School of Information Sciences

University of Pittsburgh: Top 10 for Cybersecurity

April 4, 2014

The University of Pittsburgh ranked 7th on a list of schools nationwide for its cybersecurity program. The survey, conducted by the Ponemon Institute on behalf of Hewlett-Packard, queried approximately 2,000 certified information technology security practitioners. Participants were asked to rank their top five schools from a list of more than 400 institutions of higher education. Overall rankings were based on respondents’ perceptions of academic excellence and rigor, the experience and expertise of program faculty, the relevant experience and background of students and graduates and the overall professional reputation of the program in the cybersecurity community.

School of Information Sciences (iSchool) Dean Ronald L. Larsen said of the ranking, “The commitment to leading-edge research and education is central to both the iSchool and Pitt. We’re thrilled to be widely recognized among security professionals as one of the preeminent institutions for cybersecurity—this ranking is testament to the excellence of our faculty, students and alumni.” The iSchool is home to the Laboratory for Education and Research on Security Assured Information Systems (LERSAIS), led by James Joshi, associate professor in the Information Science and Technology program. LERSAIS has been central to the establishment of a premier research program on security and the development of high quality education in security and information assurance at Pitt.

Another factor contributing to Pitt’s Top 10 ranking was its recognition by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Pitt has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in information assurance education (CAE/IAE) since 2003 and in information assurance research (CAE-R) since 2008 jointly by the NSA and DHS. Pitt is also one of only 15 CAEs in the United States whose IA curriculum has been certified to meet five Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) standards for IA education.

Prospective students who are considering a master's degree in Information Science and Technology or Telecommunications and Networking are encouraged to apply to the Scholarship for Service program for Fall 2014 entry (deadline: April 25, 2014).