Master's program aims to train students to fight cyber crime

Master's program aims to train students to fight cyber crime

Over the next eight years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that the demand for network and computer systems administrations will increase greatly. In that vein, professionals who have security skills are expected to see the best job prospects in this field.

As a result, many campus-based and online schools are creating advanced degree programs that are intended to give enrollees the skills they will need to serve as cyber security experts with public or private companies.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is one of these institutions, as the school will begin offering a master's program in information assurance and security this fall, NBC affiliate WAFF reports. Students who choose to pursue this degree will be able to choose between specializations in business, computer science or engineering.

The core curriculum will teach students to prevent unauthorized access to web-based documents and ward off security threats. In addition to a basic knowledge of technical systems, these students will learn how to combat viruses, intrusions and industrial espionage.

Vistasp Karbhari, the school's provost, told the news source that this course of study "emulates the real-world challenges of engineers, managers and scientists" who prevent security breaches as part of their daily duties.

By Stefanie Hughes