By Jeff Murphy,
August 31, 2020
WARRENSBURG, MO – Making a list that includes programs at some of the most prestigious
institutions of higher education in the nation, the University of Central Missouri
has been recognized by CyberDegreesEDU among public and private colleges and universities offering “Best Cybersecurity Masters
Programs.”
CyberDegreesEDU is an independent educational organization that provides resources
for students who are interested in pursuing a higher education and employment in the
cybersecurity field. In its online website, CyberDegreesEDU ranks UCM 37th nationally,
making it the highest ranked of only two Missouri schools that made the list of top
50 programs.
Sometimes referred to as information security, cybersecurity focuses on protecting computers, networks, programs and data from unintended or unauthorized
access, change, or destruction. News media sources frequently report cyberattacks
that impact organizations ranging from large retailers to health insurance providers.
This points to the need for increased cybersecurity education and training to provide
a workforce capable of securing our nation’s cyberspace from intruders.
For students looking to enter this high-demand field, CyberDegreesEDU mentions two
graduate-level programs at UCM that are offered online. The Cybersecurity and Information
Assurance Master of Science program provides students with upper-level education and
training in dealing with cybersecurity threats. This degree prepares students for
upper-level positions in the information technology and network security fields. UCM
also provides a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate that is a hands-on program that
trains students to recognize, combat, and prevent cybersecurity attacks on all manner
of electronic and internet-based equipment, according to the CyberDegreesEDU Top 50
programs feature.
In determining programs that made the list of the nation’s best cybersecurity masters
programs, CyberDegreesEDU used relevant school indicators such as retention rates,
graduation rates, affordability, and the quality and variety of online course curriculum.
“The accreditation status of each school is also a key factor in qualifying for federal,
state, and private scholarships and grants,” the website notes.
“While ranking systems and school ratings can provide valuable insight when choosing
a school, ultimately it is, of course, the student’s choice based on the factors most
important to their personal situation and needs. Using this website will allow each
potential student to examine all aspects of school attendance before enrollment, allowing
them to compare schools, courses and potential career paths as they prepare to enter
college,” according to CyberDegreesEDU.
In addition to graduate programs offered in cybersecurity, UCM also offers a Bachelor
of Science in Cybersecurity – Cyber Operations and Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
– Secure Software Development, both accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission
of ABET, and a cybersecurity minor. The university offers both online and in-person
classes from its main campus in Warrensburg, but it also offers a completion program
for a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at UCM-Lee’s Summit, which is located at
the Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC).
Learn more about our Cybersecurity programs on our website, or contact Hyungbae Park, assistant professor and program coordinator for Cybersecurity
in the College of Health, Science and Technology, at park@ucmo.edu.