Oklahoma college unveils cutting-edge cybersecurity lab for students to access

TLDR:

– Tulsa Community College debuted a new cybersecurity lab to complement its new cybersecurity associate degree program.

– The lab will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to access and defend a separate data center.

Tulsa Community College recently unveiled a new cybersecurity lab to support its cybersecurity associate degree program. The lab allows students to gain practical experience in accessing and defending a separate data center, providing a real-world production environment for learning. President Leigh Goodnson highlighted the importance of preparing students for successful careers in cybersecurity, emphasizing the increasing demand for professionals in the field.

With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 32% growth in cybersecurity jobs over the next decade, the program at TCC aims to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. The average salary for a cybersecurity professional in Oklahoma is close to $100,000, making it a lucrative career choice for students. Student Daniel Smith expressed excitement about the new lab, emphasizing the valuable hands-on experience it will offer in understanding hardware and software systems.

In addition to the lab, TCC released a transfer pathway map guiding students from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity at the University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute. This initiative aims to provide students with a seamless educational experience and aligns with industry demands. Travis White, the dean of the school of business and information technology, emphasized the institution’s commitment to offering state-of-the-art education.