Digital threats change rapidly, and the skills needed to fight them are evolving just as quickly. The cybersecurity and network administration major at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences (LAS) is designed for adaptable professionals who are driven to secure what matters most, ethically and responsibly.
This program prepares you to protect modern infrastructure across hardware, software, and wireless systems. Along the way, you’ll build critical thinking, problem-solving, and systems-level decision-making skills — the kind that help you not just understand how things work, but how to protect them when they don’t.
“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields, and skilled professionals are in greater demand than ever. We're proud to offer practical, hands-on training and to teach network administration so our graduates have a competitive edge and have an easier time landing entry-level positions.”
— Dr. Shmuel Fink, Deputy Chair, Computer Science
Why Choose Cybersecurity at LAS
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. At Touro LAS, our program builds on a strong foundation in IT, data communications, and network administration, which gives students a broader understanding of how systems function and how to protect them.
The curriculum focuses on providing practical, workforce-ready skills, including network design, systems administration, intrusion prevention, VPN configuration, ethical hacking, and more. You’ll complete a hands-on internship and learn how to assess risk, design secure systems, troubleshoot vulnerabilities, and stay calm under pressure.
With these skills, many of our graduates launch their careers in help desk or consulting roles, where they can apply their skills immediately in lucrative, high-demand roles.
“By going to conferences and talking with professionals in the field, our faculty bring back real stories and up-to-date knowledge. That sparks curiosity in students and helps them see all the different directions they can grow in cybersecurity.”
— Professor Satch Hegde
Meet the Cybersecurity Faculty
At Touro LAS, cybersecurity is taught by experts who understand where the field has been and where it’s going. Our faculty bring real-world experience in infrastructure, system administration, and digital security, along with a passion for teaching students how to think critically and adapt confidently in a fast-changing field.
They’ve seen the shift from traditional IT roles to modern cybersecurity careers and they’re here to help you navigate that shift, with practical guidance, one-on-one mentorship, and a focus on building lasting careers, not just short-term skills.
Professor Satch Hegde has a BS in information sciences and technology and a MS in cybersecurity and privacy from NJIT. He teaches courses in computer networks, information security, cloud administration, and malware analysis, with a focus on penetration testing and cyber defense.
Professor Shmuel Fink is the Deputy Chair of the Computer Science Department and brings decades of leadership and technical insight to the program after spending time at IBM and Xerox. He’s passionate about mentoring students and faculty as well as evolving the curriculum to keep pace with new technologies.
Professor Shmuel Abrahamson received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Touro University and has CompTIA A+ certification. In addition to teaching, he publishes Android apps and maintains a small IT and programming firm, including using Excel/VBA for an Education-sector Data Analysis company.
“Professor Satch was the main professor who spoke to students about internships and open-source projects. He dropped so many resources and pushed us to work on real tools and projects outside of class. That made a huge difference.”
— Ari Szanzer (BS Cybersecurity, ’26)
Course Spotlight: Computer Forensics
What happens when digital evidence becomes a crime scene? In this hands-on course, students explore the tools and techniques used to collect, preserve, and present computer-based evidence for use in criminal investigations and civil litigation.
In Computer Forensics (MCON 321), you’ll learn how to:
- Assist in investigating cybercrimes and torts
- Implement forensics readiness policies in an organization
- Extend governance to support future investigations
- Contribute meaningfully to computer forensics teams
Whether you’re drawn to cybersecurity from a law enforcement, legal, or investigative angle — or simply want to understand how digital footprints are traced and verified — this course offers a compelling entry point into a high-demand specialization.
Professor tip: Dr. Fink recommends supplementing your Touro LAS experience by earning industry certifications, attending tech conferences and workshops, exploring AI, and focusing on building skills today’s employers need.
More About the Cybersecurity Major
The cybersecurity and network administration program is fully remote (online and via Zoom), flexible, and internship-supported to build practical experience. As a cybersecurity and network administration major, you’ll gain exposure to industry standards and best practices while building a technical foundation in vital skills like:
- Network architecture and topology
- Operating system installation and upgrades (Windows and Unix-based)
- Router, switch, and firewall configuration
- VPN setup and access control
- Encryption, security auditing, and troubleshooting
As we prepare graduates to tackle the increase in digital threats, we’re proud to be NSA-designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). The NCAE-C program is managed by NSA's National Cryptologic School, which partners with vital security organizations in the United States government, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), and more.
