WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19, 2016 - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Champlain College Online announced today the availability of the new online Master of Science in Information Security Operations to Federal employees and their legal dependents through the Champlain College truED® alliance. Starting with the first session on March 14, Federal employees and their families can pursue this online degree at 50 percent less than standard tuition rates. Champlain College is recognized for its top-rated cybersecurity program in the nation, according to SC Magazine.

“Today’s cyber threat landscape is constantly changing, requiring a skilled, integrated and highly adaptable cybersecurity workforce to protect our nation,” said Beth F. Cobert, Acting Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. “Federal agencies need advanced techniques to secure information as well as the experience to respond effectively to incidents. Champlain College’s online M.S. in Information Security Operations will help prepare Federal IT professionals to confront existing and future cybersecurity challenges.”

In April 2015, OPM and Champlain College formed an alliance to enable Federal employees, their spouses and legal adult dependents to pursue affordable, online post-secondary education in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, deemed by the U.S. Government Accountability Office as a mission critical occupation. This new degree is one of more than 60 nationally recognized online certificate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs that are available through the Champlain College truED® alliance with OPM.

“The Champlain College online M.S. in Information Security Operations is the first advanced degree program designed for the professionals who manage and protect information security systems and networks,” said Dr. Mika Nash, Academic Dean, Division of Continuing Professional Studies at Champlain College. “It will give Federal information security professionals the edge in cybersecurity by marrying advanced technical skills with the strategic thinking needed to prevent and respond to cybersecurity challenges both today and in the future.”

The program will focus on delivering hands-on experiential learning that has direct applications to challenges that Federal information security professionals face every day. In the program, students learn to merge human intelligence and analysis with technology, and think about cybersecurity systematically and tactically to develop long-term information security strategies.

The M.S. in Information Security Operations is completed 100 percent online and the first class begins March 14, 2016, with additional start dates to follow. Applications are being accepted immediately with a deadline of Monday, February 8, 2016. The program is priced per credit and the total cost of the degree for Federal employees and their adult dependents is just under $12,000, based on the 2015-2016 Champlain College tuition rates that will be locked in through 2017. This 30-credit program can be completed in 20 months, and more accelerated options may be available for highly motivated students.

Prospective students can apply online here.

Federal employees interested in the program can call toll-free (888) 545-3459 to speak with a Champlain College admissions representative, or register for and attend one of the free upcoming Federal informational webinars:  

• Tuesday, January 26^th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
• Thursday, January 28^th from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET