Eric Fru knows what it means to build a career one step at a time. Originally from Cameroon, West Africa, he moved to the United States in 2016 and started where many tech professionals do — at the help desk, repairing computers and resetting passwords. He built on this experience with certifications that led to an entry-level cybersecurity role and kept moving up from there. Today, Eric works as a cybersecurity engineer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is earning a Master of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration with Emporia State University online.
“I chose Emporia [State] because the program has a strong reputation,” Eric recalls, “[I] went through the reviews; a lot of people gave good comments about the program. It’s affordable, and it’s also flexible.”
For Eric, returning to school was never about checking a box. He wanted to deepen his expertise, strengthen his portfolio, and position himself for leadership roles. He also needed a program that he could complete while working full time and raising a family. Emporia State’s asynchronous structure has been ideal for this. “It allows me to study around my work schedule,” he explains.
In addition to the program’s flexibility, Eric has been impressed with the overall academic experience. He credits both faculty engagement and student support for making online learning feel personal rather than distant.
“The faculty has been invested in their students’ success. The professors are more accessible, can always be reached, and they’ll respond to you,” he explains. “Even in an online environment, I never felt like just a number. There’s that great sense of engagement and mentorship.” Through discussion forums and group projects, Eric has also built relationships with classmates from diverse professional and academic backgrounds. “Those perspectives enrich my learning,” he says.
Outside class, Eric is already seeing the value of his Emporia State education. Faculty bring “real-world perspective” to their instruction, so the concepts he’s learning about are relevant to his day-to-day work and help him approach “complex cybersecurity challenges” with more confidence. Eric is also giving back as a mentor to young people in his city’s Cameroonian community who are interested in cybersecurity careers. “They always come to me for advice,” he says.
Looking ahead, Eric is on track to graduate with his MSIT in December 2026. His long-term goal is to become a Chief Information Security Officer, and he sees his master’s degree as a “critical stepping stone” to the next chapter of his career.
“It’s equipping me with the necessary foundation on practical skills to move me to more senior leadership roles in the cybersecurity space,” he explains, adding that the value of the skills he’s learned “far more exceed the cost of the program, especially given that most of the careers are evolving and becoming more complex and challenging.”
When asked if he has any advice for people considering Emporia State’s Online MSIT – Cybersecurity program, Eric speaks plainly. “Don’t let the online label fool you, this is a rigorous and rewarding program.”
Advance Your Cybersecurity Career With an Online MSIT
Emporia State University’s Master of Science in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration is built to help working tech professionals expand their cybersecurity expertise and qualify for advanced leadership roles. The curriculum covers industry-relevant topics such as secure network design, incident response, digital forensics, threat intelligence, and threat hunting. It also aligns with certifications including CompTIA Security+, Cisco CyberOps Associate, and Certified Cybersecurity Technician.
Emporia State’s MSIT in Cybersecurity is offered through Emporia State’s School of Business and Technology, which is accredited by AACSB International and offers affordable tuition. Designed for career acceleration, the degree can be completed online in as few as 12 months and equips students with in-demand skills that employers value.
A Degree Built Around Real Life
Emporia State’s online MSIT in Cybersecurity helps students develop real-world skills in a flexible, asynchronous format. With 24/7 access to coursework, students can fit their studies around work, family commitments, and the demands of daily life. ESU also offers multiple start dates each year, so students can complete their degree on a timeline that works for them.
That flexibility does not come at the expense of connection. Online students can still experience the strong sense of community Emporia State is known for through discussion and collaboration with classmates. They also have access to a range of support services, including ESU’s virtual library, academic assistance, and career services, to help them succeed in their coursework and beyond.
Take the Next Step
Expand your expertise, grow your network, and gain the credentials to advance your career in cybersecurity with an online MSIT. Learn more and apply today.
