MAC Cybersecurity Program Named “Center of Academic Excellence” by NSA
The select designation is awarded to US colleges and universities who meet the NSA and DHS’ rigorous standards for cybersecurity teaching and awareness. It recognizes colleges whose programs fall in line with rigorous expectations for instruction and support.
The Mount is the only 4-year program in Blair/Cambria Counties with this designation.
Only 16 schools in Pennsylvania and just over 350 institutions across the country hold Center of Academic Excellence status.
Degrees type: Associate, Bachelor
Main Campus
Mount Aloysius College provides students a unique hands-on learning cyber experience with real world applications. Our dedicated Cybersecurity lab includes virtual environments that can be used for classes, competitions, demonstrations, testing and research. In addition to the physical lab space, students utilize the Mount Virtual Lab and the Mount Mini Lab, a portable and scalable lab. Students leverage both Windows and Linux environments, vulnerable applications and websites for testing purposes. Our cyber defense team uses these environments to prepare for cyber competitions and challenges. Our program is under the instruction of diverse faculty with years of professional, government and/or military experience. Courses are offered in the classroom as well as in hybrid and fully online formats.
Program Highlights
Cybersecurity focuses on the measures taken to protect digital information against unauthorized access or attack.
Digital forensics involves the recovery and investigation of digital devices, related to computer crime. Possible careers include:
- Compliance Officer
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Cryptanalyst/cryptographer
- Cyber Risk Manager
- Digital Forensics Specialist
- Ethical Hacker / PentrationTester
- Information Security Analyst
- Intelligence Investigator
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Network Applications Supervisor
- Networks & Systems Engineer
- Security Administrator
- Security Analyst/Architect
- Security Consultant
- Security Engineer
- Security Software Designer
The increase in cyber-attacks today has led to an urgent demand for more experienced and qualified workforce to protect networks and information systems.
According to Forbes, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021.
Cybersecurity professionals report an average salary of $116,000, which is nearly three times the national average (Source: National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies https://niccs.us-cert.gov/cybersecurity, DHS).
- Knowledge Base in Information Technology – Students will demonstrate knowledge of core computing concepts.
- Critical Thinking – Students will demonstrate critical thinking and analytical reasoning to solve information technology problems.
- Ethical and Social Responsibility – Students will demonstrate familiarity with ethical and global impacts of technology on society.
- Communication – Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and professionally and to collaborate within a team setting.
- Professional experience – Students will gain real-world experience using current software, industry tools, simulations and outcome-based projects.
*Basic level for A.S. degree and Advanced level for B.S. degree
Watch a video with alum Jonathan Williams talking about the cybersecurity & digital forensics program.
Watch Jeffrey Sunseri, a professor in the IT department, talking about the cybersecurity & digital forensics program.
Watch a video with alum Bryan Jordan talking about the information technology program.
Watch a video with Justin Williams, an Instructor of Information Technology, demonstrate an example of ethical hacking.
Watch a video about what to expect when visiting Mount Aloysius.
Watch this video featuring aerials views of Mount Aloysius College.
More Information
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7373 Admiral Peary Highway
Cresson, PA 16630
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