After long days inside the New Jersey State Judiciary, Jennifer Morris isn’t slowing down—she’s leveling up. Through Rowan University’s online master’s in cybersecurity, she’s building new technical skills, preparing for what’s next and proving to herself that growth doesn’t stop with experience.
Balancing Work, Life & Learning
After a five-day-a-week, 100-mile round trip commute to her job within the New Jersey State Judiciary, the last thing that Jennifer Morris needs is to lock in another daily commitment. The master’s in cybersecurity student says, “I cannot show up to class on Thursday night for three hours and be expected to retain the information.”
However, as a self-identified lifelong learner, she adds, “But I also can’t sit on the couch for two hours at night and scroll the internet.”
“I always have this need to learn more,” she says. The online cybersecurity degree program is outside of her comfort zone, a distinction she readily embraces as a seasoned professional and middle-aged adult. “I want to make myself marketable for my second career,” she says, and adds, “And I wanted to prove to myself that I can do hard things.”
Returning to Rowan Online
The online master’s in cybersecurity is, in fact, Jennifer’s second Rowan Online degree, having previously earned a bachelor’s in construction management. She completed her bachelor’s in construction management online just over a year ago, taking a breather before applying to graduate school.
“The 10% discount for returning students is a game-changer,” she adds. “I am paying for my degree myself, and this discount makes a world of difference.”
The 10% discount for returning students is a game-changer. I am paying for my degree myself, and this discount makes a world of difference.
Building on Experience Within the Judiciary
Jennifer enjoys her career very much, dedicating herself to a role in which she oversees the construction projects, as well as the emergency planning and continuity of operations within those facilities.
“The judiciary is very tech-savvy,” she says, “and because of that, it’s able to turn on a dime, which we saw during COVID. We had the infrastructure already in place. The judiciary is demanding when it comes to its high standards for cybersecurity.”
She finds that the knowledge she has gained through her bachelor’s in construction management and her cybersecurity graduate program blend seamlessly, complementing myriad facets within her role at the judiciary.
Learning Tech Skills & Leadership Confidence
Surprisingly enough, Jennifer shares that she does not consider herself to be a naturally tech-savvy or tech-forward person. She has grown these skillsets specifically through her career.
Her online classes support her continued growth in this area. “I’m learning more nuanced details about things I’ve been previously exposed to at work,” she says. Jennifer cites an example centering on Cat6 cabling, which came up in one of her classes recently. “I already had knowledge about Cat6 cabling, given what I do,” she shares. The discussion within her cybersecurity class, however, lent itself to her understanding the finer details within the specifics.
“It’s making me a better asset to my team,” she says of her growth.
Planning Ahead for a Second Career
With almost 25 years with the judiciary, Jennifer cannot imagine “going from 100 mph to zero” upon her eventual retirement. Though retirement is not immediately on the horizon, she is planning for it now, to be ready to launch a second career later.
“I no longer have children at home,” she says, reflecting on her now-quiet house and her ability to focus on herself. “I knew that I wanted to earn a degree that would be instrumental to my success and would support a promotion in my field.”
Choosing the University in Her Local Community
A simple Google search directed her to Rowan University’s academic programs. As a lifelong New Jersey resident, Jennifer grew up at a time when Rowan University (then Glassboro State College) was primarily known for its strength in offering education programs.
“When I was a young kid [in the 1980s] and people were talking about where to go to college, Glassboro State College was the place to go if you wanted to be a teacher,” Jennifer says. “Then, they added engineering. Rowan Boulevard. The medical schools.
“I’ve watched Rowan blossom as I became an adult.” When choosing an online program as an adult learner today, she says, “Why wouldn’t I want to go somewhere that’s close to me, where I can show up on campus if need be?”
While Jennifer purposely selected online learning to earn her degrees, she says, “It absolutely adds comfort to me knowing that I can show up on campus for a professor’s office hours if I need to, or go to campus because I need help accessing Canvas. I know I will be supported 100% in that. I haven’t had to do that yet, but I like knowing that I can.”
It absolutely adds comfort to me knowing that I can show up on campus for a professor’s office hours if I need to.
Support & Community Online
In Jennifer’s opinion, the technology-related tutorials and accessibility to resources prepare students for the online learning environment. “Rowan has a really good support system,” she says.
