Nationally-Recognized Cyber Security Program Adds Focus in Computer Forensics

University a recognized Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance by government security agencies NSA/DHS

San Diego, Calif. – Oct. 28, 2014 – Addressing a growing need to train more cyber security professionals to protect our nation’s networks, National University, the 2nd largest private, nonprofit university in California, announces the creation of a new specialty February 2015 in Computer Forensics as part of its established and nationally-recognized Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assistance program.

National University is recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance for its cyber security program – one of just eight designated Centers in California and the only one in San Diego County. In addition, the program is certified by the Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) Program for online and onsite courses. Graduates of the program have gone on to work for cyber security firms and technology firms, such as Qualcomm, Teradata and the U.S. Government.

“We are extremely pleased to be offering this new specialty in computer forensics, which offers our students studying cyber security even more options to develop focused, in-demand skills in a profession that is growing and that offers many career opportunities,” said Dean John Cicero of the National University School of Computing and Engineering. “We are proud to be recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance, and of the success of our students in securing positions in highly regarded firms.”

Cyber security specialists are in growing demand. Cyber security employers in San Diego County alone expect their cyber security workforce to expand more than 25 percent in 2014, even as they have had “some difficulty” or “great difficulty” finding qualified applicants, according to research by the National University System Institute for Policy Research that was developed in conjunction with several other partners on behalf of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. According to a separate survey by Semper Secure, cyber security professionals reported an average salary of $116,000.

National University’s Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance is available through the School of Computing and Engineering. Students can now specialize in computer forensics, or choose from three other available specialties: Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing, Health Information Assurance, and Information Assurance and Security Policy. The program is taught by experienced cyber security professionals and guided by Program Lead Chris Simpson, who has an extensive information assurance background from his service with the U.S. Navy. He is also President of the San Diego Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association

The Computer Forensics specialty being offered in 2015 includes a focus on computer forensics principles, computer forensics technology and database forensics. In addition to the computer forensics focus, students will learn the fundamental concept of information assurance, policy development and ethical hacking. Students learn to collect and analyze digital evidence, detect intrusions, malware and fraud, and explore legal issues relating to computer forensics. Students will also get hands-on experience using common digital forensics tools. Once they complete the program students will be able to work as Computer Forensics Specialists and Computer Incident Responders.

About National University
Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. With 30,000 students and more than 230,000 alumni, National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students. Five schools and one college – the College of Letters and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the School of Education; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies – offer more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teacher credentials. Programs are offered at locations throughout California and across the nation, and are also available online. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California.

Media contact:
Anna Cearley
Director of Public Relations
858-642-8163
[email protected]
 

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