Housed in the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, TU’s master’s in cyber security stands above other programs that are more computer-science oriented. Our approach to cyber security is focused around students understanding threats and risk, legal and policy issues, and cyber technical skills, thus giving students a well-rounded education. TU’s lab in the Center for Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics, allowing students a place to not only explore new technologies but to hone cyber security skills.
TU’s outcomes are aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and three overall goals.
- Identifying the knowledge, skills, abilities and tasks that are required to succeed in multiple work roles;
- Using a common lexicon which will allow for a universal understanding throughout the cybersecurity discipline; and
- Utilize the results of an iterative proficiency analysis to determine refined expectations for workforce performance at different position levels.
These outcomes are sure to prepare students to meet the expectations of the workplace.
There is a significant shortage of cyber security professionals destined to only increase due to a rapidly growing profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2017 that information security jobs will increase 37% by 2022, which is three times the average growth rate for all other occupations. The BLS also reports that the average salary for a cyber security analyst with an advanced degree earns an average of $95,510 annually. This high average salary speaks to the shortage of qualified personnel in the field of cyber security. Currently, according to Cyberseek.org, there are 313,735 job openings nationally and 7,361 openings in Ohio alone, with most requiring advanced degrees.
Tiffin University has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated Tiffin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) through 2025. Tiffin University’s B.A. in Cybersecurity received the designation.
The NSA and DHS jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) program. The program’s goal is to promote higher education and research in cyber defense to produce professionals with cyber defense expertise.
Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA)
To be a sworn police officer in Ohio, you must successfully complete the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). Tiffin University partners with Terra State Community College to include the cost of the academy in tuition and can be earned in just one semester.
This unique training academy is state mandated for all police officers and covers firearms, legal administration, human relations, traffic, patrol, driving, subject control, investigations, civil disorder, physical conditioning and other aspects of law enforcement. Students apply direct, hands-on practice in the crime lab, firing range and police cruisers. With experienced, certified instructors and hands-on application, our students consistently achieve passing rates on the state-certified exam.
Once graduates of the program earn the certification, they are immediately eligible for full-time employment.
Testimonial
“Tiffin University gave me my best friend and pushed me to my highest potential. The OPOTA program put me ahead in the hiring process and my bachelor’s degree set me apart from other candidates.”
Cassidy Ralph
Hometown: Marion, Ohio
Graduation: Spring, 2019
Major: Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Law Enforcement
Position: Police Officer with the City of Marysville Division of Police