St. John’s Graduate Programs in Cyber Security and Data Science Earn Prestigious Accreditation

Two graduate programs from The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University recently received accreditation from ABET, formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

The Master of Science degree programs in Cyber and Information Security and Data Science were granted ABET accreditation after meeting the review board’s rigorous quality standards. The St. John’s programs are among the first graduate-level programs in the nation to receive ABET accreditation.

The University’s undergraduate programs in Computer Science, Cyber Security Systems, and Information Technology previously earned ABET accreditation.

“Accreditation from ABET affirms the academic excellence and relevance of our programs in Cyber and Information Security and in Data Science,” said Luca Iandoli, Ph.D., Dean and Distinguished Chair, the Collins College of Professional Studies, and Professor, Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science. “To be among the first graduate programs in the nation to achieve this distinction is both a privilege and a responsibility—one that underscores our commitment to advancing knowledge, shaping practice, and preparing leaders in fields critical to our future.”

ABET recognizes college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Accreditation ensures that a university’s degree programs meet a uniform standard of excellence in the discipline and signals to employers that graduates are equipped with skills that meet the highest professional standards.

The 30-credit Master of Science in Data Science program, established in 2013, provides students with a cutting-edge curriculum in analytics, data visualization, database management, machine learning, and statistics. Potential career paths for students include artificial intelligence engineer, data engineer, malware analyst, software engineer, and more.

“We are proud that the Master of Science in Data Science program has earned ABET accreditation,” said Fazel Keshtkar, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science, the Collins College of Professional Studies, and Program Director. “This highlights our commitment to offering students a program that meets the highest global standards. It is especially meaningful for our students, as it validates the quality of their education and gives them a strong advantage as they pursue careers in today’s data-driven industries.”

The 30-credit Master of Science in Cyber and Information Security program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to help prevent cybersecurity attacks. The demand for professionals who can prevent such attacks has risen as their frequency has grown. Students in the program take courses in cybersecurity law, digital infrastructures, malware analysis, and more.

“Having ABET accreditation helps to ensure that a program has met standards to prepare graduates for the job market, research, and further studies,” said Joan E. DeBello, Ed.D., Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science and Chair, Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science, Collins College of Professional Studies. “The division will continue to ensure the programs are up to standard and continuously improve.”