Program Offers ATC Students an Affordable Flexible Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity
The School of Applied Science and Technology at Thomas Edison State University (TESU) has partnered with Augusta Technical College (ATC), a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, to create an affordable and seamless pathway for ATC students seeking a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the IT/information security analyst fields are expected to grow 28 percent through 2026 (much faster than average) with bachelor’s-prepared practitioners earning a median annual wage of $95,510. Employer demand is expected to persist due to the need for a highly-skilled workforce to protect the nation’s critical cyber infrastructure and information assets against continually evolving threats. The partnership between TESU and ATC would help in educating more bachelor’s-prepared cybersecurity professionals so that they can respond to this critical need.
Through the partnership agreement, students who earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity with ATC will be eligible to enroll in TESU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program.
"The partnership model makes it possible for ATC students to complete a substantial portion of their undergraduate course requirements at ATC and transfer those credits to complete an online bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity at TESU," said Dr. Amjad Ali, associate dean in the School of Applied Science and Technology at the University. "Due to the program’s flexibility, ATC students can complete their remaining courses at TESU from anywhere at any time."
In addition to online courses, students in the program will have the option of utilizing TESU’s prior learning assessments to validate their professional training and certifications they already possess for earning additional credits toward their degree program.
"We’re excited to partner with TESU to provide a cost-effective, workforce-responsive pathway to bachelor’s degree completion for our students in the area of cybersecurity,” said Terry Elam, president of Augusta Technical College. "Additional collegiate opportunities provide a positive overall experience for students who have taken this important first step in their academic career."
About Augusta Technical College:
Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public postsecondary institution that provides academic and technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visit www.augustatech.edu.
Toni M. Terry, BA