With cyberattacks on the rise, how should credit rating agencies better protect consumer data? Will gains in artificial intelligence expose networks to greater security threats? And what’s the best way to secure a cloud storage solution for a health care provider? Those who work tirelessly to safeguard people, businesses, organizations and nations from hackers and other computer threats all have a solid foundation in cybersecurity.
The cybersecurity program is part of the School of Science, Mathematics & Technology. Our goal as a department is to graduate women and men that are uniquely equipped to provide scientific perspective and solutions to the complex problems facing humanity.
Learn about School of Science, Mathematics & TechnologyEssential and in high demand, cybersecurity professionals are being asked to take on some of the world’s toughest technological challenges. With a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from the Mount, you’ll learn the skills and tools necessary to keep data secure and organizations safe, preparing you to tackle the next big threat, even one that you don’t see coming.
The program’s academic content is closely intertwined, with hands-on lab projects that replicate real-world situations. You’ll learn how to construct small networks, gain experience with industry standard open source tools, and explore secure systems design and risk management. Cyber ethics, cryptography and blockchain concepts are also covered.
Service-learning opportunities, such as refurbishing unwanted laptop computers and donating them back to the community, will help those in need while also building your experience and resume. As a member of the Cyber Defense Club, you can practice you pentesting skills and help members of the community with their online security habits, or with the ACM Club, working with Raspberry Pis and bringing in speakers from local businesses. You can even practice public speaking by giving a presentation at our Smalltalk colloquium series.
Our cybersecurity lab contains a variety of equipment that you'll use in the classroom and for projects – and with 24/7 access, you can work whenever it fits into your schedule. You can also get assistance from the department in obtaining cybersecurity internships starting as early as the end your first year at the Mount.
With a cybersecurity degree from the Mount, you’ll be positioned to pursue a career as a security analyst for a tech consulting company, a network operations manager for a data center, or a cryptographer for the government.
View a full listing of all cybersecurity major courses.
Mount St. Mary's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity program has been validated by the National Security Agency (NSA) as having met the curriculum and program validation standards through academic year 2030. Institutions that receive this Program of Study (POS) designation have met rigorous requirements set forth by the NSA, designed to produce cybersecurity graduates with the skills to address the critical shortage of cybersecurity professions required to defend America's cyberspace. Students who successfully complete all requirements established by the NSA will receive a certificate of completion for their records. Mount St. Mary's University maintains an active Industry Advisory Panel that provides ongoing guidance to ensure our cybercecurity curriculum aligns with current workforce and industry needs.
For more information, contact point of contact Margaret Leary, Ph.D., at m.s.leary@msmary.edu or alternate point of contact Jonelle Hook, Ph.D., at jhook@msmary.edu. Please visit our Virtual Cyber Center for information on our cybersecurity activities and news. Students, staff and faculty seeking security awareness and security resources should visit the ITSC cybersecurity site (requires Mount login).
Hyattsville, Maryland / Major: Cybersecurity
I chose the Mount for the natural beauty of the campus. While there, I participated in Black Student Union, African Student Association, and the Cyber Defense Club because they embodied what means a lot to me.
After the Mount: Hood College Graduate School / Cyber Engineer
The Mount offers terrific resources for cybersecurity majors, including our annual Federal Agency Week where employers like the NSA, Secret Service and FBI network, interview and discuss career opportunities with students.
Go to work with agencies like the following:
The Mount’s cybersecurity minor offers a knowledge base in the design, operations
Technology is ever-changing. From developing new software to safeguard against hackers, to finding innovative ways to protect data, the skills of computer science and cybersecurity professionals are in high demand.
At the Mount, you'll have the option to double major in computer science and cybersecurity, giving you the skills needed to think critically while tackling advanced tech challenges. And since the computer science and cybersecurity majors overlap, it's possible to graduate with two degrees in four short years.
A double major in computer science and cybersecurity provides extra flexibility, allowing you to go directly into a job in software development, security or both. You will gain fundamental knowledge in programming, networking, operating systems and security, as well as become a strong problem solver. You’ll stand out amongst other students for your technical knowledge provided by your academic experiences.
View a full listing of all cybersecurity and computer science double major courses.
The Cyber Defense Club is a student-run club designed to advocate for an innovative, fast-paced environment that promotes learning, and a shared knowledge of cybersecurity and the fields corresponding with it. In addition to promoting these ideals the club provides members with the opportunity to get involved with and exposed to the field, all while improving their cyber awareness and expertise. Members of the Cyber Defense Club attend cyber related events, conferences and competitions; and even host an event of their own where teams compete against each other to test their skills and abilities within a controlled environment.
The Cyber Defense Club welcomes any student who is willing to have fun and enjoy themselves to join, regardless of their chosen major. The club aims to help every member become "cyber-aware," and teaches them about hot cyber topics so they can build their knowledge and prepare for the rapidly developing technological environment.
Department Chair / Associate Professor / Alternate POC for the CAE Program
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor / POC for the CAE Program
Assistant Professor
Nadun Kulasekera Mudiyanselage
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor