Future-Proof Your Cybersecurity Career with Immaculata’s Cutting-Edge Program

In a world where data collection, storage and analysis are continuously increasing, the risks associated with cybercrime continue to grow. From personal privacy breaches to the disruption of national security, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent. Recognizing this demand, Immaculata University launched its cybersecurity program in 2020, with the goal of providing students with the tools, expertise and connections needed to excel in this high-demand field. With expert faculty, cutting-edge resources and a curriculum aligned with industry standards, Immaculata’s cybersecurity program is preparing the next generation of professionals to tackle the dynamic challenges of an increasingly digital world.

“Immaculata’s cybersecurity program was created with the intent to offer professional opportunities and sustained growth in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Matthew McGeehan, program director and associate professor in the department of applied technology and mathematics. “We are not only responding to a present need but also preparing our students for the challenges of tomorrow.”

A Unique Approach to Cybersecurity Education

Immaculata University’s cybersecurity program stands out for its distinct advantage in terms of faculty expertise. McGeehan, who developed an interest in cybersecurity after experiencing Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks as a web and applications developer. He earned his master’s degree in the field, specializing in real-time threat monitoring and attack surface reduction, and has gained experience in both the private and government sectors, including the Department of Defense (DoD).

Other department faculty members hold cybersecurity-related certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), underscoring the program’s commitment to providing students with instruction from those who have firsthand experience navigating the complexities of cybersecurity. Additionally, the program has strong connections to industry professionals through its advisory board of cybersecurity experts, offering valuable networking opportunities and career guidance.

“Our advisory board, made up of seasoned cybersecurity professionals [like Theresa Payton ’89, Jeffrey Lipson, Catherine M. Reich and James K. Murray], helps to shape the program to ensure it aligns with industry needs, and our curriculum is continuously updated to help students have access to the latest tools and techniques while also providing them [students] with opportunities for mentorship and career insights through seminars and events,” McGeehan explained.

This dedication to industry connections and providing a relevant educational experience is further demonstrated by its pending approval of a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Cyber Defense (CAE-D) designation, a designation that is recognized by the National Security Agency and key federal partners, like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Defense.

Preparing for Emerging Cybersecurity Challenges

As cyber threats become more sophisticated with new challenges like deep fakes, algorithm manipulation and AI-driven attacks, Immaculata’s cybersecurity curriculum has evolved to address these emerging risks. The program offers courses on advanced threat detection and ethical hacking, equipping students to tackle the newest cybersecurity threats.

“Whether it’s ethical hacking, cloud computing or forensics, we make sure students leave our program prepared for the challenges they’ll face in the field. We also teach our students about Zero Trust policies, which is a modern security framework that assumes no user or device is trustworthy by default,” McGeehan noted. “This framework is essential in protecting digital environments in an era where breaches are increasingly difficult to prevent.”

The program’s emphasis of hands-on training through red-team and blue-team simulations—where red teams simulate cyberattacks and blue teams work to detect and defend against them— enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of both defensive strategies and the mindset of potential attackers.

Opportunities for Immaculata Cybersecurity Learners

Through its ForwardShield certification program, Immaculata University offers comprehensive cybersecurity coursework led by qualified full-time and part-time faculty practitioners. The ForwardShield certifications are designed to advance careers at every stage, equipping individuals with essential skills for success in various industries worldwide. These certifications support career development across different cybersecurity approaches and offer training at three levels.

Level One, requires an entry exam or a CompTIA/alternative technical exam, participation in a summer camp program or technical bootcamp, at least one year of work experience in a STEM field and a portfolio of work or projects. Level Two requires over two years of experience in one or more of the following areas: STEM fields, data, cybersecurity, IT, development or business. Level Three  requires over three years of experience in one or more of the same areas. Individuals can advance through credential reviews, which include a $150 evaluation fee—waived for Immaculata University students and alumni.

Cybersecurity majors at Immaculata University can be inducted into the Order of the Sword and Shield, an academic and professional honor society established nationally in 2010, dedicated to homeland security, intelligence, emergency management, cyber and information security, and all protective security disciplines. Induction requires meeting a minimum GPA (3.25) and enrollment in relevant programs. Members benefit from networking opportunities, public recognition, and access to exclusive events and conferences.

Degree Options for Diverse Learners

Immaculata’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is offered to traditional undergraduate students, with a four-year (or three-year through an accelerated option) in-person program. For adult learners, the program is offered in a hybrid format—combining on-campus and online courses in seven-week sessions—at $465 per credit. Completion typically takes two to four years, depending on transfer credits.

Immaculata offers an associate’s degree for adult learners through online, accelerated seven-week sessions at $250 per credit, taking less than two years to complete.

The Immaculata cybersecurity program also offers minors in related fields, including digital forensics and data analytics, which can help enhance the marketability of graduates as they enter the workforce.

Find out more about Immaculata’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.