As digital threats grow more complex, the need for skilled cybersecurity leaders is increasing. Beginning in Spring 2027, JWU Online’s MS in Cybersecurity & Artificial Intelligence prepares students with advanced technical knowledge, practical artificial intelligence applications and an understanding of how AI is transforming the way organizations identify and respond to cyber threats.
In this overview, discover what sets JWU’s MS in Cybersecurity & Artificial Intelligence program apart.
Faculty Expertise
At Johnson & Wales, students benefit from academic instruction shaped by faculty expertise and informed by industry experience. This real-world perspective shapes the online classroom and is reflected throughout the program.
Since 2016, Anthony Chavis has taught in JWU’s cybersecurity and networking courses, drawing on his background in the U.S. Army (Military Intelligence) and private contracting for various companies and U.S. Government agencies in the field of Signal Intelligence, Cyber Security and Network Engineering.
Ideal Candidates
“This program is suited for students who are curious about technology, enjoy solving complex problems and want to help shape the future of AI and digital security.” – Frank Tweedie, Director of Cybersecurity & Computer Science Education
The MS Cybersecurity & Artificial Intelligence program is a strong choice for career switchers, IT professionals looking to advance, recent graduates exploring emerging technologies and others seeking new opportunities in a rapidly evolving field.
Students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds can find a place in the program, including those with experience in information technology, computer science, engineering, business, mathematics, data analytics or other technical and professional fields. While these backgrounds are helpful, they are not strictly required. A mix of student perspectives helps make the program accessible to learners who want to strengthen their expertise in cybersecurity.
Program Highlights
Beyond technical foundations, students build expertise in areas such as threat detection, risk assessment, secure software development and incident response while exploring how AI can both strengthen cybersecurity defenses and reveal threats. Chavis outlines other key topics learned in the program:
- Network security and cryptography
- Cloud and virtualized infrastructure security
- Ethical hacking and defensive countermeasures
- Network intrusion detection and analysis
- Business continuity, contingency planning and disaster recovery
- Cybersecurity law, ethics, privacy and regulatory compliance
- Research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making
- Communication of cybersecurity risks and recommendations to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders
Through hands-on projects, case studies and applied research, students learn to apply security frameworks, evaluate ethical and legal considerations and use data-driven techniques to detect anomalies, anticipate attacks and automate defensive strategies.
This focus on hands-on, career-ready learning is one of the biggest ways JWU’s program stands out. As Chavis explains, “What separates Johnson & Wales at the master’s level is that we prioritize experiential education. Our courses are going to be hands-on. We’re not trying to teach a ton of theory; we’re teaching more application and more things students can use immediately as they transition into corporate life. Students will not simply study cybersecurity concepts; they will be asked to apply them to realistic organizational and technical challenges.”
The program culminates in a capstone experience that allows students to design and evaluate cybersecurity solutions using AI methods. “The capstone provides an opportunity to investigate a significant cybersecurity issue and develop a practical, evidence-based solution,” Chavis adds. “Depending on availability and student circumstances, students may also pursue relevant internship, workplace-based or experiential opportunities that connect their studies to professional practice.”
AI Application
With Artificial Intelligence as a core component of the program, the curriculum combines the strong foundation in cybersecurity while providing knowledge of AI-driven tools that blend seamlessly into the curriculum. “Because AI is evolving so rapidly, the focus isn’t on teaching a single tool for today,” explains Tweedie. “The program focuses on giving students strong cybersecurity knowledge and the ability to apply leading AI-driven tools into their projects in ways that are practical and adaptable for the future.” He goes on to add that this program’s core is “AI-powered cybersecurity.”
Many of the applications and tools learned in the program will be freeware. “If you know how to use the free tools, when you switch over to the paid applications, your job is just that much easier,” Chavis adds. “It’s like learning how to hammer a nail before power tools.” These tools support student learning throughout the program and help prepare students for hands-on experiences.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a class project to create their own scaled-down AI model. “We plan to build an AI model [in class] from scratch to fruition; our own ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini,” notes Chavis. “This will demonstrate how AI works, and how students can remain ethical and compliant. A lot of schools aren’t teaching that, so that’s something we’ll be doing differently.”
Career Outlook
Professionals with advanced cybersecurity expertise are in high demand, and students can find a variety of roles across industry sectors. As Chavis notes, “Students can enter into different fields; if you want to go into a more technical field, you’re probably considering being a software developer. But you could also be looking at roles like cybersecurity project manager, GRC manager, information security manager, security compliance manager, cyber risk manager, cybersecurity consultant or even a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of Information Security Analysts is projected to grow 29% over the next decade – much higher than the average rate for all occupations. Additionally, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers are projected to grow 15% over the next decade.
For students ready to build specialized expertise in a fast-moving field, the MS Cybersecurity & Artificial Intelligence program offers a path toward meaningful, future-focused career growth.
For students seeking a broader, more interdisciplinary approach, JWU’s MBA in Cybersecurity may be a better fit, which focuses on leadership and business fundamentals while covering broad, core cybersecurity concepts.
Take the next step in your cybersecurity journey today. Discover more about our program by filling out the request information form, submitting your free application or emailing us at [email protected].
