Empire State University is launching a new Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree that provides students with and without technical backgrounds a pathway to high-paying jobs in cybersecurity. The program prepares students to meet the growing need for leaders who can protect data and information in the public and private sectors. The M.S. in cybersecurity will launch with the Spring 2024 term.

The need for cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. As cyber threats become more complex and sophisticated, safeguarding digital assets and sensitive information has become a critical priority.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earn a median salary of $112,000 per year, and the number of jobs is expected to grow 31 percent from 2022 to 2032, far outpacing most other professions.  

“It's understandable to feel hesitant about pursuing an M.S. in cybersecurity if you don't have a background in the field,” said Associate Professor Lila Rajabion, Ph.D., who leads SUNY Empire’s M.S. in cybersecurity program, “but our program is designed to welcome individuals from various backgrounds—technical and non-technical. Our program offers a clear path to acquiring the skills and knowledge to thrive in this growing industry.”

Program graduates can pursue opportunities as cybersecurity consultants, incident response analysts, specialists, intelligence analysts, operations managers, information security officers, and related positions.

“Our new M.S. program in cybersecurity will prepare leaders to drive the future of cybersecurity innovation across industries in the private, public, or philanthropic sectors,” said Associate Professor Roxana Toma, Ph.D., chair of SUNY Empire’s graduate liberal arts and sciences programs. “This program helps us make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.”

To learn more about the program, visit https://catalog.esc.edu/graduate/programs/ms-cybersecurity/.