Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and Thomas Edison State University (TESU) in Trenton, NJ, 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 Parish Community College is just miles from Barksdale Air Force Base and has a longstanding partnership with them.
To learn more about BPCC Cyber programs, visit www.bpcc.edu/tem. To learn more about TESU’s School of Applied Science and Technology, visit https://www.tesu.edu/ast.
About Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University provides flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults. One of New Jersey’s senior public institutions of higher education, the University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Students earn degrees through a wide variety of rigorous and high-quality academic methods that can be customized to meet their individual needs. Identified by The New York Times as “the college that paved the way for flexibility,” Thomas Edison State University is a national leader in the assessment of adult learning and a pioneer in the use of educational technologies. The University is home to The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy. The New Jersey State Library is an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University. Learn more at www.tesu.edu.
About Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), the community college of the Ark-La-Tex, is a 2-year college located in northwest Louisiana. BPCC serves a dynamic marketplace, and its focus is consumer-driven. The College’s programs are specifically designed to align with regional, high-demand employment sectors such as nursing and allied health, cyber technology, industrial technology, construction management, and engineering. Students can earn degrees from one or more of the 25 associate degree programs and numerous certificates, which prepare them directly for the workforce. For students who wish to continue their education, BPCC’s articulation agreements with universities across Louisiana allow for a seamless transfer of coursework. BPCC is also proud of its long-held partnership with Barksdale Air Force Base. Because of the College’s dedicated support and service to our military men and women, BPCC has been named for eight consecutive years to the coveted Military Friendly Schools® list, which honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities, and vocational schools. For more information, visit www.bpcc.edu.