Prescott to Add Three New Degree Programs

The Embry-Riddle Prescott Campus will launch three new degree programs in the spring of 2013: Astronomy, Cyber Intelligence and Security, and Software Engineering with an emphasis in Cyber Security. The new degree programs will join an award-winning education program that has been recognized as one of the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report.

“The new programs reflect our commitment to expand the diversity of our programs and focus on our commitment and vision to provide quality education,” said Frank Ayers ('87, WW), executive vice president and chief academic officer for the Prescott Campus. “We are especially pleased to offer two cyber security-specific  programs that directly address our nation's vital security needs.”

B.S. in Astronomy

The B.S. in Astronomy will leverage the experience of world-class faculty astronomers, and offer undergraduate students unlimited access to an on-campus optical observatory and radio telescope array. The opportunity to study astronomy in the clear night sky of the Northern Arizona mountains, home to many of the nation’s best astronomical observatories, is a highlight of the program.

“This program is a testament to our focus on creating capable astronomers and researchers,” said Archie Dickey, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The growing demand for physicists, mathematicians and research analysts in the industry has enabled the university to broaden our educational programs and meet those demands.”

B.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security

The Cyber Intelligence and Security degree program enhances Embry-Riddle’s industry-leading Global Security and Intelligence Studies degree programs. Students will conduct hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art cyber security laboratory, learning how to protect vital national and corporate cyber resources. The program’s multi-track management approach offers tactical strategies, policies and counter-operational plans to collect, analyze and protect military intelligence and personnel threats in a global environment.

“Cyber security is in every aspect of our daily lives,” said Richard Bloom, associate vice president for academics. “Graduates of this program will be fully capable of protecting public and military personnel based on the state-of-the-art tools and technologies used in this program.”

B.S. in Software Engineering with emphasis in Cyber Security

The degree in Software Engineering with emphasis in Cyber Security is designed to prepare students for careers developing and modifying large-scale software specializing in strengthening network security. Designing and building computer systems resistant to cyber attacks will be at the core of this program, which builds on the success of the university’s award-winning engineering tracks.

“Our program will produce graduates who have the skills necessary to design, program and efficiently test all facets of complex software and protection systems,” said Ron Madler, dean of the College of Engineering. “Our students will also be fully prepared to leverage the tools and techniques used by network security teams to manage and protect information from cyber attacks.”