About Us

Cyber Defense Center

To maintain a leadership position in international affairs and the global economy, as well as stable and productive markets at home, cybersecurity education must be a cornerstone of applied science studies in colleges and universities. College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity is committed to meeting the national charge to provide cybersecurity education. CWI has offered high-quality 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 degree with a first-rate, associate-level education.

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 industrial leaders from throughout the Treasure Valley advises CWI’s cybersecurity administration, faculty, and students on current trends and long-term directions for the program. In this manner, TAC ensures program curriculum meets industry’s needs for a dynamic workforce. Through participation in internships, cooperatives, and job placement programs, students received specialized training in their career pathway.

Drawing on experience gathered over more than ten 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.

Accreditation Status

CWI has been accepted as a candidate to apply for the validation of its cybersecurity programs and designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The College is currently in the process of gathering course and program documentation needed for validation which will be submitted by June 15, 2022.

To meet the standards required to become a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, CWI has stepped up community outreach participating in events organized by the national cybersecurity community, providing training in cybersecurity for high school teachers in the Treasure Valley, and planning a cybersecurity summer camp for middle and high school students in partnership with Boise State University and the Idaho National Laboratory.