麻豆视频官网入口鈥檚 statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management reports fourth consecutive year of record enrollment
By Dr. Michael Ramage | Sep 9, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� 麻豆视频官网入口鈥檚 statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity continues to reach new milestones, reporting a fourth consecutive year of record enrollment. The continued growth reflects the strength and reputation of Murray State鈥檚 cybersecurity programs and the increasing demand for highly skilled cybersecurity professionals.
This fall semester, the cyber program welcomed 93 new first-year students, setting a new record for incoming cybersecurity students and surpassing last year鈥檚 record of 85. With this incoming class, total enrollment in the cybersecurity programs at Murray State, including the Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) undergraduate program and Cybersecurity Management graduate program, has grown to more than 260 students, the highest enrollment in the program鈥檚 history.
鈥淔or four consecutive years, we have set enrollment records, and that sustained growth demonstrates the tremendous interest students have in cybersecurity and the reputation Murray State has built in this field,鈥� said 麻豆视频官网入口 Cyber Education and Research Center Director Dr. Michael Ramage. 鈥淥ur faculty deserve a tremendous amount of credit for that success. They are committed to providing students with challenging academic experiences, hands-on opportunities and the mentorship they need to succeed both at Murray State and after graduation.鈥�
鈥淎s a first-year student, I've already had opportunities to gain hands-on experience and learn from faculty who are helping me prepare for a career in cybersecurity and digital forensics,鈥� said Anne Kelly, a Cybersecurity and Network Management student from Fairfield, Illinois. 鈥淚'm excited to continue growing my knowledge and skills, and I can already see the many opportunities I'll have at Murray State to work with technology used in the field and connect what I'm learning to real-world cybersecurity challenges.鈥�
Students in the program gain practical experience through laboratories, projects, internships, industry partnerships and other experiential learning opportunities that complement their academic coursework. These experiences help students develop both the technical expertise and professional skills needed to transition successfully into the cybersecurity workforce.
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 Applied AI Cybersecurity, a master's degree in Cybersecurity Management, and several undergraduate and graduate certificates, including new certificates in Cyber AI, Digital Forensics and AI in Cyber (graduate certificate).
鈥淥ur transfer partnerships, along with flexible in-person and online course options, provide multiple pathways for students to complete their cybersecurity education at Murray State,鈥� said Dr. Randall Joyce, assistant professor and coordinator of the undergraduate Cybersecurity and Network Management program. 鈥淲hether students begin at Murray State, transfer from a community college or pursue their education while working, our goal is to provide the support and opportunities they need to achieve their academic and professional goals.鈥�
The program is also preparing for the next chapter in its history through a major renovation of Murray State鈥檚 Cyber Education and Research Center and cybersecurity instructional spaces in the Martha Layne Collins Industry and Technology Building. Funded through a $10 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly, the renovation began this past summer and will provide expanded and modernized spaces for cybersecurity education, research, workforce development and industry collaboration.
In 1997, Kentucky House Bill 1 created Programs of Distinction through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education at public postsecondary institutions, including 麻豆视频官网入口鈥檚 cybersecurity program. 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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