Southern Maine Community College’s cybersecurity program was recognized for academic excellence in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security notified SMCC it was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education through 2024, according to a news release.
The two federal agencies jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence program.
“This designation recognizes the quality of our Cyber Security program in preparing students for careers in the growing information security industry,” SMCC President Joe Cassidy said in the release. “Nobody is immune from cyberattacks, and SMCC is committed to producing professionals with cyber defense expertise to protect and reduce the vulnerability of our nation’s information systems.”
SMCC offers an associate in applied science degree in cybersecurity that prepares students for career opportunities that include information security analyst, incident responder, network security engineer, chief information security officer, information security architect and forensics analyst.
Critical shortage
The U.S. has a critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills, and higher education programs play a vital role in defending America’s cyberspace, according to a letter from the program manger for the Centers for Academic Excellence program manager, sent to to Wendy Plourde, chair of SMCC’s Cyber Security program.
“Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the national information infrastructure,” the letter said.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of information security jobs was projected to grow 28% nationally from 2016-2026, far higher than the average growth rate of 7% for all occupations.
Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry. In May, Solaris Consulting Group was formed to focus on corporate cybersecurity, business continuity and disaster recovery, privacy and security regulatory challenges. The company operates out of Augusta, Virginia and New York, where the principals are located.
In June, Defendify, a Portland-based provider of cybersecurity solutions to small businesses that’s in the middle of a hiring spree, unveiled a $1.6 million capital boost to continue its growth path.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle this fall will introduce a bachelor of science degree in cybersecurity — one of only five degree programs in New England dedicated to the field.