Ferris’ Information Security and Intelligence program has recently been ranked #1 in Michigan by the U.S. News and World Report for Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Programs. Additionally, the program secured #14 out of 92 nationally.
Online learning was integrated into Ferris’ ISI program even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its full potential was realized and enhanced during and after the pandemic.
The initial infrastructure in the basement of the business building had cameras and microphones, but the new facility has significantly elevated the online learning experience with advanced technology.
Online learning plays a crucial role in making education accessible to a broader audience. It provides opportunities for individuals who might not have been able to attend Ferris otherwise, such as those with jobs who can watch recordings after work, those who attend in person but have an appointment, are sick or those residing out of the area who can participate through virtual lectures.
Dr. Jerry Emerick, a professor of the ISI program explained the ways that they help students who are doing virtual learning,
“We do our best, but we know there’s always room to improve,” Emerick said. “I’ve been a remote student and I know it’s easy to kind of feel like you’re not fully part of the class or an observer. So, we all try to kind of pull them in and at least say hello and goodbye and maybe bounce some direct questions to those that are connected remotely.”
Steven Harmon, a member of the five-year master’s program where students take accelerated courses to get their master’s degree one year early, is a fully virtual student who finds the way the program is set up to be helpful.
“In the ISI program, both the undergraduate and graduate programs do HyFlex, so whether you’re remote or you’re in person you really have the feel of being part of the classroom,” Harmon said. “One of the reasons I really love the program is because even though I am a remote learner there’s not two different programs.”
ISI sophomore and the president of the Information Security and Intelligence Alliance registered student organization Seth Brott shared his positive experience in the program, emphasizing the caring and dedicated nature of the professors.
“All of the professors here are extremely encouraging, very excited, and just want to do cool things and show us the things we are capable of,” Brott said. “The professors offer a lot of real-world experience, and a lot of help outside of lectures.”
Brott noted there is a broad class selection in the ISI, with many specific classes. He also expanded on what ISIA is.
“We offer a community, and we offer a lot of support to everyone else in the program,” Brott said. “A lot of our meetings kind of divulge into us talking about the program and more experienced students helping the younger students.”
Emerick explained how far the program has come.
“We’ve evolved into seven full-time faculty and a number of part-time faculty,” Emerick said. “Our program is like from the ground up cyber security, we’re able to as a result of that deliver all of the domains of cyber security and be accredited by the most recognized and prestigious bodies in the cyber security space the National Security Agency and ABET. There are very few programs that have both of those accreditations and also offer the program online.”
Emerick praised the faculty members and students in the program.
“I’m really proud of the students we have in this program,” Emerick said. “They’re very high achievers and almost all of them could have gone to any school, but they chose us. So, we’re honored to have them here and I’m really honored to work with this faculty group. They’re a hard-working faculty group that puts students first and it may not always be obvious, but we really do.”