For Release:          Immediate – November 20, 2017

Contact:                 Dave Dellecese, Public Affairs Specialist ­

                        (315) 792-7307 | ddellecese@sunypoly.edu

SUNY Poly Granted Approval to Offer Network & Computer Security Degree Program to Students Online

New York State Education Department approves new outlet for popular master’s program

Utica, NY - In a continued effort to provide students with the highest quality academic offerings, SUNY Polytechnic Institute announces that the New York State Education Department and the State University of New York have approved an online master’s degree program in Network & Computer Security (NCS).

“The ability to expand our online degree-granting programs is a wonderful testament to SUNY Poly’s dedication to offering the best education possible, and in this case, using technology to do so to virtually open our classrooms to even more students,” said SUNY Poly Interim President Dr. Bahgat Sammakia. “As with our many other online programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level, students will learn the highly-coveted skills needed to make them ready to enter the 21^st Century workforce and put their abilities into practice.”

The ability to obtain a master’s degree in NCS from SUNY Poly provides greater advancement opportunity for those mid-career professionals already in or looking toward a career in Network and Computer Security. The online NCS program will enable numerous IT professionals the opportunity to update their knowledge of network and computer security with the latest course content that can immediately be put into action and allow individuals to become more effective in their careers.

“The online master’s degree program in Network and Computer Security offers the same top-tier cyber education our students find in-person on SUNY Poly’s campuses. The opportunity for practicing professionals to complete their degree requirements from any location on a timetable that works with their already busy professional and personal lives can help our nation address threats to our digital systems.” said Dr. William Durgin, SUNY Poly Provost. “Being able to offer this program to students online expands our ability to reach students anywhere in the world and prepare them to create a cyber secure future.”

Through its online format, students from all over New York State, the country, and even the world will have access to the courses, faculty, and resources of SUNY Poly’s NCS Department, allowing even those that are working full-time the ability to still complete an advanced college degree in a format that is convenient to them.

“SUNY Poly is proud to offer the M.S. in Network and Computer Security on-line program,” said Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Interim Dean of the College of Engineering. “It will enable people from around the world to take part in our world-class NCS curriculum.”

One of the hottest current technical fields today, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow each year. Computer security, also known as cyber security, is the protection of computer systems from the theft of and damage to their hardware, software, or information, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide. Cybersecurity touches almost every aspect of modern life with news headlines frequently highlighting the importance of securing information systems, which play key roles in personal safety, personal privacy, social interactions, financial systems, commerce, and critical infrastructure such as power, water, food, and even election systems.

“We are truly excited about the expansion of our Network and Computer Security program,” said Associate Professor Dr. John Marsh, Chair of the program. “The addition of this program to SUNY Poly’s already impressive online curriculum will not only help the career advancement of many with a flexible, accessible graduate-level education, but it will also help to fill the ever-growing need for cybersecurity professionals.”

With a slated launch date of Fall 2018, the MS in Network and Computer Security joins already popular graduate programs within SUNY Poly’s College of Engineering, including an MS in Systems Engineering, MS in Computer and Information Science, MS in Advanced Technology, as well as an MBA in Technology Management from the College of Business Management.

Those interested in learning more about the online MS in Network and Computer Security program can visit sunypoly.edu or contact the SUNY Poly Graduate Admissions Office at graduate@sunypoly.edu or 315-792-7347.

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About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)

SUNY Poly is New York’s globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem. SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience and nanoengineering, as well as cutting-edge nanobioscience and nanoeconomics programs at its Albany campus, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences at its Utica/Rome campus; thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities complement the campus experience. As the world’s most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts billions of dollars in high-tech investments and hundreds of corporate partners since its inception. For information visit www.sunypoly.edu.