Program Overview
Niagara’s ISDF program equips students to manage and react to cybersecurity threats that have presented challenges across all industries. Students will be trained in brand new, state-of-the-art computer labs, allowing them to gain skills that can be used in professional areas such as computer and mobile forensics, network security, defensive security, and data privacy. The program is appropriate for students of many backgrounds, including computer and information sciences, business, criminal justice, accounting, and healthcare. For those who are interested, this program will provide the knowledge necessary to obtain the Certified Information Systems Security Management Professionals (CISSP) certification.
Niagara University is designated as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. This important recognition underscores the university’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education, research, and developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to protect the United States’ critical national information infrastructure into the future.
Upcoming Events
Spring Graduate Open House
March 27, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Flexible scheduling, 100% online options, affordable tuition, and 30+ programs led by renowned faculty, all at our Graduate Open House.
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Cyber Security (US ISDF) Virtual Info Session
April 3, 2025, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Looking for a career change? The demand for cybersecurity professionals is rising exponentially.
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Cyber Security (US ISDF) Info Session (Virtual)
May 1, 2025, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Looking for a career change? The demand for cybersecurity professionals is rising exponentially.
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Cybersecurity Summit at Niagara University
May 6, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Hear expert analysis on cybersecurity threats in 2025 and beyond at WNY's only NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
View EventFlexibility
The program is offered 100% online, allowing you the flexibility to complete your studies in one year (or at your own pace.)
Affordability
Graduate assistantships, scholarship opportunities, and over 60 different awards for well-qualified matriculated graduate students exist to make graduate school more affordable.
innovation
Niagara University is designated as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The NSA CAE designation is awarded to institutions that meet rigorous criteria for their cybersecurity programs. NU is one of only a few designated centers in NY state.
CSO Student Learning Outcome
Upon successful completion of the MS ISDF curriculum, students will be able to:
CSO SLO 1
Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply cybersecurity terms, concepts, threats, actors, and events with excellent written and oral communication skills.
CSO SLO 2
Demonstrate the ability to analyze business conditions for optimal applications of information security tools, models, cybersecurity methodologies, planning, and policies to protect people, process, and technology.
CSO SLO 3
Demonstrate the ability to conduct professional cybersecurity research that includes accurate modeling, analysis, and design of CD processes, systems, and relevant laws, regulations, and agencies.
CSO SLO 4
Demonstrate the ability to apply best practices of responding to external or internal cybersecurity incidents through incident response through forensic imaging and emergency preparedness.
As a graduate of Niagara University’s ISDF program, I can confidently say that it significantly impacted my career as a cybersecurity professional. The program equipped me with cutting-edge skills within the cybersecurity landscape and further developed my passion for the industry. The hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Moreover, the program alignment with many of the industry’s top certifications was invaluable for my career success. Thanks to Niagara’s ISDF program, I am well-prepared to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in the cybersecurity field.Jon Sandonato, '18 Cyber Threat Analyst | New York Life Insurance
Discovery Awaits
What You’ll Study at Niagara University
The need for cybersecurity experts is rapidly increasing, faster than organizations can hire – the demand is expected to continue. The number of unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide grew 350% between 2013 and 2021 (1 million to 3.5 million). Research suggests that over the next five years, the same number of openings will remain unfilled. Breaches are on the rise and cybersecurity talent is becoming scarce, Niagara University invites you to become part of the future in cybersecurity. Niagara University offers a graduate degree in cybersecurity (Information Security and Digital Forensics, ISDF) to prepare learners for an exciting career in the cybersecurity field. Because of Niagara’s focus and course offerings, most graduates have been able to secure immediate employment at major tech companies, banks and financial institutions, healthcare agencies, and government agencies.
The Information Security and Digital Forensics Program (ISDF) at Niagara University meets the validation criteria for the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).
M.S. in Information Security and Digital Forensics Receives National Security Agency Validation
Niagara University’s Master of Science in Information Security and Digital Forensics program has been validated by the United States’ National Security Agency, recognizing it as a top advanced degree program that will contribute to the greater national mission of preparing a qualified and robust cybersecurity workforce. The designation was awarded after a review completed by the NSA in partnership with a committee of academic peers.
As a NSA-validated program, Niagara’s M.S. ISDF program gives graduates a competitive advantage for careers in cybersecurity. Its proven ability to meet the increasing requirements of this high-demand industry and its demonstrated community leadership in the field ensures that students are well-prepared to join the nation’s highly-skilled cybersecurity workforce in protecting the country’s information infrastructure and fostering a strategic national security advantage. Niagara’s validation extends through 2029.
Prepare to Soar
Academic, Experiential, and Career Pathways
Careers
- Computer and Mobile Forensics Analyst
- Cybersecurity Administrator
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Defensive Security
- Information Security Research
Relevant Undergrad Degrees
We welcome students with a variety of undergraduate degrees into the ISDF program, including:
- Business
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Political Science
- Healthcare
Niagara University Celebrates Designation as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Niagara University celebrated its recent designation as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense with a reception on Feb. 11. This important recognition by the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security underscores the university’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and research, while developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to protect the United States’ critical national information infrastructure into the future. The event was headlined by industry leader Tim Byrd, executive vice president and chief information security officer of M&T Bank and a member of the NYU Cyber Fellows Advisory Council at NYU Tandon. He spoke about the critical need for cybersecurity professionals and importance of this designation for the university, its students, and the Western New York community.
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Niagara University Receives Center of Excellence Designation from National Security Agency
Niagara University is proud to announce its designation as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. This important recognition underscores the university’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education, research, and developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to protect the United States’ critical national information infrastructure into the future.
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Ready to Apply?
Filling out an application is easy!
NU offers rolling admissions, which means that you can apply at any time for the upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are typically notified of an admission decision in 3-4 weeks. What’s stopping you?
Apply NowMain Contact
Dr. Petter Lovaas, Ph.D., ACE
Associate Professor
Chief Information Security Officer
CSO Center Point of Contact
Contact for Appointment