Philadelphia, Pa. -- Modern-day concerns over information security and analysis has led Penn State to develop a model program that will address the growing demand for specialists in security and intelligence.
A new program in security and risk analysis, approved today (July 14) by the University's Board of Trustees, will integrate studies in the emerging realms of information security, intelligence analysis and cyber forensics. The program will strive to produce practical leadership skills essential in a variety of workplace settings that make up today's global digital economy.
Last November, as a first step in forming this new major, 15 experts -- including CEOs, CIOs and federal agency executives -- joined University President Graham B. Spanier, Provost Rodney Erickson and faculty leaders for a discussion about the proposed curriculum. The panelists discussed options that would best respond to society's needs in a variety of areas, among them information gathering and analysis, combating identity theft and corporate fraud, intrusion detection, risk management and national security.
Society operates through a complex and pervasive web of information technology -- ranging from the Internet to cell phones to information systems throughout the nation's economy. This vast infrastructure holds data on everyone, and also holds countless clues to how individuals and organizations do, could or should interact with society, government and the economy.
Penn State has recognized a void in higher education, which has not adequately addressed the unique, interdisciplinary training and education needed to prepare graduates for careers and leadership in the analysis and assurance associated with these critical infrastructures.
"Critical to the success and viability of this program has been our thorough exploration of the skills, backgrounds and credentials essential for success in this burgeoning career field today, and a broad array of the top industry leaders have played a key role in helping to shape the curriculum," said Erickson. "As a result, we believe the University has established a model program that will provide students with the education, internships and exposure necessary to meet the needs of a rapidly growing workforce in this vitally important arena."
The interdisciplinary security and risk analysis baccalaureate program will be administered by the College of Information Sciences and Technology, in association with psychology, business, communications, law, agriculture, political science, criminal justice, geography and other units.
A graduate program that would be closely aligned with the new baccalaureate program also is being considered for the future.
Penn State has established a record of developing new, innovative academic programs to meet national needs. In recent years, the University developed the College of Information Sciences and Technology, a program in forensic sciences, and expanded emphasis on the cutting edge of areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and materials sciences.
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For more on the College of Information Sciences and Technology, go to http://ist.psu.edu online.