Capitol College announced this morning the addition of a doctor of science (DSc) degree in information assurance to its academic programs, representing a new level of academic excellence in information assurance education for the institution and the activation of the college’s strategic goal of advancing learning opportunities to the highest level.
As part of the School of Business and Information Sciences, the doctorate program will enable professionals from the information assurance industry to understand and evaluate the scope and impact of systems and technology from institutional, industry and global perspectives. Through the program, Capitol strives to provide doctoral students with an academic environment that supports the development of high-level critical thinking, leadership and technical skills as they relate to information assurance, and to facilitate positive doctoral research experiences.
“As a leader in information assurance training and education, and as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, Capitol College has strategically expanded academic offerings to include high-level degrees that complement the undergraduate offerings,” said Dr. Michael Wood, Capitol College president. “This doctorate program provides a balance between a strong theoretical foundation, hands-on experience and innovative research, and we hope that it will encourage innovative and practical contributions to the field’s body of knowledge from our students.” As the national and regional demand for qualified professionals in critical areas of cyber security expands, Capitol has answered the call for advanced information assurance education by the Obama administration, the expected increase in federal spending on IA, and the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) plans currently underway. Each instance has made it evident that advanced education is critical to the security of our regional businesses and our nation. Capitol’s unique geographic proximity to Baltimore and the Washington, DC metropolitan area gives the DSc program a substantial advantage. Designed as a predominately online program, employed professionals who are seeking advanced education that will allow them to perform as senior leaders, program developers and policy makers in the information assurance field will be tempted to enroll. “We have over 100 people with graduate degrees in information assurance related disciplines waiting for this doctorate to get under way,” said Dean Helen Barker, DM. “We anticipate working professionals from all areas of government, military service members and veterans, representatives from professional organizations and private industry with a focus on information security, and recent graduates who hold degrees in fields like computer science and engineering or homeland security to be excited about the prospect of receiving the highest level of education possible.” When they graduate, doctoral students will be able to conduct research as a foundation for executive action, demonstrate innovation and creativity as it relates to the strategic performance of an agency or organization, make innovative and practical contributions to the IA body of knowledge, and apply a local, national, and global perspective to the decision-making process. DSc graduates can expect to be hired into senior leadership positions in industry, government and academia, and will be able to create and manage unique solutions for any information assurance challenges that may arise. They will be well prepared to lead local, national or global organizations in IT-related fields and provide expert guidance for the protection of information assets.