Marymount Cybersecurity Program Rising in U.S. News & World Report Ranking

Marymount University’s reputation as one of the nation’s best places to earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity continues to grow. Its ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s annual survey of “online graduate business, non-MBA” programs rose dramatically to 45th place (tied) from its 2017 ranking of 75th (tied), even as the number of ranked schools has increased from 101 to 119.

“Word is getting out about our program, not just in the annual rankings but through our growing number of graduates, who are becoming strong advocates of our program,” said Dr. Diane Murphy, chair of the school’s Department of Information Technology, Management Sciences and Cybersecurity.

This is the fourth consecutive year the program has been ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. Murphy noted that the list includes other online business programs, and not just cybersecurity, making the rankings very competitive.

“Our cybersecurity program is unique in that it’s in our school of business, providing our students with both technical competencies but also management skills to effectively help guide their organizations,” said Dr. Marianne Ward-Peradoza, dean of the School of Business Administration.

Since its inception five years ago, Marymount’s program, part of the School of Business Administration, has achieved a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates. Alumni work in both the commercial and government sector at places such as Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, IBM, the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the National Science Foundation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“In addition to our success with job placement, many of our graduates have received significant promotions because of their degrees,” Murphy said.

She noted that the Washington, D.C., area is the place to be for cybersecurity, with plenty of opportunities with the government, national defense and a wealth of private firms. Marymount’s location also gives its faculty access to the latest in cybersecurity laws, policies and monitoring techniques. Marymount is a Homeland Security/NSA Academic Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

Marymount was also ranked 199th for its Best Online MBA Program, the first year it has been eligible for its participation in this category, since the program began last year.

“By providing flexibility, expanded access, and an effective online learning environment, our online graduate business programs reinforce the School of Business Administration’s commitment to the university’s educational pillars of fostering intellectual curiosity, service to others and a global perspective,” said Ward-Peradoza.

While the US News & World Report rankings are exclusive to the online programs, Dr. Ward-Peradoza noted that at Marymount, all of the coursework can be taken online, face-to-face on campus, or a combination of both. Students can customize their program delivery selection semester by semester to best meet their needs.

Those offerings will expand in the fall when Marymount adds a dual master’s of science degree in cybersecurity/master’s of business administration degree. In addition, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, MU will offer a doctorate in cybersecurity.

“Our ability to give students the opportunity to combine the M.S. in cybersecurity with an MBA will leave them even better prepared to effectively contribute to their organizations in this increasing complex time,” said Ward-Peradoza.

The information used in U.S. News & World Report’s analysis of programs was collected during the summer and fall of 2017 during the magazine’s annual statistical survey of online degree programs. Schools are ranked based on student engagement, admissions selectivity, peer reputation, faculty credentials and training, and student services and technology.

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For the fourth consecutive year, Marymount University’s Master of Science degree in cybersecurity is ranked as one of the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report in its annual survey of “online graduate business, non-MBA” programs. MU’s program rose to 45th from 75th. The school was also included as one of the Best Online MBA Programs in its first year of eligibility.