cyber experts probably not very good. Cyber experts regularly reinforce the importance of strong, unique passwords as one of the best defenses against malicious cyber threats. With cyber threats increasing across the globe and with employment opportunities in cybersecurity skyrocketing, McMurry University is helping to meet the national talent gap in cybersecurity professionals by introducing in Fall 2021 a new online bachelor of science degree in cybersecurity, which will be one of the only online programs at a private university in Texas. McMurry’s online programs are some of the most affordable in the country at only $360 per semester hour. Cybersecurity courses begin on August 23, and applications are now being accepted.
“We are thrilled to be the first university in Abilene to offer an online cybersecurity bachelors degree to our students,” says Matthew Draud, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. “This new, affordable degree program is one of the few online cybersecurity programs offered by a recognized regional private university, and has been carefully designed to provide the necessary industry recognized experiences, skills, and knowledge to prepare our graduates for immediate employment in a variety of cybersecurity related careers.”
McMurry’s program trains professionals to be proficient in various current and emerging security strategies and technologies surrounding networking, cloud computing, operating systems, programming, and regulatory compliance. This dynamic new degree allows graduates to earn credentials and skills needed to compete for jobs in the dynamic cybersecurity industry, with job growth of 31% predicted through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Information Security Analyst’s Outlook.
“With the growing sophistication of cybercrimes, cybersecurity strategy has moved to the forefront of many corporations and organizations as they develop strategies to secure their data and protect their customers’ data,” says Mike Parker, Cybersecurity Bachelor Degree Program Director. “Cybersecurity is a growing field that will continue to mature and evolve over the next decade, providing a wide variety of high-wage career opportunities for degreed professionals. ” According to Forbes, there will be 1.8 million unfulfilled cybersecurity jobs by the year 2022. Quite simply, a degree in cybersecurity means job security in today’s world.
Dr. Draud adds that McMurry’s vision for the program is to become designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This designation will receive formal recognition from the U.S. Government and will enhance our national reputation, contribute to increased interest and enrollment, and potentiate funding opportunities from the National Science Foundation.
McMurry will offer the cybersecurity degree online via the McMurry Virtual Campus to provide flexibility to accommodate working professionals with short seven-week terms. McMurry online programs provide students with a quality education and real-world skills employers are demanding. The University offers several online programs in addition to the cybersecurity degree, including degrees in business and criminal justice. Learn more at our Virtual Online Campus.
Press Contact
Alaisha Montanez ’11
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325-260-3963