Smokin' Hot Online Cyberthreat Analysis Grad Class About To Start! (Shameless Self Promotion)

I know it is shameless.  I know it is self-promoting but I think our online cyberthreat analysis course is an extremely cool, very awesome class. 

Why?

First, it is taught by Billy Rios.  Billy is the current team lead for web and product security at Google.  Before his gig with Google, he worked at Microsoft.  The prof for this class is a soldier who comes in from the trenches to teach each class and goes back to the trenches when class is over.  It simply does not get any more real than that.

Second, the class is not just theory.  Billy brings a healthy dose of application to the class.  To quote the brochure:  "Students will be introduced to the key concepts, tools, and terminologies used by professionals in the field and apply what they learn in lab exercises that model real-world events." 

Third, it means something to me when good students speak highly of a class.  Numerous high quality students who I know and trust have taken this class -- and loved it.

Fourth, it is online and asynchronous.  That doesn't mean you can blow off assignments until the last week and then catch up.  What it does mean is that, if you are deployed or in a distant time zone or work odd hours, you can still take this class.

Fifth, it is an introductory level class and there are no pre-requisites.  It is specifically designed for someone who knows little to nothing about cyber.  It is perfect, for example, for an analyst who is interested in moving into the cyberthreat field or who just wants to have some grounding in the issues but does not have a technical background. 

Sixth, it is a graduate level class that is accredited and transfers just like any other grad class.

Seventh...oh, you get the idea.  It is a damn good class.  If you are interested in taking it or want more information, contact Linda Bremmer:  lbremmer@mercyhurst.edu 

Class begins 28 NOV and runs for 10 weeks.  The deadline for applications is 4 NOV.

If you are interested in cyberthreat analysis and are looking for a introductory course, I can think of no better place to start.

Grad Courses In Nonproliferation Analysis, Leadership In Intel Offered Online This Summer (Mercyhurst.edu)

We are offering two new, online, graduate level courses this summer: Nonproliferation Analysis and Contemporary Leadership In Intelligence. Both courses are filling rapidly but currently have a few slots left. The courses will start 6 JUN and will run through 12 AUG.

If you already know you are interested, you can contact Linda Bremmer, who administers all our online offerings, at lbremmer@mercyhurst.edu.  If you want a bit more info, read on!

Although these courses are part of our Master of Science in Applied Intelligence program, both courses are also open to other qualified individuals. US citizenship is not required and it is not necessary to be enrolled in another Mercyhurst program. All students who successfully complete the classes receive 3 (fully transferable) graduate credits, so participants must have a prior undergraduate degree to enroll.

The leadership course will examine organizational leadership in the context of intelligence organizations and units. Students will explore leadership styles, principles, and models, in addition to developing a personal sense of how to lead groups and how to lead change within an intelligence organization.

Taught by the director of our graduate program, Dawn Wozneak (a former FBI analyst), the course will also examine contemporary issues and ethical challenges facing intelligence leaders, particularly how leadership decisions impact organizations, staff, morale, and public perceptions of intelligence organizations.

The Nonproliferation Analysis course will be taught by Kimberly Gilligan, currently with the Global Nuclear Security Technology Division, International Safeguards Group, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

This course was specifically designed for analysts and other interested people who do not specialize in non-proliferation issues but want/need some background in this area.

Topics will include the nuclear fuel cycle, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Additional Protocol, safeguards (including an overview of verification techniques and the use of open-source information), export control, proliferation incentives (and disincentives), nonproliferation trends, and nuclear terrorism. Two case studies will explore the nuclear black market and proliferation.

If you are interested now, contact Linda Bremmer, who can answer any additional questions, at lbremmer@mercyhurst.edu.