Wayne Community College designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
“This designation means our students are graduating from a rigorous and up-to-date Cybersecurity program, obtaining a cybersecurity education with well-developed knowledge and skills that will make them sought-after employees,” said WCC Dean of Business and Computer Technologies Tracy Schmeltzer.
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program aims to create and manage a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:
- Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence
- Includes competency development among students and faculty
- Values community outreach and leadership in professional development
- Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic disciplines
- Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education
“A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage,” Weathers said. “The United States Government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline.”
The College offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity that qualifies for East Carolina University’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Transfer Program. Several Cybersecurity certificates are also available. For more information, visit the program’s webpage.
WCC also partners with other two- and four-year colleges in the Carolina Cyber Network, which works with NC students and teachers to share resources and best practices in the cybersecurity field.