ECCU Pairs Ethical Hacker, Network Defender Certifications With Compsci

EC-Council University (ECCU), an extension of the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants that trains people for cybersecurity work, is launching an online master’s degree program in computer science to include certifications for ethical hacking and network defense — an industry first, according to a news release.

In addition to its use of industry-standard Certified Ethical Hacker and Certified Network Defender qualifications — both inventions of EC-Council — ECCU’s Dean and Chief Academic Officer Venus Fisher said the new program stands out from other computer science degree programs due to its emphasis on cybersecurity, as such online programs at the master’s level are few and far between across the U.S. higher-ed landscape. She said ECCU’s master’s program is also unique in that it focuses on building leadership skills for careers in IT management and security.

“What’s unique about our [CS master’s] program is that we incorporate a lot of cybersecurity into it and [offer] these cybersecurity certifications, and no other program does that. We’ve also incorporated not just your tech courses, but a lot of emphasis on leadership,” she said. “Usually with computer science, it’s a degree that you would get at the bachelor’s level. … When you add those cybersecurity and leadership elements, you’re able to not only program the software, but you’re now able to defend it and lead teams doing that.”

According to Fisher, the new program’s first cohort of students will begin courses in January. She said the program can be completed entirely online over an 18- to 24-month period and includes lessons on managing cyber threats posed by the advent of blockchain technology, advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, among other emerging technologies.

Fisher added that ECCU’s computer science and cybersecurity degree programming and courses compliment each other by teaching students in-demand skills that are interchangeable for jobs in IT management and cybersecurity roles.

“Having the computer science, cybersecurity and leadership components in the program not…