Why VIST?

The Virginia Institute of Science & Technology (DBA: VIST) is a private institution of higher education located in Tysons/Vienna, Virginia. The institute offers a Masters of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (MSCIA) program and two graduate certificate programs.

You may ask the question: Why should I study at Virginia Institute of Science & Technology? Here is why we believe that you should consider coming to VIST:

Qualified Professors: The majority of professors at VIST who teach the MSCIA program have Ph.D. in the field of Computer Science, Computing Engineering, or Electronic Engineering from the top US or international universities. These professors are senior-level managers, technical leaders, chief scientists, and project engineers in governmental agencies and large defense corporations with at least 15 years of experience in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Most of them are also adjunct professors at Georgetown, George Washington, Institute of Maryland, George Mason Institute, and other colleges.

Hands-on Curriculum: Since our faculty are not only academicians but are also practitioners with the current knowledge of the cybersecurity field, they teach what is applicable, practical, and needed in the modern workplace. Our hands-on curriculum equips students with the knowledge and advanced skills that today’s employers demand.

Current Technology Labs: The Institute created a  Cybersecurity Lab, Systems & Networking Lab, and Big Data & VR/AR/AI Lab. Our students use these labs to learn and practice current technologies and gain hands-on skills that will greatly benefit them in their future cybersecurity careers.

Small Class Size: VIST’s classes average only 10-20 students. Our small class sizes allow for more personal interaction with the faculty. You are not anonymous here; we know you by name!

Flexible Class Schedule and Learning Environments: We offer a flexible class schedule that accommodates the needs of working adults. Most of our students can maintain their current jobs and attend the program. Additionally, our programs are also available in both learning environments: face-to-face classroom study and synchronous remote learning mode. Students can study at VIST’s campus or participate in the live broadcasted classes via Zoom from all around the world.

Professional Certifications Training: At VIST we want our graduates to be successful and competitive in the workforce. For that reason, in addition to academic education, we offer our students training preparing for professional certifications. The cost of the training for Security+ and Ethical Hacking certification exams is included in the tuition.

Convenient Location: VIST is located in the US Capital Washington Metropolitan Area – side of Northern Virginia, within just a 25-45 minute drive of most of the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area. 15 minutes driving distance to White House and the US Capital Hill, as well as to IDA International Airport. VIST is easily accessible via the D.C. Metro System, with a metro station located just a block away from the campus.

Post-graduation Service: VIST provides post-graduation services for all its MSCIA graduates for two years. Students who graduated from VIST’s degree programs can come back to take the same-level courses on-campus/online anytime for free if the courses will benefit their current jobs and there are open seats available in the classroom.

Job Market Demand: The Washington DC metro area has a huge demand for cybersecurity and Information Assurance professionals. The salary range for a cybersecurity Specialist is $78,746 to $153,217 in the United States in August 2022 (See Indeed report; please note that the salary is also dependent on person’s working experience, academic degree, professional certification, etc.). The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor projected there are at least 15 years of job security for those who work in the field of Cybersecurity, while many other I.T. professionals may have to look for a new job on an average of approximately 5-years.