Student tip: Start looking for your internship long before you actually need one. Give yourself time and start at least a year out. — Ari Szanzer (BS Cybersecurity, ’26)
Cybersecurity Pathways at Touro
Want to go further without starting over? Touro LAS offers a streamlined path from bachelor’s to master’s that helps you level up faster. Through the Integrated Technology Merit Fast Track, qualified cybersecurity majors can take graduate-level courses during undergrad that count toward both degrees.
Here’s how it works: If you meet the program requirements, you’ll be conditionally accepted into the MS in Cybersecurity & Network Administration program at Touro’s Graduate School of Technology. Earn your BS in cybersecurity and start graduate coursework while you’re still finishing undergrad. The credits apply to both degrees, so you save time, lower your tuition, and graduate with more momentum.
This pathway is ideal for students who want to:
- Build deeper expertise in cybersecurity, IT, or infrastructure
- Explore areas like systems integration, databases, or project management
- Graduate with two degrees and a clear edge in the job market
It’s one of the most efficient ways to stay in motion and within a system that you know and that wants you to succeed.
“Many of our courses are aligned with industry certifications. While we don’t administer the exams ourselves, students still gain the knowledge and skills needed to earn those certifications, which makes them more marketable.”
— Dr. Shmuel Fink
After Touro: Careers and Opportunities
Cybersecurity is one of the most stable and lucrative fields in tech — and demand continues to grow as digital threats become more sophisticated. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field are projected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Touro LAS graduates take on roles such as:
- Cybersecurity/Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity/Network Administrator
- IT Manager
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Security Consultant
- Cloud Computing Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
In New York City, the average annual salary for cybersecurity professionals is $145,465, with top earners making $188,720 annually. With the right skills, support, and credentials, you’ll be well-positioned to step into a role that’s both in demand and financially rewarding.
“Cybersecurity can be incredibly lucrative. There are banks and law firms that will pay well into six figures for someone who knows how to keep their systems secure — because to them, that’s priceless.”
— Professor Shmuel Abrahamson
What to Expect at LAS
At Touro LAS you’ll join a close-knit community of students at a commuter campus with a strong support system and flexible structure. You’ll be part of a learning environment that understands your goals and helps you reach them.
Flexible Formats
Courses are designed to fit real life, with online evening classes on Zoom, asynchronous learning, and other formats that fit your busy life.
Goal-Oriented Peers
You'll learn alongside others who take their studies seriously and share your values and goals.
Supportive Faculty
Every professor, advisor, and staff member is invested in your success and understands everything you’re juggling.
Preparation That Pays Off
Get ongoing support with resumes, mock interviews, and long-term planning, whether you’re heading to grad school or applying to jobs.
FAQs
What certifications should I study for and earn as a cybersecurity major?
At Touro LAS, many courses are aligned with industry-standard certifications so you’re preparing for them as you earn your degree. Some recommended certs include:
- CompTIA A+ – Covers the basics of hardware, software, and troubleshooting
- CompTIA Network+ – Focuses on networking concepts and infrastructure
- CompTIA Security+ – A foundational cybersecurity cert and often a job requirement
- Microsoft AZ-800 – Focuses on Windows Server administration, relevant for many enterprise roles
- Cisco CCNA – Widely recognized and respected in network infrastructure
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – A beginner-level cloud cert showing cloud fluency
Certifications show employers that you’re serious, skilled, and ready to work. They also help you stand out in entry-level roles and boost your earning potential.
Is cybersecurity a good fit if I don’t want to write code?
Absolutely. Although some cybersecurity roles require programming, many do not. In fact, cybersecurity offers hands-on, non-coding paths in areas like system administration, network security, digital forensics, and more. The Touro LAS program emphasizes real-world security skills — not software development.
What are employers really looking for in cybersecurity talent?
More than just technical skills, employers want people who can solve problems, stay calm under pressure, and understand the big picture. They’re looking for candidates who are curious, ethical, and able to think like both a defender and an attacker. Soft skills — like clear communication and teamwork — also matter more than you might expect.
What are some opportunities within cybersecurity that most people aren’t aware of?
Not all cybersecurity jobs involve coding or penetration testing. There are roles in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), digital forensics, incident response, cloud security, cyber policy, and even training and awareness. Graduates have the opportunity to work in finance, healthcare, education, or government, which are all sectors that need strong cybersecurity teams.
Secure Your Future with a Degree in Cybersecurity
Ready to break into one of the fastest-growing fields in tech? Apply to the cybersecurity and network administration major at Touro LAS today.
