California Couple Earn Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Together from SNHU

When Irina Roach '24 opted to go back to school, she and her husband, David Roach '24, said they decided to do it together, both pursuing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity.

"It’s been a great journey," Irina said.

A Team Effort

The couple offered mutual support, each of them pushed the other further and took turns being the one to say “let’s get started” when it came to schoolwork.

“It definitely helped a lot to do this program together, because we were able to cheer each other on,” David said. “When it would get to that point where we really didn’t want to do that next homework, the next test or the next paper, I think it really helped to have someone say ‘Alright, let's do it.'”

They reflected on how working together brought them closer. They said they faced new challenges that made them collaborate to come up with plans and solutions together.

“I think we learned to work better together in some cases,” Irina said.

The Roachs also said they felt they had a solid level of outside support to keep them on the right path. They talked about how the same advisor, Samantha Thomas, supported their tandem learning and ensuring their shared success.

“She called us and checked in all the time and was really good at making sure we got through successfully,” David said.

Applying Knowledge and Looking Ahead

Noting that they found enjoyment and practicality in their classes, Irina said she was able to apply their coursework to her career in real time.

“I could literally read from the book and the next day she would be saying something in one of her conference calls from it.” David said.

They said earning their degrees elevated them professionally, giving them the academic knowledge to back up the practical base they already had. This program has also brought David closer to his long-term goal of getting back into the cybersecurity industry after leaving during the pandemic.

“I look forward to using this to advance my career in the direction I want to go," David said.

Tessé Allen-Albino is a content marketing assistant at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) where she is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in computer science. Based in Ohio, she is a proud mother of two, and enjoys coaching soccer and playing video games in her free time. Connect with her on LinkedIn.