With organizations and companies regularly facing cyberthreats and potential data breaches, the demand for cybersecurity experts is rapidly growing.
Quinebaug Valley Community College’s new Associate’s Degree in Cybersecurity provides the training needed for a career in this growing industry. The 60-credit program can be completed in two years with the goal of immediate employment. Students can also easily transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university.
Cybersecurity, also known as computer security or information technology security, is a field that covers the tools and systems used to monitor, mitigate, and prevent online threats. Cybersecurity professionals use innovative technology to combat hackers, cyberterrorists, network outages, and other technical problems that could compromise network security. Due to our growing reliance on web-based technology at home and in the workplace, this fast-paced profession has grown quickly over the past two decades.
Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high, as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.
According to Program Coordinator Chris Parden, there are currently over 4,000 unfilled cybersecurity job openings in Connecticut alone. By 2020, it is expected there will be 1.5 million jobs nationwide that will need to be filled.
Parden also says the curriculum aligns with and prepares students for numerous nationally recognized industry certifications such as ISC2’s Systems Security Certified Practitioner and CompTIA’s Security+ certification. Cybersecurity certification qualifications are becoming the norm in many job descriptions as organizations seek quantifiable ways of measuring prospective employees’ expertise. Many employers view these certifications as favorably as college degrees.
For more information about the Cybersecurity degree program, email Parden at cparden@qvcc.edu. For information on how to register, contact the Student Success Center at 860-932-4020.
Released June 13, 2018