��ݮ��Ƶ�������޹ۿ�

After graduating from ��ݮ��Ƶ�������޹ۿ� of California with a degree in Criminology, Celeste Norman '23 & ‘25 went to work for a Bay Area nonprofit focused on connecting underserved community members with health resources. 

Celeste often helped her elderly clients with their technology issues while also educating them about how to avoid falling victim to the growing number of phishing scams. Recognizing a critical need to protect both vulnerable individuals and organizations from cybercrime inspired Celeste to return to Dominican to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity.

“I feel as though it is my calling to protect individuals and the organizations that they most rely on from cybercrime and attacks,” she says. 
 

Learn More About MS in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity first caught Celeste’s attention when taking a tech-law class at Dominican. The course sparked an interest that led Celeste to pursue her goal of combining the skills she gained in her criminology courses with her interest in cybersecurity.

“I strive for a career where I can mesh criminology/law with cybersecurity. Many industries need individuals who are equipped with the critical thinking skills of criminology and both the technical and non-technical skills of cybersecurity.” 

Celeste had no prior experience in either tech or business prior to joining the cybersecurity program. This has not held her back. 

“I have been able to soak up so much knowledge,” she notes. 

“The program is structured so I can gradually build my understanding of cybersecurity, which built a strong foundation of knowledge of cybersecurity. The hands-on experience in the lectures and course work also helped expand my technical and practical technical skills.”

As with all Dominican programs, students also benefit from a network of faculty mentors. The cybersecurity faculty work in the field, bringing with them both connections and hands-on expertise. 

“The professors in the program are individuals who currently work in the cybersecurity field, so I am able to work closely with an industry professional,” Celeste says.

The online format offers students flexibility without compromising connection.

“Each course is filled with hands-on tools and labs,” Celeste notes. “The program is online, but we can conduct many hands-on labs that greatly enhance my understanding of each course topic. Our cohort is tight knit and there’s a strong sense of community between professors and students.”

While in the program, Celeste also plans to a obtain an Information Systems Security Professional Certificate – a valuable tool for cybersecurity careers. 

“I am excited and eager to enter the cybersecurity field,” Celeste says. “I also feel confident entering the cybersecurity workforce because of this program and the support given from professors in the cybersecurity program.”