Mt. Hood Community College Offering Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity

Only community college in Oregon offering this new opportunity

GRESHAM, Ore. – Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is proud to announce a groundbreaking opportunity for aspiring cybersecurity professionals in Oregon. Beginning fall 2024, MHCC will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in cybersecurity, becoming the sole community college in the state to provide this comprehensive program.

In response to the ever-growing demand for skilled cybersecurity experts, MHCC's Bachelor of Applied Science in cybersecurity is designed to equip students with hands-on training and knowledge essential to securing the digital landscape. This program opens doors to some of the most sought-after and lucrative positions in various industries.

MHCC President Dr. Lisa Skari expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to offer this innovative Bachelor of Applied Science program in cybersecurity at Mt. Hood Community College. With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in our interconnected world, we are committed to providing our students with a top-tier education that will empower them to become leaders in this critical field."

The curriculum of the program encompasses a wide range of essential cybersecurity topics, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the cybersecurity field. Students will:

• Learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity, mastering the strategies and techniques necessary to safeguard digital assets.
• Acquire the skills needed to manage an organization's cybersecurity requirements effectively.
• Receive training in secure programming to develop the expertise to create robust and resilient software applications.
• Have the opportunity to participate in national cybersecurity competitions, gaining valuable practical experience.

MHCC’s cybersecurity faculty, including Katrinia McNeal, Jeff Sperley, and Dr. Wayne Machuca, recently attended the historic signing of the HB2049 cybersecurity bill by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek on Sept. 27. This bill marks a significant milestone in the state's commitment to cybersecurity education.

Among its provisions, the HB2049 bill establishes a unified Cybersecurity Center of Academic Excellence, a collaborative effort between the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Portland State University, and MHCC. This initiative will strengthen Oregon's position as a leader in cybersecurity education and research.

Furthermore, the bill introduces the Mt. Hood Community College Scholarship Fund, a valuable resource aimed at supporting community college cybersecurity students. This fund will provide scholarships to cover the costs of industry-recognized certification exams, easing the financial burden for those pursuing a career in cybersecurity.

For more information about MHCC's programs, please visit www.mhcc.edu. MHCC is dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.