Statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management reports enrollment boom, announces new Industrial Cybersecurity Certificate program

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University’s statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) has experienced an 84 percent enrollment growth rate in its bachelor’s degree program in just three short years.

There are 60 new undergraduate cyber students this semester, 30 of whom are first-time freshmen, a new program record.

“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,” said Murray State University Cyber Education and Research Center Director Dr. Michael Ramage. “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.”

Liliana Bazzell, a CNM/cybersecurity and digital forensics major from Tyler, Texas, said, “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.”

Murray State has three cyber-related programs currently enrolling students: a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Network Management, a master’s degree in Cybersecurity Management and a Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate.

Murray State is also excited to announce a new cyber program: the Industrial Cybersecurity Certificate program. This 12-credit hour program is a specialized certificate that equips students with the knowledge and skills to assess, protect and defend industrial control systems, according to Ramage.

“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,” Cybersecurity and Network Management Coordinator Dr. Randall Joyce said. “In today’s interconnected world, industries such as energy, manufacturing and transportation rely heavily on technology, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.”

Enrollment is now open for the Industrial Cybersecurity Certificate program.

In 1997, Kentucky House Bill 1 created Programs of Distinction through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education at public postsecondary institutions, including Murray State University’s cybersecurity program.  Murray State offers a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Network Management, along with an accelerated master’s degree (available online) in Cybersecurity Management that can be completed in 12-18 months and certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

In 2019, Murray State was designated a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.  Additionally, Murray State CNM has been certified through the Quality Assurance Commons with the Essential Employability Qualities Certification, and has won multiple national awards over the years through ITERA including Program of the Year. 

Graduates join a global network of alumni who are employed at Google, Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Palo Alto Networks and Amazon Web Services, among others. 

Additional information is available at murraystate.edu/cyber.