Oklahoma community college debuts new cybersecurity lab
Tulsa Community College debuted a new cybersecurity lab on Thursday that will complement its new cybersecurity associate degree program.
As students advance through the cyber program they will be able to safely access and defend the cybersecurity lab’s data center, which operates independently from the campus’ data systems.
“The opening of this lab marks a pivotal moment for TCC in preparing students for successful careers in cybersecurity,” Leigh Goodnson, president of the community college, said in a press release. “As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to surge, TCC remains steadfast in our mission to cultivate talent and meet the evolving needs of our local workforce.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of cybersecurity jobs will grow by 32% over the next decade. The average salary for a cybersecurity professional in Oklahoma is nearly $100,000, according to the release.
“I’m looking forward to working in this new cybersecurity lab,” said student Daniel Smith in the release. “Working in a real, production environment … will really help me and other students in the program understand how to support hardware and software systems and what’s needed to protect them against both internal and external threats.”
The community college last month released a transfer pathway map that guides students from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from the University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute.
“With an emphasis on hands-on learning and access to advanced technology, this facility highlights our commitment to providing a state-of-the-art educational experience that aligns with industry demand,” Travis White, dean of the community’s college’s school of business and information technology, said in the release.
