The State of Cybersecurity Programs Across the Country

As the field of cybersecurity continues to grow in importance, it is crucial to analyze the state of cybersecurity programs across the country. A recent review conducted by a research team led by Washington State University has revealed a significant variation in cybersecurity programs at institutions throughout the United States. The authors of the review argue that program leaders should collaborate with professional societies to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

One of the key findings of the review was the shortage of research in evaluating the instructional approaches used to teach cybersecurity. The researchers emphasized the importance of increasing the use of educational and instructional tools and theories in cybersecurity programs. They suggested that incorporating ideas from other fields, such as educational psychology, could facilitate a more rigorous evaluation of instructional methods.

Cybersecurity is a critical field of study, as compromised data or network infrastructure can have a direct impact on people’s privacy, livelihoods, and safety. The researchers highlighted the need for cybersecurity professionals to be able to respond effectively to rapidly changing tactics employed by adversaries. The study focused on programs at 100 institutions across the U.S. that hold the National Security Administration’s designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.

Variety of Programs Offered

Despite meeting the NSA requirements for educational content and quality, the National Center of Academic Excellence institutions exhibited a wide range in the types of cybersecurity programs offered. While some programs focused on bachelor’s degrees, others provided certificates, associate degrees, minors, or concentration tracks. The majority of programs were housed within engineering, computer science, or technology departments, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of cybersecurity education.

Industry Expectations vs. Program Graduates

The researchers discovered that industry professionals had different skill level expectations from graduates of cybersecurity programs. This misalignment emphasizes the need for programs to closely align their curriculum with industry needs. The review aims to serve as a benchmark for comparing cybersecurity programs across the country and as a roadmap for better meeting industry demands.

Although cybersecurity programs have been around for about 25 years, they are relatively new compared to other disciplines such as computer science. Traditionally, these programs have trained students to become information technology professionals or system administrators. With the field constantly evolving, there is a growing emphasis on offensive cyber operations and the need for professionals who can effectively combat cyber threats.

The review of cybersecurity programs across the country highlights the need for closer collaboration between program leaders and industry professionals to ensure that graduates are adequately prepared for the demands of the field. By incorporating ideas from other disciplines and conducting more rigorous evaluations of instructional methods, cybersecurity programs can better equip students to address the evolving challenges of the cybersecurity landscape.