As with many online programs, Jennifer’s classes have been asynchronous, meaning that there are no fixed class times for lectures. “I appreciate the ability to watch the modules on my own, when it works for me,” she says. “The professors are always available, and they respond quickly. This format really works for me.”
Celebrating Milestones at Rowan
Because of her proximity to campus, Jennifer chose to drop off an enrollment form in person. She also bought her books at the University bookstore, Barnes & Noble on Rowan Boulevard.
If you are local, Jennifer recommends hitting up the restaurants on Rowan Boulevard. She adds that Rowan Boulevard itself creates a bustling community that did not exist when she was more familiar with campus years ago as a younger adult.
“I also went to graduation in person when I earned my bachelor’s degree in construction management,” she says.
The camaraderie of her classmates lends itself to its own sense of community, albeit an online one. “I met one of my classmates in person for the first time at our graduation ceremony. We had bantered back and forth on class discussion boards,” she says, “And now we are Facebook friends.
“Everybody supports everybody in classes,” Jennifer says of her online learning experience. “We are all here for the same thing.” Just like in person, people create friend groups that extend beyond the classroom; the difference being that instead of meeting up for coffee on campus, students leverage apps like GroupMe to message with one another outside of class. “It really helps to create a sense of community,” Jennifer says.
Blossoming with Rowan Online
Jennifer shared that as a younger adult she watched Rowan blossom. However, it is now the community within Rowan University watching her blossom instead. As Jennifer earns her graduate degree through Rowan Online, she is poised to embrace whatever’s next in her life.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity: Meeting Growing Needs
The cybersecurity job market is booming, with a 29% projected growth rate over the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This aligns with industry reports, most notably the Ponemon Institute Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024, which reports on the impact of the losses because of cybercrime.
From the report:
- Data Breaches: $4.88 million average cost per breach — a 10% increase, highest on record.
- Ransomware Attacks: $2.73 million average per attack — up $1 million from 2023.
- Identity Fraud: $47 billion in losses last year alone — $4 billion more than the year before.
- Online Scams: $16.6 billion lost by Americans — up 33% from the previous year, 2023.
About Rowan’s MS in Cybersecurity
Rowan University’s in person and online Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity prepares students to meet today’s evolving digital threats with confidence and expertise. The program blends technical depth with real-world application, helping students understand how cyber attacks happen, how systems are protected and how organizations respond to emerging risks.
Through a strong technical foundation, students learn to analyze vulnerabilities, design protective strategies and stay ahead of rapidly changing cybersecurity challenges. Graduates are prepared for specialized roles across industries where securing information systems is critical—from business and healthcare to government and technology.
The M.S. in Cybersecurity can be completed full time or part time and is offered both online or in person at Rowan’s Glassboro, New Jersey campus, making it accessible for working professionals and career changers alike.
What Sets Rowan’s Cybersecurity Online Program Apart?
- Asynchronous online format
- Project-based, practical learning
- Expert faculty and industry-relevant instruction
- Rolling admissions and clear cost structure
- Financial aid options for eligible students
Rowan’s cybersecurity master’s program is built around your success, offering a pathway to high-impact roles in a growing industry.
Sample core cybersecurity courses include:
- Foundations of Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Management, Policy, and Risk
- Cyber Defense of Operating Systems and Networks
Sample cybersecurity course electives include:
- Advanced Cybersecurity Principles and Applications
- Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things
- Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
- Cryptographic Algorithms
- Wireless Networks and Systems
- Cyber Security Risk Analysis in Homeland Security
- Information Security for Managers
- Foundations of Global Threats, Risks and Response
To view the full course list and elective offerings, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
About Rowan Online
Rowan Online empowers learners throughout the region with high-quality, accessible and affordable online education backed by the innovation and forward-thinking of Rowan University. Rowan’s flexible online programs seamlessly connect students to award-winning faculty and industry leaders, comprehensive student support services and academic resources—no matter where they are. In collaboration with Rowan’s nationally ranked colleges and schools, Rowan Online delivers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in high-demand, future-focused fields. Guided by employer insight and industry-driven curriculum, Rowan Online prepares students to excel in a rapidly evolving workforce and lead in their professions and communities.