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What Does a Career Path in Cybersecurity Look Like?
Learn why SHU’s master’s in cybersecurity program will keep you ahead of advances in the field.
Many of us have been there: you get a notification that your credit card has been compromised or your social media account is being used by someone else. Getting hacked has become more common as our uses in technology have expanded, so the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is constantly rising. It is important for cybersecurity professionals to keep up with advancements in technology so they understand all there is to know behind these cyber threats.
Sacred Heart University’s Master of Science in cybersecurity program helps students gain the knowledge, skills and ethical mindset needed to embark on a rewarding and impactful career protecting our digital world. Igor Khokhlov, assistant professor of cybersecurity, has shared how SHU’s program emphasizes continuous learning.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity involves safeguarding computer systems, networks and data from unauthorized access, damage or theft. It is essentially a digital fortress protecting your valuable information from various threats. Having poor cybersecurity puts you at risk for an attacker accessing and using your personal information. A cybersecurity professional is responsible for detecting these threats beforehand and finding the source when there is a hack or data breach.
What are some skills you need to be successful in cybersecurity? How does SHU help students develop these skills?
To be successful in cybersecurity, a combination of technical and non-technical skills is crucial. Technical skills include knowledge of computer systems, networks, programming and cybersecurity tools. These help you to analyze vulnerabilities, identify threats and implement protective measures.
Non-technical skills include strong communication, problem-solving and analytical thinking. These are essential for collaborating with teams, explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and adapting to the ever-changing threat landscape.
SHU equips its students with these skills through hands-on learning, industry-relevant curriculum and faculty expertise. “The program stays current with the latest trends and technologies, ensuring students graduate with the knowledge and skills employers seek,” said Khokhlov.
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What are some career paths this program prepares its students for and how?
Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as:
- Cybersecurity analyst: Monitoring systems, identifying threats and investigating incidents
- Network security engineer: Designing and implementing secure networks
- Information security analyst: Protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with regulations
- Penetration tester: Probing systems for vulnerabilities and recommending improvements
What is the curriculum of SHU’s program?
SHU’s cybersecurity program covers a wide range of topics, including network security, digital forensics, ethical hacking and cryptography. Students learn about understanding network protocols, investigating cybercrimes, improving defenses against hackers and securing data through encryption and decryption techniques.
Not only does SHU’s curriculum set its students up for a successful career, but the industry connections students can make are also crucial. Throughout the program, students collaborate with local businesses, which allows them to expand their network.
“Our cybersecurity program has established a fruitful partnership with Teach Beyond, leading to the creation of a valuable internship program. Several of our students have already taken advantage of this opportunity to gain real-world experience in the field,” said Khokhlov. “In addition, our faculty members actively participate in a variety of cybersecurity summits and conferences where they forge connections with industry leaders and uncover new opportunities for our students to further their careers.”
With small class sizes, faculty get to know each student and can point them in the appropriate direction.
Interested in studying cybersecurity at SHU?
SHU is the first university in Connecticut to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) for the Master of Science in cybersecurity program. Graduating with a master’s degree in cybersecurity from a CAE-CD designated university gives potential employers a high degree of confidence in hiring its graduates.
To learn more about the program, schedule a meeting with Ed Nassr or reach out at nassre@sacredheart.edu or 203-396-6877.
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