University renames its telecommunications systems management program of distinction

MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University has renamed its award-winning telecommunications systems management Bachelor of Science program — designated a program of distinction —to cybersecurity and network management (CNM). The change took effect July 1, 2020. 

Though the program name is changing, the program of distinction designation will remain intact and course content will remain the same.

The name change represents the evolution of the technology and telecommunications industries over the program’s 20 years. The new title was chosen to better represent the topics covered in the academic program and known by the technology community, making the program more marketable to industry and potential students. 

“We hope this name change will better reflect how we are preparing students,” said Dr. Michael Ramage, director of the Murray State Center for Computer and Information Technology. “It will not change how we interact with alumni, industry or our region through our education, recruitment and outreach activities. We hope this change will put our undergraduate program in a position to be successful for another 20 years.”

“The new CNM program name represents the direction Murray State is going as a leader in cybersecurity,” said Dr. Danny Claiborne, chair of the Murray State Institute of Engineering. “In addition, the program will continue to build on a strong foundation of network management with cutting edge technology.”

Murray State’s cybersecurity and network management program offers tracks in cybersecurity, wireless communications and network and systems administration. Students have the choice of obtaining a CNM degree by attending classes on campus or through the CNM online degree program. Students on campus can begin the program of study at Murray State or transfer into it after earning an associate degree through a 2+2 option.

In 2019, Murray State was designated a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. 

Learn more about the University’s cybersecurity and network management program at murraystate.edu/CNM.