Applications open for new online cybersecurity master’s degree
 

May 8, 2020 - In response to increasing demand for information security professionals, the University of Wisconsin Extended Campus has launched an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity. The newly accredited graduate program joins a growing list of online degrees offered by UW Extended Campus.

The degree program, which received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, is now accepting its first cohort of applicants for the fall semester which begins in September.

The new cybersecurity master’s degree is a collaboration among eight UW System campuses: UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Superior. The program joins 17 other accredited online degrees ranging from the associate to the master’s level.

“Adding the cybersecurity master’s degree program expands our ability to meet the broad range of educational needs in Wisconsin and beyond,” said Aaron Brower, executive director of UW Extended Campus. “This new program takes great advantage of the UW’s ability to offer high-quality education as a whole state system. It’s a fantastic addition to the UW’s growing array of online programs.”

The 12-course online master’s program, which is designed for working adults, features four unique tracks of study allowing students to tailor their education based on their career goals and interests: digital forensics, cyber response, governance and leadership, and security architecture.

The program aims to prepare students to meet the high demand for cybersecurity talent world-wide. Cybersecurity-related jobs in the U.S. will see a 13 percent increase over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“There is an incredible need for cybersecurity professionals, especially now, as organizations have had to adapt to virtualizing business in a way that we’ve never seen before,” said George Kroeninger, chief academic officer of UW Extended Campus. “The program was designed and developed with the help of industry professionals to ensure the curriculum meets market needs and provides students with the skills that employers are looking for.”

Graduates of the program will be prepared for positions such as cybersecurity engineer, information security analyst, network architect, and cybersecurity manager, among others. Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses in computer science and calculus or statistics. Aptitude tests such as the GMAT and GRE are not required. 

Prospective students seeking more information about the cybersecurity program are encouraged to download a degree guide at https://uwex.wisconsin.edu/cybersecurity/ or call 1-608-262-2011 or 1-877-895-3276, or email learn@uwex.edu.