Many people believe cybersecurity is exclusively the domain of those with advanced technical and computer skills.
“That’s a common misconception,” says Cagil Albayrak, program director of the Institute’s new Master of Science in Cybersecurity. “Cybersecurity has really become an interdisciplinary field. You can come into it with a social science or humanities background, or you could come from computer science or software programming.”
As cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated, the demand for skilled professionals to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data is skyrocketing. Cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow by 33 percent over the next decade—faster than nearly any other profession. Median salaries in the field exceed $120,000, with even higher earning potential for specialists in areas like threat intelligence and cloud security. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The Middlebury Institute’s new fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity is designed to give students the unique mix of hard and soft skills they need to lead in the field.
“Our program is designed both for people looking to break into the field and for working professionals seeking to pivot into cybersecurity or advance in their career,” says Albayrak. “Our curriculum is designed to give students a mix of hands-on, practical skills and the foundational knowledge that any cybersecurity professional needs today.”
A 2023 study found that 62 percent of employers had gaps in their cybersecurity workforce. Students will learn from people working in the field who bring their recent experiences into the classroom and design assignments that help students build the actual skills they’ll need on the job.
Albayrak is a practitioner himself, bringing experience from academia, military service, and his current role at IBM. The faculty include former C-level executives, intelligence officers, and seasoned consultants. Cyber Warfare is taught by the coauthor of the leading textbook Understanding Cyber Warfare, while other instructors bring deep experience from industries like finance and government.
“Being an effective cybersecurity professional isn’t just about the tech,” says Albayrak. “It’s also about leadership, teamwork, and being able to communicate complex technical concepts to nontechnical audiences.”
Students complete a Cyber Defense and Intelligence track to build expertise in gathering and analyzing data for mitigating financial threats, securing sensitive information, and more.
“Our Security Technology Labs course is a very hands-on learning experience. It’s designed to teach students the tools and techniques that enterprises use today to defend against cyberattacks.”
Graduates are well-positioned for roles like security analyst, incident responder, or security consultant, with the potential to advance into leadership positions over time.
“The threat landscape is constantly evolving. AI, for instance, is both a tool we can use to enhance security and a new frontier for attackers,” says Albayrak. “Professionals need to stay ahead by continuously building their knowledge and skills.”
The Middlebury Institute is a CompTIA Authorized Academy Partner, allowing our students to receive technical and conceptual competencies for advancing in this growing field, plus preparation for the in-demand CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ certification exams integrated into the coursework.
“We’re not just training people to get good jobs,” says Dr. Patricia Szasz, dean of the Middlebury Institute Online. “We’re preparing them to become leaders in an industry that is critical to global safety and security.”
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