BETHANY, W.Va. (Aug. 24, 2025) – Bethany College is launching two new online graduate programs designed to address rising student demand and meet workforce needs in two dynamic fields: a Master of Arts in Sport Management launching in January 2026, and a Master of Science in AI-Driven Cybersecurity and Autonomous Defense launching in 2026.
Both programs will be offered fully online in a flexible, asynchronous format through Bethany Online. These additions will expand Bethany’s graduate portfolio while building on its mission of preparing students for meaningful, high-impact careers.
“These new programs are the result of thoughtful planning and market research,” said Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi. “They reflect our commitment to ensuring that a Bethany education remains relevant, accessible, and responsive to the needs of both students and employers.”
The Master of Arts in Sport Management will be a 30-credit program delivered over approximately 12 months in five eight-week sessions. Designed to serve recent graduates, working professionals, and career changers alike, the curriculum will emphasize leadership, marketing, analytics, and event management for careers in the global sports industry.
Faculty designed the program with input from industry professionals, integrating courses on contemporary issues like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), sports law, and digital branding. Partnerships with professional sports organizations, including alumni ties to teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles, will provide students with internship opportunities, industry mentorship, and career networking.
“This is a truly career-focused program that prepares graduates for leadership in professional and collegiate athletics, recreation, and sports business,” said Dr. Danny Moore, vice president for academic affairs. “It also strengthens our institutional partnerships and creates clear graduate pathways for our undergraduate students.”
Meanwhile, the Master of Science in AI-Driven Cybersecurity and Autonomous Defense will address a critical and growing need for cybersecurity experts skilled in artificial intelligence applications and advanced threat detection. Also structured as a 30-credit one-year program, it is designed for working professionals in cybersecurity and IT, recent graduates, and those seeking to pivot into high-demand security careers.
The program will equip students with hands-on experience in virtual labs and advanced tools while preparing them for industry certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), a certification already offered by Bethany Online. Faculty from computer science and related disciplines developed the curriculum to balance theoretical foundations with real-world applications, ensuring graduates are job-ready in a field projected to grow rapidly.
“These are urgent workforce needs, and Bethany is stepping up to meet them,” Moore said. “This program will not only give students advanced technical skills but also position Bethany as a leader in AI-driven cybersecurity education.”
Both programs reflect Bethany College’s strategic commitment to graduate education, academic innovation, and serving diverse learners across regions through online delivery.
For more information about graduate programs through Bethany Online, as well as discounts available to Bethany alumni, schedule an appointment to chat with Director of Bethany Online Erica Thayer or reach out to erica.thayer@bethanywv.edu or 304.830.3090. Apply today!
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