Information Security Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Project Management Programs See a Boost with $32 Million Ferris State Center for Virtual Learning Opening

Ferris State University’s new Center for Virtual Learning will help students gain security skills ranging from keeping dangerous malware off your home computer to supporting the national defense from cyber-attacks.

Ferris State’s heralded Information Security and Intelligence program and related study areas welcome students to the new $32 million Center for Virtual Learning this week.

Molly Cooper, an associate professor in and alumna of Ferris’ Information Security and Intelligence Bachelor and Master of Science programs, said the state-of-the-art facility will have features that are among the first in a Michigan university.

“We will have nested Faraday Laboratory rooms, which provide isolation from network communication signals,” Cooper said. “That will greatly enhance our abilities for learning in forensic analysis and the study of malware, a unique and awesome capability for analysis by our Information Security and Intelligence students.”

As Ferris State’s Fall 2023 semester begins, the School of Digital Media, eLearning as part of Extended and International Operations and the School of Education will also be based in the Center for Virtual Learning. Cooper said the CVL’s Esports Arena will be an asset for their program and the others based there.

“At a minimum, the arena will offer us incredible exposure for cybersecurity competitions, thanks to the staging and spectator seating in its design,” Cooper said. “We have been actively involved with student competitions for years and have hosted our own events for high schoolers and college students, but presentations in the arena will be more forward-thinking for all participants and the audience. The notable advance in monitoring for competitors and observers of these interactive events will bring us to an even more exciting place.”

Cooper added that the Esports Arena presents a significant upgrade as their venue for tabletop exercises, where students react to cybersecurity scenarios. At the same time, the center’s podcast studio and collaborative spaces will intensify other learning experiences.

Ferris’ Information Security and Intelligence program is a national leader, accredited by the National Security Agency, U.S. Department of Defense and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Cooper said another significant attribute the center provides is increased space for the Artificial Intelligence and Project Management degree program.

“The AI program is the only Bachelor of Science curriculum offered in Michigan,” Cooper said. “The new facilities and technology will bring online students in any of our study disciplines a more immersive classroom experience.”

Information Security and Intelligence faculty continue their work on developing a graduate certificate program in Space Cybersecurity, with a Satellites and Space Cybersecurity course now being offered to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science students.

“Being in the Center for Virtual Learning will offer greater support for our participation in the Michigan Space Initiative,” Cooper said. “We will be able to increase our involvement and advisement with the added amenities the CVL provides us.”

Cooper said collaborative opportunities with other programs based in the center will augment learning for all involved.

“Working with our CVL department partners will be incredible,” Cooper said. “We have just begun to imagine and explore the prospects of working together, bringing varied expertise to benefit all our students.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at the Center for Virtual Learning begins at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, the opening event of Ferris’ traditional Founders’ Day schedule.