WVJC is thrilled to highlight the Cybersecurity program. The demand for cybersecurity positions continues to expand nationwide. According to Cyberseek, there were 166,000 openings for Information Security Analysts in the United States from October 2019 – September 2020, but only 125,570 workers were currently employed in those positions, leaving a shortfall of 40,430 workers. There are also 355,600 additional openings that request cybersecurity related skills, and employers are struggling to find workers who possess them (Cyberseek). As a result of this demand, WVJC recognizes the relevance of cybersecurity professionals in today’s business world, so we set out to develop our own Cybersecurity program.
WVJC’s Cybersecurity program prepares graduates for a variety of entry-level technician/analyst opportunities in information security with an emphasis on cybersecurity offense/defense strategies, network security administration, system hardening and configurations, and reducing exposures to cyber risks. Our students use theory, research, and hands-on activities to develop the skills to ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard network infrastructures, digital files, and personal identifiable information (PII) in order to respond to security attacks and breaches. In this program, we seek to help develop students into knowledgeable employees and help develop them personally and professionally through our general education component, which will enable our graduates to succeed in their careers. Core curriculum includes courses such as systems diagnostics and analysis, networking fundamentals, and cybersecurity defense, to name a few. The completion of this program could also be used as an opportunity to maintain existing employment or advance in a career.
At the conclusion of the program, students will be prepared to sit for the following certifications: the CompTIA Network+, the CompTIA Security+, and the CompTIA CySA+. William Zink, a student in our Cybersecurity program, said, “I think it’s a very good program. I worked previously as an electrical engineer, and I’m learning a lot of networking details that I didn’t know before. I’ve had great interactions with the teachers and with the online experience.”
If you are interested in learning more about WVJC’s Cybersecurity program, request information here!
References
Cyberseek. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cyberseek.org/