About Us

Cyber Defense Center

College of Western Idaho (CWI) is committed to meeting the national charge of providing high quality cybersecurity education to its students. CWI has offered educational programs in cybersecurity to train Idaho's workforce since 2009. CWI's Cybersecurity programs provide the course work, knowledge, and skill sets cybersecurity professionals need to complete a first-rate, Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity.

Through collaboration with institutions of higher education in Idaho through the Idaho Cyber Education Initiative, CWI's Computer Science and Information Technology students are provided with hands-on learning opportunities in cybersecurity. Additionally, this initiative creates a community of scholars, practitioners, and students dedicated to excellence in cybersecurity studies. 

A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprised of business, technical, military, and industry leaders from throughout the Treasure Valley advises CWI’s cybersecurity administration and faculty on current trends and long-term directions for the program. In this manner, CWI's TAC ensures its program curriculum meets the cybersecurity industry need for a dynamic workforce. Through participation in internships, cooperatives, and job placement programs, students receive specialized training in their cybersecurity career pathway. 

Drawing on experience gathered over more than 10 years, CWI has created this Cyber Defense Center in an effort to advance the U.S. Federal Government, State of Idaho, and industry initiatives in cyber defense while promoting cybersecurity awareness in the Treasure Valley and throughout Idaho.