Murray State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System update transfer pathway for Cybersecurity and Network Management bachelor’s program

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) have updated their transfer pathway to satisfy the requirements for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Information Technologies at KCTCS that leads to the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) at Murray State.

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.

The transfer pathway between KCTCS and Murray State updates a strong partnership established more than 20 years ago. As a Program of Distinction, Murray State was directed by the legislature via the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 to ensure pathways into the program for students coming from Kentucky community colleges. This updated pathway continues Murray State’s commitment to that legislation.

At least 42 semester hours of the 120 hours required for a bachelor’s degree must be earned in courses at the 300-level or above. The baccalaureate degree candidate must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all credits presented for graduation whether earned at Murray State or elsewhere, in all credits completed at Murray State and in the courses for each major, minor or area.

Since 2002, years three and four of the cybersecurity and network management program can be accomplished in person or completely online. Murray State Cyber Center Director Dr. Michael Ramage said that the program’s flexibility is ideal for both full-time transfer students and working adults.

“We have students who complete their AAS and transfer into the CNM program full-time, and we have students who finish their AAS, start a full-time job and work through the program as part-time online students,” said Ramage. “The beauty of our partnership with KCTCS is that the agreement and the CNM program are designed to support both scenarios.”

Christopher Royse, member of the Murray State Cyber National Advisory Board and dean of the business division and information technologies division at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in Bowling Green, Kentucky, said the pathway offers a seamless transfer from KCTCS that maximizes transfer credits and saves students time and money.

“This agreement creates more opportunities for students interested in earning advanced degrees in the growing field of cybersecurity,” said Royse. “This agreement supports the transition into a high-wage, high-demand bachelor’s program recognized as a program of excellence at the state and national levels.”

The Murray State program has rolling admissions. Students may enter the CNM program at either the August or January entry point. There may be limited offerings every summer term.

Students can complete the transfer application online at murraystate.edu/apply.

Transfer requirements, scholarship information and other relevant transfer information can be found at murraystate.edu/admissions/transfer.

Learn more about Murray State’s CNM program at murraystate.edu/cyber.