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.

National centers of academic excellence in cybersecurity logo

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.

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Upcoming Events

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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.

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Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU
Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU Why Information Security & Digital Forensics at NU
Flexibility

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.

Information Security and Digital Forensics Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Niagara University is officially designated by the NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD). According to the NSA, the NCAE-C program aims to create and manage a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:

  • Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence,
  • Includes competency development among students and faculty,
  • Values community outreach and leadership in professional development,
  • Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic disciplines,
  • Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.

The ISDF program has been validated as a Cyber Defense Master’s Degree program by the NSA. Students in the ISDF program have access to exclusive benefits that can enhance educational and career opportunities in cybersecurity. These include opportunities for networking, internships, scholarships, and even employment with top cybersecurity employers.

The cybersecurity field is a rapidly growing industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cybersecurity field is projected to grow by 33% from 2023 to 2033, with a median salary of $120,360 for information security analysts.

The National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center (NCyTE) is a program that is committed to improving the quantity and quality of existing cybersecurity resources and building upon these resources to develop effective training and teaching modules. By concentrating on student development; professional development; and curriculum development, revision, and dissemination, NCyTE Center incorporates effective outreach efforts to raise awareness and build viable partnerships among academia and industry.

Cybersecurity is an ever evolving and growing field. To be successful in cybersecurity, individuals must develop skills in a multitude of areas. Knowing this, the ISDF program is dedicated to equipping students with the critical skills needed to thrive in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. Our curriculum focuses on three key areas: research, conceptual knowledge, and certifications. ISDF students develop robust research capabilities, a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, and industry-recognized certifications that will empower them to excel in any cybersecurity career path they choose.

This program is offered 100% online with synchronous (real-time) classes.

The program consists of 36 credit hours, including a two-semester capstone/research project.

Individuals from various backgrounds are welcome to apply for our ISDF program.  Due to the multidisciplinary field of cybersecurity, students of many different degrees and backgrounds have been successful in our program. There is no technical background required; however, it is recommended that students have an interest in technology and cybersecurity, as well as familiarity with common desktop platforms such as Microsoft Windows.

Yes, a Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university is required for admissions.

If you would like to learn more about our Master of Science in Information Security and Digital Forensics program, it is highly recommended that you attend an informational session. For times, dates, locations, and registration details, please visit our graduate events website.

Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships are available but very competitive. For more details, please visit our graduate aid website

Our job placement rate for ISDF graduates is 99%. Our alumni have found great success in industries such as  government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare, and hardware and software industries.

The flexibility of our ISDF program will prepare students to thrive in any career path they take in cybersecurity. As cybersecurity threats grow in scale and complexity, the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. Some key job opportunities in the cybersecurity field include:

  • Security analyst
  • Network security administrator
  • Computer forensics examiner
  • Cybersecurity risk analyst
  • Ethical hacker
  • Chief information security officer

part of the ISDF program. These certifications provide hands-on expertise and give you a competitive edge in the job market.

This program prepares students to sit for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification exam in the future. (Requires five years of cybersecurity work experience). At the end of this program, students should be ready to immediately sit for the Associate of ISC², which requires no prior work experience. Throughout the program, students can also pursue certifications such as:

Yes! Whether you are right out of a bachelor’s degree, or are employed, you will be able to complete the ISDF program. This course is a very flexible program, and its structure allows our students to accommodate and balance both working and educational careers.

Typically, the completion time of the program is two years. With this said, some of our students have completed this program in one and a half years, while our most motivated students have even completed the program in one year.

Niagara University is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD) by the US National Security Agency (NSA).  Internships are available through the CAE community.  The NU Career Services Office also offers help finding internships. Several organizations reach out to our faculty with requests, who then forward them on to students.

No, classes are only available on weekdays.

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Two-page, double-spaced, typewritten statement discussing your academic and/or research background, your career goals, your personal philosophy related to your area of study, and how Niagara University’s graduate program will prepare you to meet your career and educational objectives.
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Individuals with less than a 3.0 undergraduate degree may require a GRE exam)
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities indicating award of an accredited undergraduate degree
  • Optional resume

Niagara University has a rolling admissions policy. Applications are considered as they are received and evaluated in a holistic fashion in keeping with the mission of the university. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application will be considered.

No, students get access to our cybersecurity cloud which provides each student with a high-powered virtual machine with 24/7 access. Our virtual machines are equipped with the latest software and tools tailored to the ISDF program, ensuring you have everything you need for your coursework and projects. We recommend using a device with a keyboard and mouse when accessing the virtual machine.

Students must use a personally owned (not employer-owned) device running Windows, macOS, iOS, Android/Chrome OS, or Linux, with a keyboard and mouse for coursework. Once enrolled, students receive instructions on how to access their CSO remote desktop, which has course software preloaded. It is recommended that the screen size is greater than 13” for optimal viewing. Students are also required to use a camera and microphone during lectures conducted virtually.

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).

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M.S. in Information Security and Digital Forensics Receives National Security Agency Validation

National centers of academic excellence logoNiagara 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

Tim Byrd of M&T speaking at the NU cybersecurity reception

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

Dr. Petter Lovaas, Niagara University’s chief information security officer and chair of the Department of Cyber Security & Operations; Dr. Timothy Ireland, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs; Samantha DalPorto, field representative for Congressman Timothy M. Kennedy; Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University; and George McNerney, regional director for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, at the announcement of Niagara University’s designation as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

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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Main Contact

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Dr. Petter Lovaas, Ph.D., ACE

Associate Professor
Chief Information Security Officer
CSO Center Point of Contact


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Dr. Perry Benson

Assistant Professor

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Glenn Papp Jr., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

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