Building a safer digital future

In the ever-growing digital world, there's a pressing need for cybersecurity experts. Adaeze Nwaigwe and the faculty in Minnesota State University Moorhead's Computer Science & Information Systems department are working to bring more to the workforce with the new Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity.

Nwaigwe has played an integral part in making the MS in Cybersecurity a reality at MSUM. With over 20 years of experience in applied computer science and cybersecurity, she has seen the digital world transform, and the need for cybersecurity grow firsthand. She explains that cybersecurity is about safeguarding personal data as well as ensuring the security of businesses and beyond.

The faculty in our program are experts in the field, bringing real-life experience to the classroom.

"Studying cybersecurity equips learners with the skills to protect not just their own assets but also the digital infrastructure that supports everything from businesses to government systems," she says.

Her long-standing career as an educator and experience in the industry has made her a mentor and role model to many students, especially women aspiring to enter the tech world. She believes her presence in cybersecurity, along with other women in tech, helps pave the way for more women to feel empowered and confident to pursue careers in this critical field.

MS in Cybersecurity

"It's important for young women to see that there is a place for them in the field and that they can succeed and thrive," she says.

Nwaigwe emphasizes the significance of obtaining a master's degree in cybersecurity. Whether students are already in the field or looking to break in, the advanced degree opens doors for better job prospects and increased earning potential. She highlights the growing shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, particularly in sectors like government, healthcare, and banking. These industries require experts to protect sensitive data from cyberattacks, and those with advanced degrees are in high demand.

Committed to student success and meeting workforce needs through innovative academic programs, Nwaigwe has helped shape MSUM's cutting-edge 4+1 program in cybersecurity. The program accommodates students from diverse backgrounds, including those with no prior experience in computer science or cybersecurity. The program's structure ensures students can acquire the necessary skills to enter the cybersecurity field, regardless of their undergraduate discipline.

Nwaigwe's excitement for the program is palpable, and she's especially proud of its design, which is informed by recommendations from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the National Security Agency (NSA). The program is also designed with international students in mind, with online and on-campus course offerings, visa eligibility, and STEM designation.

"The faculty in our program are experts in the field, bringing real-life experience to the classroom," she says. MSUM's MS in Cybersecurity is creating a gateway for individuals from all fields, from criminal justice and business, to acquire the skills needed to contribute to a safer digital world.

Nwaigwe's journey in cybersecurity is more than a career story. It's a call to action for women and men alike to step into this vital and growing field. Her advice is clear: "The digital world needs as many hands as possible to protect our assets. I encourage all interested to join the cybersecurity field and help make the world a safer place."