New Cybersecurity Initiative

By Mark Gregorio |  Spring 2025

Ramapo College is stepping up to address the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals with the launch of its new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree. Welcoming its inaugural class in fall 2025, the comprehensive program is rooted in the college’s strong liberal arts tradition, equipping students with technical prowess, critical thinking and even a foundation in psychology. The curriculum extends beyond the basics of coding and firewalls, emphasizing cybersecurity’s human and ethical aspects, ensuring graduates are prepared to navigate the challenges of the digital world.

“There’s a widespread misconception that cybersecurity is solely about machines,” said Dr. Michael Middleton, provost and vice president for teaching, learning and growth. “In reality, it encompasses people, policies and ethical decisions. Our program combines hands-on training in ethical hacking, network security and secure software development with topics like social engineering, legal issues and risk management.”

A Unique Interdisciplinary Approach

What sets Ramapo’s program apart is its interdisciplinary approach. Unlike traditional tech-focused cybersecurity degrees, Ramapo incorporates elements from criminal justice, business and psychology. This method provides students with a broader understanding of cybersecurity’s implications.

Dr. Scott Frees, a computer science professor and convener of the cybersecurity program, explained that a significant part of cybersecurity involves understanding human behavior. “Our students take courses like Ethics of Technology and Computer Law and Ethics; comprehending the rules and ethical dilemmas is just as vital as writing secure code,” he said. Additionally, students can pursue minors in related fields such as psychology to better understand cybercriminal behavior or in business to gain insights into risk management and corporate security strategies.

Addressing Major Cybersecurity Threats

Middleton pointed out that cybercrime is on the rise, and threats such as ransomware attacks, phishing schemes and data breaches affect businesses and individuals. Ramapo’s program addresses these pressing cybersecurity challenges by preparing students to combat social engineering tactics, safeguard sensitive data and minimize network vulnerabilities.

“Cybersecurity isn’t only about preventing hacking attempts—it’s about proactively addressing vulnerabilities before they are exploited,” Middleton emphasized. “Our graduates will be trained to detect threats, respond to breaches and develop secure infrastructures that businesses and government agencies need.”

From Theory to Practice

Through labs, simulations and real-world scenarios, cybersecurity majors will gain practical experience to tackle industry challenges. The program culminates in a cybersecurity capstone, where students address complex security issues under expert faculty guidance.

Each student will select a focus area, which may include conducting a case study, implementing security solutions or analyzing and exploiting vulnerabilities in existing software. “We don’t just teach students concepts—we ensure they can apply them,” Frees noted. “From securing networks to developing hacker-resistant software, our graduates will be ready to enter the workforce.”

Furthermore, students will be prepped to sit for industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Students will work together on real-world cybersecurity challenges, applying strategies to safeguard digital systems from cyberattacks and data breaches.

Career-Ready Graduates through Experienced Faculty and Partnerships

Ramapo’s cybersecurity program is led by experienced faculty who specialize in machine learning, AI and software engineering, ensuring students have access to the latest advancements. In addition, industry leaders provided direct input to align the curriculum with the skills employers seek. “We collaborated closely with cybersecurity professionals to create a program that prepares students for real-world challenges,” Frees added.

Looking Ahead: Bridging the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

According to Frees, over 700,000 cybersecurity jobs are unfilled in the U.S. alone, and there is a global shortage of 3.4 million professionals. The demand for ethical and highly skilled cybersecurity experts is critical. Ramapo’s new program addresses this gap and focuses on producing ethical leaders and problem-solvers ready to face complex digital threats.

As Middleton states, “We’re not just training students for jobs; we’re preparing them to become ethical leaders and problem-solvers in cybersecurity.” Ramapo’s innovative curriculum, practical learning and commitment to real-world impact ensure that its graduates are well-equipped to tackle the industry’s evolving challenges.