The Randolph-Macon College faculty recently approved a new major in Cybersecurity. As a field of study, Cybersecurity is a computing-based discipline that involves the creation, operation, analysis, and testing of secure systems, networks, and applications to protect against a variety of digital threats.

The Cybersecurity major will enhance RMC’s strong program in Computer Science. The new major, which will be implemented in fall 2019, will help meet student demand in a relatively young but growing field.

In-depth Understanding
The Cybersecurity major will provide an in-depth study of four areas within the discipline: data security, software security, network security, and system security.

RMC Computer Science Professor Rance Necaise explains that students will gain an understanding of both the science and technological aspects of the discipline.

Necaise, chair of the Computer Science department, says, “We are thrilled that RMC has added a Cybersecurity major, an exciting field that is growing in popularity.” Necaise notes that the discipline will also be offered as a minor, which will allow students from a variety of areas of study to gain a basic understanding of Cybersecurity that will help strengthen their education and their chosen major.

From College to Career
With the addition of the Cybersecurity major, Randolph-Macon is positioned to once again be a leader in establishing an undergraduate program that prepares highly sought-after professionals in an exciting and fast-growing field.

“Geographically, the college is in a great location between Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads area, two areas with a high demand for Cybersecurity professionals,” says Necaise. “RMC’s Cybersecurity major will provide students with a solid foundation that will enable them to immediately begin a career in a Cybersecurity-related field or to further their studies in discipline specializations through graduate-level programs.”