M.S. Information Security and Digital Forensics Online (ISDF)

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:

• AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)
• Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (CCME)
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification

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.