If you have always dreamed of becoming a cryptanalyst, cybercrime investigator, software security engineer, or game developer, then Iona University may be the place to start your journey.
The New Rochelle university invites students to launch themselves into the vast world of computer science and cybersecurity by learning real-world skills and gaining insight into different career paths. Its Computer Science and Cyber Security (BA/MS or BS/MS) program is built to prepare students for large cyber threats and real-world cases. By having knowledge in both computer science and cybersecurity, students can understand the tools and protect people’s data. Classes include software security, cryptography, network security, and more.
Dr. Paolina Centonze, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Cyber Security Coordinator, teaches software security, web security, mobile security, cloud security, big data security, and program analysis for security. In 2011, she created the Cybersecurity Program at Iona University, and it has been approved by the New York State Education Department.
The cybersecurity program has small class sizes, with a 15:1 student-professor ratio in most cases, and was developed to align with real-world needs. Something special about the program is the personalized mentorship and hands-on learning. Students can choose to do the accelerated dual-degree option to obtain a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in just five years.
This field has diverse career opportunities, and students have graduated to become cybersecurity analysts, networking security specialists, and security consultants, just to name a few. Many students have gone on to intern at government agencies, financial institutions, tech firms. Some of the companies include top names like IBM, Google, PepsiCo, and Gartner.
“Iona’s cybersecurity program teaches students all the latest threats and equips them with advanced technologies and methodologies to detect and prevent cyberattacks on systems and in software. Our program emphasizes real-world case studies and project-based learning to simulate industry scenarios,” Centonze explains. “Ethical considerations and critical thinking are embedded throughout the curriculum to ensure graduates are well-rounded professionals ready to tackle cybersecurity challenges.”
As part of Iona’s degree program, students work on a capstone project throughout the semester. This consists of working through hands-on, real-world strategies with a client. When undergoing this process, students can practice implementing software design and solutions at each step to garner experiences they can take into their career, whether it’s AI-based situations or figuring out programming language. All courses in the program are reviewed each year and reflect the latest trends and threats, including AI-driven threats.
“Students explore how AI enhances threat analysis while also understanding how cybercriminals use AI to carry out attacks. This dual perspective ensures that graduates are prepared to both leverage AI for cybersecurity defense and counter AI-driven cyber threats,” Centonze notes.
Iona also offers a Cybercrime and Prevention Online Advanced Certificate, which is a 12-credit course designed to provide specialized knowledge in the field. The course reviews how to detect and prevent cyber-espionage and cover diverse perspectives in the field. The credits from the certificate can be a pathway to an advanced degree for the Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
For folks who want to intertwine their computer science skills with creativity, Iona also offers a computer science in game development degree. Through this coursework, students will learn the ins and outs of game development — the story ideas to animation, sound editing, and more. A few major requirements include software development design and implementation, data structures, and computer architecture. If going down the path of game development concentration, students will immerse themselves in advanced game development, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and mobile application development.
Next Steps
If you are interested in cybersecurity or computer science in game development at Iona, request more information on Iona’s website here. For prospective students planning to pursue a dual degree in computer science and cybersecurity, apply for admission via Common App or contact the admissions team.
Related: Iona University Partners With the United States Secret Service
