Mary Foley, executive director of Workforce Training and Economic Development, presented details to the BCC Board of Trustees at a board study session last Tuesday. She said Barton's Information Technology Board first recommended the possible need for a cybersecurity certificate.
"Through our research, we have found that there is a need in our area and across Kansas for individuals trained in cybersecurity," Foley reported. "The projected outlook for employment in the information security field is trending up, and is expected to grow by 15.6 percent by 2026 or approximately 1.5 percent annually."
According to the Kansas Occupational Outlook Report, the projected median salary for an individual in this field is $66,880.
The plan is to create an entirely new program that would prepare graduates to work as security specialists, an area of the computer industry that is experiencing unprecedented growth, change and opportunity. Cybersecurity specialists guard the information and resources of an organization from criminal activity.
Participants will study foundational cybersecurity principles and practices, ethical hacking, and forensic techniques. The program will prepare students to fulfill the role of security specialists in fields as diverse as business and industry, health care, education, government and law enforcement.
"Cybersecurity is a necessity across all ares of business and industry," Foley reported.
No facilities would be needed to offer this two-semester program because it would be taught online. If approved, it could be offered starting in the fall of 2022.
Other staff who worked on the proposal included Cristi Gale, information technology instructor/coordinator, and Dr. Kathy Kottas, dean of Workforce Training and Community Education.
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