Computer Science Ph.D. Boosts Cybersecurity Track
Hamman's Cyber Security Ph.D. boosts computer science program profile
Seth Hamman, Cedarville professor of computer science, received his doctorate in computer science from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), awarded on Sept. 15. Hamman’s classes and dissertation focused heavily on cybersecurity.
“In terms of getting a Ph.D. with an emphasis in cybersecurity, AFIT is a great place to go,” said Hamman. “As a branch of the military, they have been investing in cybersecurity research and education for a long time, and have built a tremendous facility.” AFIT is the graduate-level equivalent of the Air Force Academy.
Hamman’s faculty position at Cedarville allowed him to involve students in research that he included in his dissertation.
“As a follow-on to some research I conducted where I applied behavioral game theory principles to protecting the power grid from attack,” said Hamman, “I taught a module on game theory in one of my classes at Cedarville to see if it could improve students’ adversarial thinking abilities.” Hamman presented that research at a major international conference on cybersecurity education this summer in Philadelphia.
Hamman’s degree bolsters Cedarville’s new computer science concentration in cybersecurity, which started this fall. His degree will also improve Cedarville’s chances of obtaining a cybersecurity education certification from the National Security Agency—the program’s ultimate goal.
“There were lots of reasons for Cedarville to specialize in cybersecurity, to make it our program’s niche,” said Hamman who cited the number of graduates working in the field and Cedarville’s close proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a large recruiting center for cybersecurity jobs and internships, as strong justifications for the concentration.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.
“In terms of getting a Ph.D. with an emphasis in cybersecurity, AFIT is a great place to go,” said Hamman. “As a branch of the military, they have been investing in cybersecurity research and education for a long time, and have built a tremendous facility.” AFIT is the graduate-level equivalent of the Air Force Academy.
Hamman’s faculty position at Cedarville allowed him to involve students in research that he included in his dissertation.
“As a follow-on to some research I conducted where I applied behavioral game theory principles to protecting the power grid from attack,” said Hamman, “I taught a module on game theory in one of my classes at Cedarville to see if it could improve students’ adversarial thinking abilities.” Hamman presented that research at a major international conference on cybersecurity education this summer in Philadelphia.
Hamman’s degree bolsters Cedarville’s new computer science concentration in cybersecurity, which started this fall. His degree will also improve Cedarville’s chances of obtaining a cybersecurity education certification from the National Security Agency—the program’s ultimate goal.
“There were lots of reasons for Cedarville to specialize in cybersecurity, to make it our program’s niche,” said Hamman who cited the number of graduates working in the field and Cedarville’s close proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a large recruiting center for cybersecurity jobs and internships, as strong justifications for the concentration.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.