Seton Hall is introducing a Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity program, available to students in Fall 2026. The 30-credit, one-year, on-campus program provides hands-on training and experience.
SHU has long supported cybersecurity, with preexisting minors, certificates and on-campus clubs.
Students, like Joseph Calle, a senior finance and technology major, have been interested in pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity.
“I have definitely considered pursuing a graduate degree in cybersecurity,” Calle said. “As surveillance expands and technology becomes harder to navigate safely, a degree like this offers a real opportunity to help people. Cybersecurity is one of the clearest modern forms of public service because you are protecting others, often in ways they do not even see.”
Interest in a cybersecurity master’s is strong among students aiming for advanced careers in technology, according to Marymount University.
“Creating an M.S. program now gives future students an even stronger path, with more structure, more depth, and more academic rigor behind it. To me, that makes the launch of this program both timely and necessary,” Calle said.
Adam Zahran, a freshman physics major, furthered the sentiments, saying the new program is a step in the right direction for SHU.
“I think it is a fantastic and timely move,” Zahran said. “Seton Hall already has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and providing a dedicated pathway for cybersecurity professionals shows that the university is forward-thinking and committed to addressing the global talent gap in this field.”
Dr. Shajina Anand, professor and founder of the Cybersecurity lab, played a key role in the creation of the new M.S. in Cybersecurity. She noted that while many students are interested in cybersecurity, they often lack the resources and guidance to break into the field.
“We have many students from different backgrounds who are interested in this field, but don’t always have a clear path to get there,” Anand said. “So, we wanted to create something that is practical, hands-on, and accessible.”
Anand went further into what makes this program different from the preexisting ones already offered by SHU.
“The master’s program goes significantly deeper than a certificate or minor,” Anand said. “While those programs are valuable for introducing core cybersecurity concepts, a key difference is the level of structure and progression. The master’s program is designed as a cohesive learning pathway, where courses build on one another and lead into more complex, applied work.”
For some students, the program offers the chance to pursue cybersecurity while remaining in the campus community they already know.
“As a Pirate already, I value the community and the faculty here,” Zahran said. “Having a high-quality M.S. program on campus means I can continue my education in an environment I already trust, while potentially leveraging the professional network from the staff and faculty here.”
Other students, like Thorin Collins, a junior information technology management major and president of the Cybersecurity Club, think the new M.S. is a reflection of SHU’s commitment to providing skills that directly correlate to the job market.
“I feel that this new offering is a reflection of Seton Hall’s commitment to providing students with the skills they need to excel in the ever-evolving job market,” Collins said.
Anand confirmed these sentiments, explaining the variety of jobs an M.S. in Cybersecurity creates.
“The program prepares students for a wide range of cybersecurity roles, including cybersecurity analyst, penetration tester, security engineer, incident responder, and security consultant,” Anand said. “These are core, high-demand positions where graduates can immediately contribute in technical and operational security environments.”
These skills also extend beyond cybersecurity-specific roles.
“Students are trained not just to use tools, but to understand systems, anticipate risks, and respond effectively in real-world situations,” Anand said. “Career opportunities extend across multiple sectors, not just technology companies, but also hospitals, financial institutions, government agencies, and consulting firms, reflecting how cybersecurity is now essential in every industry.”
Kaitlyn Campeau is a writer for The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at kaitlyn.campeau@student.shu.edu.
