Columbia Basin College is starting a new, comprehensive program in Cybersecurity to include a one-year certificate, two-year associate's degree, and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree program. The certificate and associate degree programs will start Fall 2012 and the bachelor program is planned for Fall 2013. Battelle is contributing $118,000 for development and implementation of the first year of the Bachelor of Applied Science program since it will be solely funded through fees, grants, and donations. <\/p>\n
As CBC President Rich Cummins points out, \"Government and industry have a growing need for specialized workers that can anticipate, defend, and protect against cyber attacks on data and network systems across the nation. Although cybersecurity specialists are in high demand nationally, they are in even higher demand in the local region as a result of the advanced technical infrastructure and work performed in our community.\" <\/p>\n
The program will admit 18 students to its initial class. <\/p>\n
\"With cyber attacks on the rise nationally, PNNL and other organizations are in need of well-trained computer security specialists who can assess, detect, and protect data and infrastructure. The new CBC degree program will help fill that workforce need while at the same time provide a critical service locally and nationally,\" says Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Director, Mike Kluse.<\/p>\n