October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and what better time to share that Paradise Valley Community College is extending its current information technology (IT) curriculum to include a full cybersecurity AAS program beginning Fall 2021. Historically, PVCC has offered cyber security-focused courses, however the new program will offer three tracks - Cyber Operations, Cyber Engineering, and Cisco Networking and Security.
“Many of our IT students have expressed interest in this field due to the current technologically complex global climate, and are recognizing its value and the opportunities at stake,” said Program Director Sean Petty.
The IT security industry in the U.S. is expected to increase more than 30 percent over the next 10 years, and today, more than 6,000 security-related jobs go unfilled each year just here in Arizona. Petty said that people today, specifically the younger generations, have become very dependent on technology and realize how important cybersecurity is in our lives; the security of our devices, our intellectual property, and personal safety has never been more pertinent.
PVCC’s new cybersecurity degree will prepare students for internationally recognized IT certifications and business, government and industry employment. It emphasizes developing the theoretical, legal, ethical and practical skills necessary to maintain security on mission-critical networking and server systems. It is also designed to meet the training needs of government and industry employees.
Students eager to sign up for this new program come from all walks of life. Many have toyed with computers their entire lives, while others are eager to start new careers. For more information, contact program directors Sean Petty, sean.petty@paradisevalley.edu or Ian Jeffs, ian.jeffs@paradisevalley.edu. Registration for Fall 2021 cohort begins March 2021.