Earn a Top Cybersecurity Degree at UMPI

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) has several options for studying cybersecurity.  The various cybersecurity offerings are designed to provide a rigorous, technical study that imparts the necessary knowledge, skills, and motivations to protect and defend digital information from attacks.  These offerings provide you with the technical skills and theoretical concepts needed to protect Internet-connected hardware, software, and stored data. 

What sets us apart?

  • Uniquely prepares students to respond to cyber-attack and security breaches by using a super realistic virtual environment, housed in the Maine Cyber Range facility and powered by Cyberbit Range technology.  This first-of-its-kind facility in New England allows students to gain real career experience by combating mock attacks.
  • Foundational coursework in information technology, programming, risk assessment, and supply chain security will produce career-ready graduates with a broad, yet refined skill set.  As a result, our program provides you with the skills required to work in small, medium, and large business settings.
  • Our coursework is delivered sequentially to ensure a strong IT knowledge base prior to learning defense strategies.
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Program Highlights

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EXPECT generous scholarships

Cyber Threats and Defense

At UMPI, the Cybersecurity BA program offers in-depth courses on cyber threats and defense strategies, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, analyze, and mitigate various cyber threats. Through hands-on exercises and real-world simulations, students learn to recognize common attack vectors such as malware, phishing, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. They explore techniques for protecting computer systems and networks, including the implementation of firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and security patches. Additionally, students gain practical experience in threat hunting and incident response, preparing them to effectively defend against cyber attacks in professional settings.

Information Security Management

Our program emphasizes the importance of information security management in safeguarding organizational assets and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Students learn about risk management frameworks such as NIST SP 800-30 and ISO/IEC 27005 and gain practical experience in conducting risk assessments and developing risk mitigation strategies. They also study security governance principles and best practices for establishing security policies, procedures, and controls. Through case studies and group projects, students explore real-world challenges in information security management and develop practical solutions to protect against emerging threats.

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

Network Security

The network security curriculum at UMPI covers a wide range of topics, including secure network architecture, cryptographic protocols, and intrusion detection/prevention systems. Students learn to design and implement secure networks that protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats. They explore the latest technologies and methodologies for securing network infrastructure, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), secure socket layer (SSL), and transport layer security (TLS). Hands-on labs and networking simulations provide students with practical experience in configuring and troubleshooting network security solutions, preparing them for roles in network administration and cybersecurity.

Digital Forensics and Incident Response

Students receive comprehensive training in digital forensics and incident response techniques. They learn to collect, preserve, and analyze digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and other digital media using industry-standard tools and methodologies. Through practical exercises and case studies, students gain hands-on experience in forensic data acquisition, analysis, and reporting. Additionally, they develop proficiency in incident response procedures, including incident detection, containment, eradication, and recovery. By mastering digital forensics and incident response skills, students are prepared to investigate cybercrimes, respond to security incidents, and mitigate the impact of cybersecurity breaches.

Secure Software Development

The program emphasizes the importance of secure software development practices in building resilient and trustworthy applications. Students learn about common software vulnerabilities, such as buffer overflows, injection attacks, and cross-site scripting (XSS), and explore techniques for secure coding and software testing. Through hands-on projects and coding exercises, students gain practical experience in identifying and remediating security flaws in software applications. They also learn about secure software development methodologies, such as the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) and the Agile Secure Development Lifecycle (ASDL), and study industry standards for software security, including the OWASP Top Ten and the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) list.

Ethical and Legal Issues in Cybersecurity

Ethical and legal considerations are inherent in cybersecurity practice. Students explore ethical dilemmas faced by cybersecurity professionals and examine ethical frameworks for making moral decisions in challenging situations. They also study relevant laws and regulations governing cybersecurity, such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Through case studies and discussions, students develop an understanding of their ethical responsibilities as cybersecurity practitioners and learn to navigate legal and regulatory requirements in their professional roles.

Mission Statement

The cybersecurity program prepares professionals capable of leading technological changes in industry both locally and nationally, with an emphasis on the protection of technological infrastructures for the preservation of Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (IA).  

It does this by providing a supportive and instructional learning and research environment in which students meet the challenges of developing and mastering in-depth knowledge, understanding, and skill sets in the varied domains within Cybersecurity and IA, with hands-on applications in analysis, prevention, deterrence and countermeasures of information security and integrity in a global arena.  Students who pursue this program of study will find that hands-on application will enable them to design, implement, and administer the security of information systems by embracing the concepts studied and applying those concepts in laboratory settings.

Faculty

Photo of Chuck Ainsworth

Edward "Chuck" Ainsworth

Adjunct Faculty, Lecturer I
Email
chuck.ainsworth@maine.edu
Photo of Rafiul Hassan

Rafiul Hassan

Associate Professor of Computer Science and Curriculum Development Specialist
Location
305 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9627
Email
md.hassan@maine.edu
Photo of Royer, Mark

Mark Royer

Asst. Prof. of Computer Science & Curricular Development Specialist
Phone
(207) 768-9411
Email
mark.royer@maine.edu

EXPECT to Finish in Four

Cybersecurity Program Offerings

The BA in Cybersecurity program at UMPI equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary to protect organizations and individuals from cyber threats and to succeed in cybersecurity careers across various industries.

The Cybersecurity Minor is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to protect computer systems and networks from various cyber threats. This minor provides a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles, including risk management, ethical hacking, network security, and data protection. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical labs and coursework, preparing them for careers in a rapidly evolving field. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges.

If you’re interested in exploring a degree or minor in Computer Science, check out our Computer Science program.

What can you do with a degree in Cybersecurity?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!