FAIRMONT – A Fairmont State University computer science degree program with an emphasis on cybersecurity has been named near the top in the United States for students going into the profession.
Programs.com, a jobs resource for the cybersecurity market, bestowed the Fairmont school’s four-year degree, and that emphasis, with its No. 7 ranking in the nation.
Deb Hemler, who is interim dean of the College of Science and Technology, said the recognition isn’t giving any academic or professional clues.
“The honor affirms what we have long known,” she said.
“It reflects the relentless dedication of our faculty to remain cutting-edge and innovative – while still providing a truly personal, educational experience.”
While the four-year program offers a strong foundation in software development, there are also academic branches reaching into issues of ethics and other social responsibilities, Mahmood Hossain said.
Defense strategies and vulnerability assessments are also part of the offerings, said Hossain, a computer science professor and department chair.
“Students gain experience with industry-standard tools,” Hossain said. “They learn how software attacks occur and what strategies are used to identify and prevent vulnerabilities.
Current knowledge, he said, is critical in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
