Cybersecurity at University of Detroit Mercy
Protecting the Digital and Physical World Starts at UDM
Discover an affordable way to learn from national leaders in cyber fields, including close collaboration across the automotive industry and government partners. The National Security Agency (NSA) and its affiliated federal agencies have designated UDM as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Defense, and our Cybercrime program is aligned with both the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s national cybersecurity strategies.
UDM’s human-centered, ethics-driven approach is especially critical in the age of AI
Technology increasingly shapes decisions that impact privacy, safety, equity and trust. Our students learn how to build intelligent systems, and how to deploy them responsibly and ethically.
On this page, explore:
Affordable Excellence
When you apply, you are automatically considered for generous scholarships and grants.
Fast Track your success
Check out accelerated programs which are Bachelor's + Master's in less time for less money.
Great Outcomes
Michigan ranks 3rd in the nation for the potential growth of its cybersecurity industry. (The Detroit News)
Learn by Doing
You will be in supportive environment with faculty who care about your success. Collaborate while focusing on AI, design, autonomous vehicles cybersecurity and machine learning.
Cybersecurity & Information Technology
Best for students who want to protect digital systems in business, healthcare or government.
Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- 5-Year BS in Cybersecurity / MS in Cybersecurity Management
- 5-Year BS in Cybersecurity / MS in Intelligence Analysis
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
- Master of Science in Information Technology
What You’ll Learn:
- Network and cloud security
- Ethical hacking and security testing
- Cyber law, policy and compliance
- Digital forensics and threat response
- Certification prep (CompTIA, CISSP)
Career Paths:
Security Analyst • Cloud Security Specialist • IT Auditor • Incident Responder
Vehicle Cyber Engineering & Vehicle Cyber Technology
Ideal for students who are excited about smart vehicles, self-driving technology and protecting the future of mobility.
Certificates and Degree:
- Graduate Certificate in Vehicle Cyber Engineering
- Graduate Certificate in Vehicle Cyber Technology
- Master of Science in Vehicle Cyber Engineering
What You’ll Learn:
- Embedded systems and real-time communication
- Automotive cyber frameworks and risk assessment
- Cryptography used in vehicle and mobility systems
- Diagnostics, secure communication and cyber-physical threat modeling
- DoD-funded labs and applied projects (VICEROY)
Career Paths:
Automotive Security Engineer • Embedded Systems Specialist • Vehicle Systems Analyst • Cyber-Physical Risk Specialist
Cyber Crime (Criminal Justice Focus)
Great for justice-minded students interested in digital investigation and law enforcement.
Degree:
What You’ll Learn:
- Cybercrime investigation and digital evidence collection
- Criminal justice systems and legal frameworks
- Forensic tools and investigative methods
- Policy analysis and cyber law
Career Paths:
Cybercrime Investigator • Forensic Technician • Law Enforcement Analyst • Fraud Examiner
Computer Science + Cyber
Perfect for students who love building technology—such as software, apps and AI tools—and want to keep those systems secure in a connected world.
Degrees:
- Bachelor in Computer Science
- 5-Year BS in Computer Science / MS in Software Engineering
- Master of Science in Software Engineering
What You’ll Learn:
- Core computer science skills, including algorithms, data structures and operating systems
- Secure software development and secure coding practices
- Application and web security
- Malware analysis and defense strategies
- How to design and deploy apps, agents and intelligent systems with security in mind
- Hands-on experience in ethical hacking, networks and digital forensics
Career Paths:
Software Security Engineer • Application Developer • Secure Software Architect • DevSecOps Specialist • Security Automation Engineer
Why Study Cyber at UDM?
National Recognition
Detroit Mercy is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), designated by the NSA. This means your education meets top national standards and gives you access to:
- Federal scholarships
- Internships and career opportunities with government agencies
- A curriculum focused on real-world skills that employers want
DoD VICEROY Program Partner
For students interested in cyber-physical systems, especially vehicle cybersecurity, our VICEROY Program—part of a national defense partnership—offers:
- Specialized research opportunities
- Hands-on training with real vehicle systems
- Mentorship from defense professionals
- Paths to federal service and national defense careers
This opportunity is available at only a few universities nationwide.
A Community That Supports Your Success
You’ll learn from faculty who work with industry, government and local employers. Study in small classes where you’re known and supported, and gain real experience through labs, projects and internships in Detroit and beyond.
Cybersecurity Programs Comparison Table
Each program offers hands-on learning, experienced faculty and strong connections to industry. Not sure which one is right for you? Contact our admissions team or sign up for a virtual information session.
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Programs |
Cybersecurity & Info Assurance (CIS) |
Computer Science |
Vehicle Cyber Engineering (VCE) |
Vehicle Cyber Technology (VCT) |
Cyber Crime (Criminal Justice Focus) |
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Ideal For... |
Students interested in IT security, networks and cloud systems Detail-oriented, tech-savvy, interested in defending digital infrastructure |
Students interested in developing software solutions, apps and agents Great for analytical thinkers who like designing solutions and want to integrate security from the ground up. |
Engineering/Computer Science-focused students interested in vehicles, robotics and cyber-physical systems Analytical, hands-on, excited by creating mobility tech and cyber-physical security |
Information Technology/Systems-focused students Diagnostic, hands-on, excited by mobility tech and cyber-physical security Strategic thinker, interested in protecting data and systems in mobility tech |
Justice-minded, investigative student interested in the intersection of law and tech |
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Primary Focus |
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Key Skills |
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Career Paths |
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Hands-On Components |
Labs, certification prep (CompTIA, CISSP), real-world scenarios |
Software build projects, development of apps, agents and security-enhanced software tools, |
Vehicle hacking labs, DoD-funded capstones, simulations |
Crime labs, mock investigations, justice system training |
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Federal Partnerships |
NSA CAE-CD |
NSA CAE-CO (pending) |
DoD VICEROY |
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College |
College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences |
College of Engineering & Science |
College of Engineering & Science |
College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences |
College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences |
Custom Corporate Education
We can develop and deliver microcredentials to suit your corporation’s needs.
For further information, contact:
- Professor of Criminal Justice, Erick Barnes at barnese@udmercy.edu,
- Professor of Cybersecurity & Information Systems, Greg Laidlaw at laidlags@udmercy.edu.