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MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� Murray State University鈥檚 statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) continues to set new benchmarks, experiencing a third consecutive record-breaking year in student enrollment. This milestone highlights both the exemplary reputation of the program and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

This fall semester, the program welcomed 85 new first-time students鈥攁n all-time high for incoming cyber students. With this influx, total enrollment in the CNM program has surpassed 250 students, marking the highest in the program鈥檚 history. This surge in interest reflects a broader national trend that recognizes cybersecurity as a critical discipline, as well as the program鈥檚 ongoing commitment to excellence in education, hands-on training and workforce readiness.

鈥淥ur students are more prepared than ever to step into the workforce, and their success reflects the strength of our program,鈥� said Murray State University Cyber Education and Research Center Director Dr. Michael Ramage. 鈥淔or the third consecutive year, we鈥檝e reached record enrollment, which would not be possible without our outstanding faculty. Their commitment to mentorship, real-world applications and exceptional teaching ensures that our students are not only learning but thriving in this rapidly evolving field.鈥�

Emery Vickery, a CNM/cybersecurity and digital forensics major from Madisonville, Kentucky, said, 鈥淎s a senior in Murray State's cybersecurity and network management program, I鈥檝e gained real-world experience through labs, projects and industry connections. The support from faculty has prepared me to step confidently into today鈥檚 cybersecurity workforce.鈥�

Murray State has expanded its cyber-related programs, which are now open for enrollment. The offerings include a bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity and Network Management  featuring a new track in industrial cybersecurity, a master's degree in Cybersecurity Management, and three undergraduate certificates: Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Operations and Industrial Cybersecurity, as well as a graduate certificate in Risk Management. Recently, Murray State implemented a 4+1 program, enabling students to graduate with both a bachelor鈥檚 and a master鈥檚 degree in Cybersecurity.

鈥淥ur transfer partnerships, along with flexible in-person and online courses, make it easier than ever for students to complete their cybersecurity degrees at Murray State,鈥� said Randall Joyce, coordinator of the undergraduate Cybersecurity and Network Management program. 鈥淣o matter where a student begins their cyber education journey, our goal is to support them every step of the way in reaching their academic and career goals.鈥�

In 1997, Kentucky House Bill 1 created Programs of Distinction through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education at public postsecondary institutions, including Murray State University鈥檚 cybersecurity program.  Murray State offers a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Cybersecurity and Network Management, along with an accelerated master鈥檚 degree (available online) in Cybersecurity Management that can be completed in 12-18 months and certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

In 2019, Murray State was designated a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.  Additionally, Murray State鈥檚 CNM has been certified through the Quality Assurance Commons with the Essential Employability Qualities Certification, and has won multiple national awards over the years through ITERA, including Program of the Year. 

Graduates join a global network of alumni who are working in the public and private sectors at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Energy, Tennessee Valley Authority, multiple U.S. military branches, Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Palo Alto Networks and Amazon Web Services, among others. 

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