For Matthew Schwimmer, choosing the University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering (CSE) program was about more than earning another degree—it was an opportunity to build on a lifelong connection to San Diego while preparing for a career that combines technology, education, and business.
After earning an MBA from San Diego State University, Matthew Schwimmer wanted to deepen his technical expertise in cybersecurity and explore how the field intersects with business strategy. Today, they’re pursuing that goal in USD’s on-campus CSE program while looking ahead to a future in higher education.
Where Reputation Meets Personal Connection
Matthew chose USD’s CSE program for several reasons, but two stood out above the rest. First, USD’s cybersecurity program is highly ranked, which gave him confidence that he would be learning from experts in a program with a strong reputation. Second, he’s a San Diego native, so attending USD felt like home.
There’s also a personal connection that made choosing USD even more meaningful. When Matthew was born, his father was accepted into a master’s program at USD but ultimately never enrolled. He still has his father’s student ID, so in a way, attending USD felt like carrying on a family legacy.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of the NCyTE program’s goals is ensuring there are enough cybersecurity professionals entering the workforce, many of whom begin their educational journeys at community colleges. Matthew spent several years at community college before transferring to earn his bachelor’s degree, and it was during that time that he realized becoming a full-time college professor would be a fulfilling career path. He also met his best friend in community college, who is now a math professor. Inspired by his own experiences, Matthew hopes to one day help guide the next generation of students by providing the mentorship and direction he wishes he had received.
Learning from Industry Experts
Matthew says all of his professors have been kind, accommodating, and knowledgeable, but he is particularly impressed with the director of the cybersecurity program, Dr. Haydar Majeed. Because cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, he appreciates that the program continuously adapts to keep pace with industry changes. Matthew believes Dr. Majeed’s expertise and adaptability play a key role in ensuring the program continues to produce highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. Although Dr. Majeed has a busy schedule, Matthew says that whenever they have the opportunity to talk, he always shares valuable insights. Those brief conversations often answer many of Matthew’s questions while inspiring him to continue learning and exploring new ideas.
Advice for Prospective Students
Matthew’s advice to prospective students considering USD’s program is to gain as much IT experience as possible before beginning classes. While he has always considered himself tech-savvy and completed cybersecurity courses at his local community college, he believes that having additional professional or volunteer experience would have helped him make stronger connections between classroom concepts and real-world applications.
Matthew has seen firsthand how students with extensive cybersecurity backgrounds can benefit from their prior experience, but he also notes that classmates with less technical knowledge are still succeeding in the program. Matthew shared that a foundation would make the whole endeavor richer in general.
Learning Through Community and Collaboration
Matthew has really enjoyed the on-campus format of USD’s CSE program. He generally prefers and performs better in an in-person learning environment, and this experience has been no exception. He appreciates the opportunity to spend time on USD’s beautiful campus, connect with classmates, and engage with faculty and peers face-to-face.
Although Matthew prefers working remotely, he finds that an in-person classroom environment is the best fit for his learning style. Being able to learn alongside others and build relationships within the program has enhanced his overall experience. He also appreciates the efforts of the faculty and staff, who have gone above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students.
What’s Next for Matthew?
Matthew is excited to continue exploring the connection between cybersecurity and business. With an MBA from San Diego State University, he has found learning about the intersection of these two fields to be incredibly eye-opening and believes his combination of business knowledge and cybersecurity expertise will provide a valuable perspective for future employers.
While Matthew is still exploring where his career path may lead, he knows he wants to continue expanding his understanding of how cybersecurity impacts the business world. He is particularly interested in areas such as cryptoeconomics, cyber law, and the long-term implications of artificial intelligence. Above all, Matthew is committed to lifelong learning and continuing to deepen his expertise in this rapidly evolving field.
