Ferris State University’s Information Security and Intelligence program continues to set a high educational bar, ranked as the top program in Michigan by U.S. News and World Report.

The publication has ranked Ferris State’s Master of Science in Information Security and Intelligence program as the best in Michigan and 14th out of 92 nationally in its 2024 Best Online Programs rankings in the Information Technology category, released this week.

“This is great recognition for our program around the state of Michigan and nationally – speaking of the hard work of our faculty and the outstanding students we attract and graduate to become future leaders in the industry,” said Professor Greg Gogolin, director of Ferris State’s Center for Cybersecurity and Data Science. “Our ISI program offers career options for our students and the pathway for them to ensure they are knowledgeable and prepared to make a difference personally and professionally.”

Ferris State’s Information Security and Intelligence program was among those to move into the new $32 million Center for Virtual Learning on the Big Rapids campus at the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year. The modern facility presents Ferris State graduate students with enhanced educational opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities for advanced proactive and reactive training in critical fields such as digital forensics.

Designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, Ferris State’s ISI programs continue to earn national acclaim as a destination for students seeking higher education training as they learn from and work collaboratively with nationally and internationally respected faculty who bring industry experience to the classroom.

“We know that the world is constantly changing, and we must remain responsive to ensure that our students receive the great education they expect and deserve,” said Gogolin, who also serves as program coordinator for Artificial Intelligence, Information Security and Intelligence and Project Management. “Moving into the new Center for Virtual Learning on our campus gives us expanded opportunities to ensure Ferris State and the education we provide our students remains relevant and respected.”

Students pursuing a Ferris State master’s degree in Information Security and Intelligence strengthen their knowledge in areas such as Business Intelligence, Incident Response, Project Management and best practices for security. Graduates often pursue careers as analysts, forensic experts, project managers, security officers and technical managers.

Among Michigan peers, Ferris State was followed by the University of Michigan-Dearborn, No. 44; Central Michigan University, at No. 66; and Western Michigan University, at No. 67.

At 14th nationally, Ferris State tied with Texas-based Rice University, West Virginia University, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, and West Texas A&M University.