Dr. John Aje
TRENTON, N.J. – Thomas Edison State University and Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) in Bossier City, La., have partnered to help strengthen the cybersecurity workforce by graduating more bachelor’s-prepared cybersecurity professionals.
According to the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), a nonprofit information security advocacy group, there will a global shortage of approximately two million cybersecurity professionals by 2019. ISACA also noted that 53 percent of organizations experience delays as long as six months to find qualified security candidates.
“We are excited to work with Thomas Edison State to create a pathway for our students to help fill the need for cybersecurity professionals,” says Megan Martin, dean of BPCC’s Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Division. “The collaboration between our two institutions insures that graduates will be prepared and have the knowledge in cybersecurity needed. Our partnership sets a new standard for training the workforce.”
Through the agreement, students who earn associate in applied science degrees in cyber technology or systems administration with BPCC will be eligible to enroll in and graduate from the university’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program.
“We are pleased to partner with Bossier Parish Community College in educating and graduating more bachelor’s-prepared cybersecurity professionals so that they can help to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce,” said Dr. John Aje, dean of the School of Applied Science and Technology at Thomas Edison State University. “Our partnership with BPCC will allow students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree online, on their own time at the university without sacrificing familial or job responsibilities.”
The university will accept up to 60 credits in transfer from students who have completed their associate degrees in cyber technology or systems administration at BPCC. Bossier Parrish Community College is just miles from Barksdale Air Force Base and has a longstanding partnership with the branch. To learn more about programs within the School of Applied Science and Technology, visit www.tesu.edu/ast.
Toni M. Terry, BA