Online university offers new program in internet security

Online university offers new program in internet security

Villanova University has announced the launch of a new program, the master certificate in information security management - government, that is conducted entirely online.

The program is intended to help government workers prepare for mandatory certification by teaching them the latest security practices and principles in network and internet security. It responds to the growth in cyberterrorism threat and the desire expressed by several government agencies in recent months and years to hire thousands of new professionals in the field of information security.

"Recent attacks on government websites in the U.S. and other countries have underscored the need for up-to-date information assurance training" says Villanova instructor Michael Gregg.

"[Our new program] provides government workers with the essential foundation for required IT security certifications like CISSP, SSC and CAP," he adds.

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security said it plans to hire as many as 1,000 cybersecurity experts in the next three years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job growth for computer and information scientists will average 22 percent during the next seven years, with top salaries exceeding $144,880.

Villanova University was founded in 1842 and is an accredited provider of professional education online.