�Ӱ�ר��

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Aug. 31, 2018 — St. Bonaventure University (SBU) has announced the launch of a new online Master of Science degree in Cybersecurity through their partnership with �Ӱ�ר�� Education.

The security industry will be a $101 billion opportunity by 2020. – IDC

The global cybersecurity workforce will have over 1.5 million unfilled positions by 2020. – Frost & Sullivan

The need for cybersecurity specialists is growing. Stories of data breaches and identity thefts are on the rise. This need is driving growth, but the industry is facing a tremendous talent shortage. A major reason for this is that the specialized field of security needs a skilled workforce. We need ���ǰ�������to help develop critical skills and create an employable workforce.

St. Bonaventure University’s����is an innovative program that helps students develop real-world cybersecurity skills. They work with active cybersecurity professionals and engage in hands-on learning opportunities. Cloud-based labs offer a safe immersive experience to learn real cybersecurity challenges. SBU is a partner with the EC-Council and CISCO Academy, experts with first-hand knowledge of the skill and competency gaps in the current workforce.

The industry needs skilled cybersecurity specialists to combat this talent shortage, said Dr. Hossein Sarrafzadeh, director of SBU’s cybersecurity program.

“The fully online program will allow students to learn and complete the course at their own pace. For working adults, this is a boon,” Sarrafzadeh said. “They can go back to school and upgrade their skills in this competitive field while still working.”

SBU’s online master’s degree program, beginning January 2019 is accepting applications now, will be delivered in collaboration with the Western New York Cybersecurity Research Center and its Security Operations Center, located at St. Bonaventure.

Advanced programs such as SBU’s online master’s program in cybersecurity will help create an employable workforce to beat the increasing instances of data breaches and identity thefts.�� SBU is partnering with the EC-Council and CISCO Academy, experts who have firsthand knowledge of the skill and competency gaps in the current workforce. This new and innovative program will help students develop critical and real-world cybersecurity skills, Sarrafzadeh said.

“As the cyberthreat landscape continues to grow and cyber defense a necessity, there is a high demand for cybersecurity professionals” said Steve Fireng, chief executive officer at �Ӱ�ר�� Education, “St. Bonaventure continues to exemplify by creating innovative programming to meet demand, we believe this program will be one of the leading programs in cybersecurity”

Students will work with active cybersecurity professionals and engage in hands-on learning opportunities.�� Cloud-based labs offer a safe immersive experience to learn real cybersecurity challenges. Students will achieve advanced proficiency in machine learning, secure software design, networking, data mining, cryptography, cybersecurity forensics, and penetration testing among others.

SBU is launching this program in collaboration with its online program management partner, �Ӱ�ר�� Education. ��The new program will have six start dates per year and no GRE/GMAT requirements to offer professionals easy options to enroll in higher education.

Nancy Ingve, Keypath’s Managing Director for all SBU’s online programs, said “St. Bonaventure is an amazing partner and we are very excited to add to their portfolio of online programs.���� SBU’s Cybersecurity has aligned the curriculum with current and relevant technology to meet the needs of this growing market.”

�Ӱ�ר�� Education is proud to support a variety of online degree programs at SBU in Business, Education and Cybersecurity. For more information visit

______________

About St. Bonaventure University

The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things.�� St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #5 best college value in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition.

About �Ӱ�ר�� Education

�Ӱ�ר�� Education is the leading global provider of online program management (OPM) services for top-tier universities around the world.�� Keypath has the ability and expertise to support our university partners through the entire process of selecting, developing, launching and operating successful and sustainable online programs.�� Keypath believes that every institution has unique opportunities and opportunities yet to be discovered.�� Keypath acts as an extension of the university’s team, keeping its brand and academic rigor intact while accelerating the growth and quality of the university program portfolio. Services provided include market research, capital investment, program development, marketing, student recruitment, student retention and course design & development. The company has offices and partners in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. For more information about Keypath or online program management services, .

��