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Cybersecurity program at Mount St. Mary's University

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

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.

School of Natural Science and Mathematics

The cybersecurity program is part of the School of Natural Science and Mathematics. 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 Natural Science and Mathematics
  • Undergraduate Major
  • Undergraduate Minor
  • Certificate
  • Graduate Program
  • Accelerated Undergraduate
  • Adult Undergraduate
  • Special Program

About the major.

Essential 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.

Want to see a full listing of all cybersecurity courses, including a sample course sequence?

See full course listings
Andrew McDonald Mount St. Mary's Class of 2018

When I arrived at the Mount I was interested in pursuing a career in the computer science field. Now that I’m graduating I will be providing opportunities for nonprofit and educational institutions to double their donations – improving the quality of life for many people.

Andrew McDonald, C'18 Director of technology, HEPdata

Where cybersecurity majors go.

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:

  • National Security Agency
  • Department of Defense
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Raytheon
giselle obiakor

The Mount has hidden gems all over, with special connections and wonderful networking opportunities. If you take full advantage of what is offered, you will 100% be headed toward great things.

Giselle Obiakor, Cybersecurity
Principal Cyber Information Assurance Engineer, Northrop Grumman

Top 10% The Mount is in the top 10% of colleges and universities nationwide in terms of the long-term earnings for a four-year college degree.

About the minor.

The Mount’s cybersecurity minor offers a knowledge base in the design, operations and security of computer networks. Pair the minor with a criminal justice major and become a fraud analyst for law enforcement, an economics degree to pursue a career protecting financial data, or a political science major and work with federal agencies to keep our nation safe.

Want more information on the cybersecurity minor?

See full course listings

About the double major.

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.

Want to see a full listing of all computer science and cybersecurity double major courses?

See full course listings

About the Cyber Defense Club.

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.

WHO CAN JOIN?

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.

Meet Our Faculty

Jonelle Hook

Jonelle Hook

Department Chair / Associate Professor

1/8
Melanie Butler

Melanie Butler

Professor

2/8
Matthew Gerhart

Matthew Gerhart

Assistant Professor

3/8
Brian Heinold

Brian Heinold

Associate Professor

4/8
Frederick Portier

Frederick Portier

Professor

5/8
Rebecca Portier

Rebecca Portier

Assistant Professor

6/8
Athar Rafiq

Athar Rafiq

Assistant Professor

7/8
Scott Weiss

Scott Weiss

Assistant Professor

8/8

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