What is unique about Marymount’s accelerated Cybersecurity degree?

Marymount's accelerated Cybersecurity degree program

 

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, additional security measures must be implemented to protect our data from cyber attacks.

In fact, the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) estimates that the skill gap is growing and could leave as many as 1.8 million cybersecurity jobs unfilled by 2022 nationally — and in Virginia alone, Cyberseek.org estimates that there are 49,151 open cybersecurity positions.

To fill this gap, Marymount University offers an Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program. Let’s dive in to the details surrounding this program and explore how you can boost your career with this unique Cybersecurity degree.

Understanding MU’s Accelerated Cybersecurity Degree

Marymount University’s accelerated second degree B.S. in Cybersecurity is designed to extend the cybersecurity workforce by “reskilling” graduates from other undergraduate programs.

In other words, this degree gives individuals new skills based on the fact that they have other skills learned from a prior undergraduate program.

Hands-On, Practical Learning

Students in this accelerated Cybersecurity program will join Marymount’s cohort of undergraduate Information Technology students and will work closely with them on related coursework.

Marymount is dedicated to preparing students in the accelerated program for the workforce in the same way as the undergraduate Information Technology program, participating in hands-on learning opportunities like:

  • Workforce preparation seminars
  • Meetings for networking with cybersecurity professionals
  • Out-of-class boot camps to focus on certification preparation
  • Required internship in the cybersecurity field

Past Internships in the Cyber Field

Students enrolled in the accelerated Cybersecurity program are required to complete an internship in the cybersecurity field. Past internships have included sites such as:

MU’s Cyber Center

Marymount has a designated Cyber Center, a resource for all Cybersecurity students that provides “a focus for faculty, students and the community to collaborate, across disciplines, to understand the cyber challenges that the nation faces with the objective of developing an effective workforce to meet these challenges.”

At the Cyber Center, students will find the support they need both during their studies and after through events, career resources and connections to local institutions.

Accelerated Cybersecurity Program Requirements

This unique program may be completed in four consecutive semesters (18 months), and this degree requires a total of 74 credits after completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. 

To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. For a look at a sample degree plan, visit MU’s Cyber program page.

Next Steps for Aspiring Cyber Students

Are you ready to step into the field of cybersecurity and make a significant difference in the field of technology? Take the next step in furthering your professional career and request more information about our Cybersecurity program today!