Murray State University introduces new Industrial Cybersecurity certificate program thanks to success of Cybersecurity and Network Management program
The school’s Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management has experienced a three-year enrollment growth and has inspired it to begin offering another certificate program in Industrial Cybersecurity.
Murray State University’s new certificate program in Industrial Cybersecurity is now enrolling new students. The program is being introduced due to the great success of its other cybersecurity offerings, which include a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Network Management, a master’s degree in Cybersecurity Management, and a certificate in Cybersecurity Analyst. The school reports that in the past three years, the Cybersecurity and Network Management degree program has seen an 84% enrollment growth.
According to an article on Murray State University’s website, Dr. Michael Ramage, who serves as the university’s Cyber Education and Research Center Director, shared his thoughts about the success of these cybersecurity programs. He is quoted as saying, “With more than 20 years of teaching experience in cybersecurity, Murray State continues to be a leader in preparing students for cyberspace's critical challenges. Our continued growth would not happen without our outstanding faculty, who are always ready to support students with real-world applications, mentorship and exceptional teaching skills. Their ability to translate complex cybersecurity concepts into understandable bites and hands-on learning has always been a hallmark of our program and continues to be so.”
The new certificate program being introduced, Industrial Cybersecurity, is a 12-credit program that prepares students to work in the specialized area of industrial control systems by teaching them the skills to manage and defend the systems from cyberattacks.
Murray State University’s Cybersecurity and Network Management Coordinator Dr. Randall Joyce explained the need for such a program, saying, “Our Industrial Cybersecurity Certificate program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who can safeguard critical infrastructure and industrial systems from cyber threats. In today’s interconnected world, industries such as energy, manufacturing and transportation rely heavily on technology, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.”
Murray State University’s Cybersecurity program became a statewide Program of Distinction in 1997 thanks to the introduction of Kentucky House Bill 1 through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Additionally, the school became a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education through the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security in 2019.
Liliana Bazzell, a student currently in the Cybersecurity and Network Management program, shared her experience, saying, “As a junior in Murray State's cybersecurity and network management program, I have been impressed by the opportunities available to us. From hands-on labs to practical projects, we are constantly applying what we learn. The faculty is supportive, and the connections we are making with industry professionals are really opening doors.”
Currently, Murray State University’s cybersecurity program houses 60 undergraduate students, half of whom are first-time freshmen students, which is a program record.
For more information about Murray State University, visit the school’s website.