Cyber Opportunities at Mercyhurst

Undergraduate Programs

Cyber Security

High-profile domestic and global cyber attacks have made private sector and government decision-makers painfully aware of the need for well-trained cyber security professionals. In response to this growing need, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) has established the first undergraduate curriculum guidelines for cyber security, while the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have developed a cyber security certification.

Mercyhurst University’s Cyber Security bachelor’s program is one of the first stand-alone programs in the nation to follow both of these guidelines. Already home to one of the nation’s most respected Intelligence Studies programs, Mercyhurst is now able to leverage our experience, faculty expertise, cutting-edge resources and industry connections to provide an unparalleled cyber education at the undergraduate level.

4+1 Programs

Eligible undergraduate students enrolled at Mercyhurst University can earn a four-year bachelor’s degree and a two-year master’s degree in five years. The Master of Science in Cyber Risk Management and Master of Science in Cyber Security programs are both included in this opportunity. These 4+1 programs provide students the opportunity to take graduate-level courses during your junior and/or senior years, while graduating on time with their class before seamlessly transitioning to a Master of Science program for one extra year.

Graduate Programs

Cyber Security

The global rise in cyber crime has created an unprecedented demand for cyber security professionals. As an international leader in intelligence and cyber education, Mercyhurst University offers a Cyber Security master’s program—available online—to prepare you to analyze cyber threats to computer systems, networks and networked devices and protect those systems from cyber attacks. Through engaging coursework, you’ll also learn to evaluate the legal, regulatory and ethical issues related to cyber security and privacy and effectively communicate complex cyber security information.

A master’s in Cyber Security is excellent preparation for career advancement in the rapidly growing cyber professions. Mercyhurst’s program is one of the few in the nation to address cyber threats to business as well as national and international security. Grads of our program are well positioned for careers as cyber analysts and IT security specialists in virtually any industry. An online certificate in Cyber Security is also offered, where coursework can then be applied to the Master of Science in Cyber Security.

Federal Resources Corporation Cyber Education Center

The Federal Resources Corporation Cyber Education Center includes four separate spaces:

• A Cyber Security Lab
• A Network Operations Center
• Two Computer Labs

The Cyber Security Lab features 20 individual terminals, each outfitted with high-end computing power and large monitors. The lab operates on an independent network with its own servers and firewalls, completely isolated from the campus network. In addition, the lab features virtual forensic workstations, mobile devices for exploitation tests, threat-analysis software packages, and other relevant platforms.

The Network Operations Center is staffed and operated by Federal Resources Corporation. In this space, this prestigious Erie-based firm will provide experiential learning opportunities for Mercyhurst students to conduct projects on behalf of real-world clients.

The Computer Labs provide hands-on education to undergraduate and graduate students in Mercyhurst’s cyber, data science and intelligence programs.