In light of well-publicized security attacks on computers which increasingly impact almost any user or organization, educational programs to train cybersecurity professionals are growing. The need to secure and protect computers and digital databases has opened doors to many new jobs in a field that is thriving in Maryland.

Carroll Community College is one of fourteen community colleges in Maryland to receive a U.S. Department of Labor-funded grant to develop new credit certificates and degrees in the profession, as well as offer non-credit certification training.

At Carroll, the first Cybersecurity credit classes will lead to a credit certificate in Network Security, and with additional courses, provide the opportunity to earn an associate degree in Cybersecurity, pending approval by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

“At a time when businesses and homes are barraged with security breaches, our educational efforts have the potential to benefit everyone in the community,” said Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Jan Ohlemacher.

Carroll is planning to include coursework in digital forensics, network penetration, scripting, wireless and embedded device exploitation, and technical writing and documentation. Additionally, many of the courses will prepare students for an industry certification, such as CompTIA's A+, Network+ and Security+, Cisco's CCENT and CCNA and EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker, among others. Students will also receive assistance in locating opportunities that offer hands-on experience, such as part-time and full-time jobs, internships, and service- learning opportunities.

There are also opportunities for students who have prior work-related experience and want to start or continue their education. These students can receive credit for industry certifications that they received prior to enrolling in courses at Carroll. Individuals who hold certain active certifications from CompTIA, Cisco and Microsoft, among others, can receive credits toward a certificate or degree. “Offering credits to those who already hold certifications is a great way for these students to complete their coursework at Carroll in much less time,” explained Matt Day, director of Cyber Technology.

“We are excited about this program that recognizes Cybersecurity-related certifications that individuals have previously earned, thereby accelerating their time to completion of the certificate and the degree,” said Vice President of Continuing Education and Training Karen Merkle.

One vital resource of Carroll’s new cybersecurity program is the addition of the Cyber Technology Navigator position. The Navigator's job is to perform program outreach and assist students with enrolling in the cybersecurity program and assisting them in locating internships, service learning opportunities and jobs. “I will provide students with ongoing support and connect them to cyber workforce organizations, internship opportunities, and employers. The goal is that each student will have the opportunity to develop into a well-rounded applicant who many employers are anxiously waiting to hire,” said Cyber Technology Navigator Marlene Titus.

“We are dedicated to providing students with the skills required to get jobs during their time at Carroll, regardless of whether they choose to continue on to a bachelor’s degree,” explained Day.

This program is part of Cyber-Technology Pathways across Maryland (CPAM), a statewide consortium that includes 14 of Maryland’s 16 community colleges and more than 40 businesses, professional organizations and workforce system partners. Funded by a Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training(TAACCCT) grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor, CPAM is designed to facilitate the creation of career pathways, from basic education through college, leading to cyber-technology jobs within Maryland.

Back to top