Via Maryland Today / By Gina Driscoll
A University of Maryland massive open online course (MOOC) that breaks down the complexities of cybersecurity for a general audience has enrolled more than half a million students, a record for the university and placing in the top 1% of all Coursera options, surpassing those offered by tech giants like Google and IBM.
Taught by School of Public Policy Associate Research Professor Charles Harry, “Cybersecurity for Everyone” is the first in a three-part Coursera series that explores the social, technical and policy dimensions of cybersecurity. Debuting in 2022, it is designed for both technical and non-technical audiences, offering accessible insights into a field that is often seen as the exclusive domain of engineers and computer scientists. Approximately 10,000 learners enroll in “Cybersecurity for Everyone” every month.
In April, the course was named one of the 9 Best Cybersecurity Courses for 2025 by Class Central, which praised it as a strong starting point for those new to the field or switching careers.
“I think our approach of investigating cyber as a socio-technical discipline has resonated with a larger audience and helps link operational concerns with vulnerabilities in technology,” said Harry, who also directs UMD’s Center for Governance of Technology and Systems.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into everything from national defense systems to everyday applications, the link between AI and cybersecurity is becoming impossible to ignore. Harry warns that AI, while powerful, can expand risks.
“AI will touch the field in a few important ways,” he said. “First, the addition of AI systems increases the attack surface of organizations, creating new points of vulnerability. Second, AI makes some aspects of hacking easier and more effective, ‘upskilling’ non-state actors.”
The three-part cybersecurity specialization is part of UMD’s broader initiative to expand its AI-focused educational offerings. In July, UMD launched “Artificial Intelligence in Government” to equip public sector professionals with practical AI insights for governance and operations. UMD also offers related courses on Coursera such as “AI in Digital Marketing” and “AI Empowerment for Small Businesses.” Additional AI‑themed offerings, including “Generative AI for Accounting & Finance Professionals” and “AI for Business Leaders,” are in development.
UMD offers nearly 100 courses on Coursera that attract approximately 300,000 learners annually. Beyond individual courses, UMD offers 17 specializations. Students earn a certificate for each course completed, as well as one recognizing their mastery of a specialization.
Matthew Nessan contributed to this article.
