No, we don’t all own snowmobiles. And we don’t live in ice shacks. But the hard, cold (get it?)...
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing and dynamic field with numerous career prospects. Over the past decade, UM has evolved into Montana’s Cybersecurity Hub. We’ve done this by expanding our Cybersecurity degrees, bringing in world-class and tested faculty, and educating a new cohort of students to become industry leaders.
Scroll below to learn more about the types of Cybersecurity degrees offered by UM, see how we equip our students with real-world experience and meet a few cybersecurity students who are joining the cyber revolution in one of UM’s fastest-growing degrees:
Montana’s Cybersecurity Hub
UM has taken a forward-looking approach to cybersecurity, cementing itself as the Treasure State’s cybersecurity hub. This includes extending its reach through UM’s CyberMontana. This statewide initiative provides cybersecurity awareness, training and workforce development for businesses and residents of Montana -- including many rural pockets.
Missoula College, UM's two-year college, was also recognized by the National Security Agency as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber-Defense Education, the first in Montana to do so. The designation represents the college’s nearly 10-year commitment to Cybersecurity education and recruitment of top faculty and students.
Types of Cybersecurity Degrees & Certificates at UM
UM’s commitment to cybersecurity includes significantly expanding its degree and educational opportunities. Learn more about the many ways you can advance your knowledge and career in cybersecurity:
Bachelor of Science – Cybersecurity: Information Systems and Technology
Earn your four-year Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science through the College of Business at UM’s central Mountain Campus. This face-to-face program incorporates a deep understanding of operating systems and networking technologies with applicable business classes for fast job placement after graduation.
Associate of Applied Science
This two-year Cybersecurity Associate Degree is available at Missoula College’s River Campus. It offers a broad curriculum at every level of information technology, including computer support, system administration and cloud computing.
The Associate Degree is stackable, meaning a student who earns this two-year degree can complete the four-year bachelor’s degree program with just two additional years of coursework.
Undergraduate & Graduate Cybersecurity Management Certificate
College of Business undergraduates and graduates may pursue this 18-credit hour Cybersecurity Management Certificate, which is a great addition to any degree. The curriculum is based on the Core Knowledge Units developed by the National Security Agency and Homeland Security, providing core competency and knowledge base for the career field.
UMOnline’s Cybersecurity Certificate of Technical Skills (online)
This one-semester Certificate of Technical Skills in Cybersecurity is entirely online and is an excellent starting point for those new to the field. Through four courses, students build a foundational core of technical and non-technical components for entry into the cybersecurity world.
Real-World Learning
Throughout our cybersecurity degrees and certificates, there’s a quick transition from textbooks to experiential learning. Alongside real-world assignments and lessons built into the curriculum, UM has several campus resources to build your skillset and experience level.
UM's Security Operations Center
The newly instated Security Operations Center in the University Center offers students a hands-on experience tracking real-time cyber activity across the state. This includes analyzing live network traffic and potential cyber threats to UM and other Montana communities.
The Montana Cyber Range at Missoula College
The Montana Cyber Range at Missoula College River Campus includes student and teacher resources. The Cyber Gymnasium hosts cyber competitions throughout the year. The remote U.S. Cyber Range is available to students and teachers anywhere and offers valuable labs and virtual exercises. And available-by-request Incident Response Labs use students to coordinate a response after a system breach.
Meet Some UM Cybersecurity Students
Jace Reddick
Jace attended Missoula College and received an Associate Degree in Information Technology. He is now at UM’s Mountain Campus pursuing two bachelor's degrees in Cybersecurity and Management Information Systems . Jace worked throughout the IT department at UM and now manages the Security Operations Center in the UC. Connect with Jace on LinkedIn.
Jace’s advice for anyone thinking about cybersecurity:
“I think if it's something that if you're interested in computers and looking at data and all these different things, I would say jump in and take an intro class or two in technology. And if you love it, keep going.
Connor Wright
Connor received a Cybersecurity Certificate of Technical Skills at Missoula College before pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems with a certificate in Cybersecurity Management. Connor landed a Network Security internship at a telecommunications company and then received full-time employment at a local cybersecurity firm. Connect with Connor on LinkedIn.
What Connor is concentrating on these days:
“I am specializing in social engineering, researching the dark web and doing penetration testing (web application, external network, internal network, configuration reviews, etc.). The security program has equipped me with the tools and confidence needed to complete these various security and social engineering tests.”
Cameron Lafond
Cameron received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at UM, focused on Management Information Systems and a Certificate in Cybersecurity. Immediately upon graduating in May 2024, she started a full-time position as a Customer Success Manager at AttackIQ, a simulation and security control validation software company.
How Cybersecurity at UM prepared Cameron for her new role:
“The Cybersecurity Program prepared me by teaching me not only the foundation of cybersecurity and tech but also how to network with people in the industry. Professor Shawn Clouse encouraged me to introduce myself and ask questions of all the guests we had, which ultimately is what got me a job.”
Cybersecurity at UM
Join UM’s cybersecurity program and become a leader in one of the fastest-growing industries. Building your technical skills now opens the door to this exciting and fulfilling career path.
