Alumni Spotlight: Chris Ferguson

Author(s)

Ritchie School Communications Team

Finding Purpose Through Cybersecurity. Meet Chris Ferguson, MS in Cybersecurity

Blog •

Alumni •

March 27, 2026

Ritchie School alumnus Chris Ferguson’s path into cybersecurity began with an unexpected spark: a job posting for an FBI Cyber team internship. That was the moment when everything clicked for him. Cybersecurity offered exactly what he was looking for—a career that allowed him to make a meaningful impact by helping others.

For Chris, choosing the University of Denver (DU) - Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science was both a practical and personal decision. It was close to home, but more importantly, the curriculum immediately stood out. “I wanted to be in cybersecurity, and DU was my first choice. They had a lot of great courses that covered a variety of subjects,” he says.

Among his favorites were Ethical Hacking, which introduced hands-on tools and techniques, and Digital Forensics, a course enriched by guest speakers who shared real-world stories and insights from the field.

Outside of the classroom, Chris enjoyed being home in Denver, where he was raised. He spent his free time exploring the outdoors, playing board games, video and card games, and snowboarding when he could.

Throughout the program, Chris's experience was overwhelmingly positive. He built strong friendships within his cohort and thrived with the support of faculty members. When asked what he enjoyed most about the program, his answer was simple: the people, the courses, and the faculty.

Before enrolling at DU, Chris completed a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. That foundation made his transition into programming-heavy coursework feel like a natural fit. Still, he emphasized that cybersecurity requires dedication and persistence. “Be willing to put in the work. It’s tough, but the professors are always willing to help," he says.

He also reminded future students that cybersecurity is constantly evolving.

"Cybersecurity isn't coming to an end anytime soon. In cyber, you are constantly learning something new every day. So, you need to be ready for that and be willing to embrace it.”