(Woodstock, Ga. – Dec. 9, 2016)
Whether you consider yourself tech-savvy or simply are curious about the world of information security, the path to a new career is literally at your fingertips. Beginning in the spring semester, Chattahoochee Technical College’s Cybersecurity program will expand to the Woodstock Campus, located at 8371 Main St.
“This is a great opportunity for students living in Cherokee County to enroll in an in-demand program located in their own backyard,” CTC Dean of Business and Technical Studies Marcy Smith said. “With the U.S. Department of Labor projecting the field of cybersecurity to grow in the next eight years, now is the perfect time to take part in this program.”
The Woodstock expansion takes advantage of growing opportunities for cybersecurity specialists created by industry growth in Cherokee County. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national employment projections show a growth of 18 percent across all industries from 2014 to 2024 with a 36 percent increase in computer system design and related services industries.
Cybersecurity student Jeffrey Garrett works on an assignment in one of CTC’s computer labs.
The degree program takes 68 hours, or about two years, to complete, while the diploma program takes 62 hours. The intent of the program is to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principals and techniques required in computer information processing. The program focuses on the technical areas of computer terminology and concepts, program design and development, and computer networking. Upon completion, graduates are qualified for employment as information security specialists, responsible for analyzing where security breaches may occur and by strengthening or repairing systems that may be vulnerable to such breaches.
“As Cherokee County grows and as businesses become more dependent on technology, graduates of the program will not have to look far for gainful employment,” Smith said. “Those with a degree in the field of cybersecurity will only see their opportunities grow.”
Graduates of the program who enter the field may expect compensation ranging from $64,000 to $85,000.
Like most programs at Chattahoochee Tech, students in the Cybersecurity program may be eligible for financial aid. The program is also available at the Marietta Campus.
Cybersecurity will be taught on the Woodstock Campus by instructor Charles Chapman.