Programs of Study

Cultivate your experience and build connections.

As an academic member of the National CyberWatch Center [a consortium of higher education institutions, public and private schools, individual cybersecurity practitioners, businesses, and government agencies focused on collaborative efforts to advance cybersecurity education and strengthen the national cybersecurity workforce], students are encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities and collaborate with organizations beyond the normal boundaries of the institution, helping to build professional connections, as well as promote cyber awareness and education in the community.

To keep up with cybersecurity trends, many organizations, such as the ones listed below offer training and support, scholarship and career opportunities, mentoring, and much more.

• The National Cybersecurity Student Association (NCSA) is a resource hub to enhance the educational and professional development of cybersecurity students through activities, networking and collaboration. This group supports the cybersecurity educational programs of academic institutions, inspires career awareness and encourages creative efforts to increase the number of graduates in the field.
• The Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) is where the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in cybersecurity happens. They are a global community of women, allies and advocates, dedicated to bringing talented women together to celebrate and foster their passion and drive for cybersecurity. They unite local communities of aspiring and thriving women cybersecurity professionals across the world to collaborate, share their knowledge, network and mentor. They create opportunities through professional development programs, conferences, career fairs, and more.

Industry Certifications

We also encourage our students to seek industry certifications. According to NICE, Computing and Cybersecurity Certifications have been used to detail the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed for key roles in information technology and cybersecurity. The primary focus of a professional certification program is to provide an independent assessment of the KSAs required for performance of an occupational role or specific work-related tasks. The certification awarded is a quality benchmark and designates that participants have demonstrated the requisite KSAs and other requirements established by the certification program provider.

Certification Programs provide hands-on learning and performance-based assessments, validate competencies to perform work roles, supply learners with portable and stackable credentials, and ensure continued competence in an evolving field through renewal requirement.