St. Thomas University School of Law has established the LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree program in Cybersecurity Law & Policy; the only program of its kind in the state of Florida. The 100% online program is designed to be completed in one year and will meet the needs of working professionals, as well as traditional students, seeking a flexible opportunity to advance career goals in a rapidly-growing area.
The goal of the program is to further instruction, promote research, and identify policy through a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity law, while being uniquely positioned with a specialized focus on the legal ramifications of cyber-threats in the aerospace field. The distinctive, globally-balanced curriculum will cover areas such as National Security & Space Strategy, Cybersecurity Law & Policy, International Privacy Law, Satellite & Space Security, and Aviation Cybersecurity.
All sectors of society are increasingly vulnerable to surreptitious network intrusions that threaten data integrity, personal privacy, and national security. The program, which begins January 2020, fills an urgent demand for policy and law in the cybersecurity industry. The convenient online structure will allow students to enroll from the U.S. and abroad. Ideal candidates will include holders of Juris Doctor, Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees (or equivalent foreign qualifications) in the field of law who have a desire to develop an understanding of legal and policy principles of cybersecurity. Because no previous technical knowledge is required, successful lawyers, legal educators, as well as IT managers can further advance their careers through this LL.M. program.
Global Cybersecurity Career Outlook and Growth
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019) noted that employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Further, according to BBC Research, the global cybersecurity market is geared to see an increase from $85.3 billion in 2016 to $187.1 billion in 2021; a worldwide surge for jobs in the field. A recent “Cybersecurity Ventures” job report predicts there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings by 2021(Jobs Report 2018-202). Major law firms have begun to establish cybersecurity law practices, but graduates of the LL.M. program will be employable across every industry – both public and private sector – as consultants, chief security officers for businesses, as well as government.
According to the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics & Professional Responsibility, “cyberattacks have become so frequent that it is no longer a matter of whether firms will be the victim of a cyber-attack, but a question of when and to what extent.”
Roy Balleste Professor of Law, Director, LL.M. Program in Cybersecurity Law & Policy
St. Thomas University School of Law has recruited top faculty with the expertise across industry, academia, and military. The program’s launch will bring together the school of law’s recognized strengths. The curriculum incorporates a unique blend of law, cyberspace, aviation, satellite communications, and national security, making it well-suited for those professionals with a strong desire to acquire advanced knowledge in the age of cyber operations.
For more details on curriculum, application deadlines, and admissions requirements, please CLICK HERE.
