As the demand for cyber security professionals continues to rise, some employers are working with campus-based and online colleges to ensure that their employees are highly educated.

For example, Science Applications International Corporation recently launched a partnership with a New York-based school to offer a partially online masters degree program to its best workers.

A total of 20 employees at the scientific, engineering and applications company were selected to participate in the inaugural program, which will require students to complete a blended curriculum. The first few month of the course of study will be taught in a classroom setting at the corporation's headquarters, and the remaining 30 months of the program will be delivered in an online format.

Company officials expect that this collaboration will benefit up to 600 employees over the next ten years.

"Many of the services and solutions we provide to government and commercial customers depend on highly talented people," said Robert Giesler, the company's vice president and program director for cyber security.

"To be at the forefront, we will help empower the next generation of skilled cyber security experts," he added.