CWI Recognized as Top Cybersecurity Associate Degree Program

Published: January 4, 2024

College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Cybersecurity program was ranked 22 out of 150 Associate of Applied Science programs nationally in a new ranking by Cybersecurity Guide

The purpose of the ranking is to help guide prospective students on how to pursue a career in the Cybersecurity industry, what an associate degree can help achieve, and what to look for in a program and institution. The guide ranked associate degree programs by certain criteria, such as, each program must be considered a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-CD), graduation rate, retention rates, admission rates, and tuition costs. 

CWI’s Cybersecurity program will prepare aspiring information technology professionals to protect an organization’s data by taking preemptive measures against malicious cyber-attacks. Students will learn to install and configure hardware and software, implement security measures, analyze malware and web vulnerabilities, monitor compromised systems, establish digital evidence collection policies, demonstrate proficiency in network penetration testing methodologies, and more. 

The Cybersecurity program also invites students to learn and better their skills through the College’s Cyber Defense Center (CDC). The CDC offers cybersecurity awareness, best practices, news, events, and activities for Idaho communities, businesses, partners, and students while striving to advance U.S. Federal Government, State of Idaho, and industry initiatives in cyber defense. 

Upon successful completion of the program and depending on organizational employability requirements, students from this program will be prepared for a number of jobs that require the following industry certifications: Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CYSA+. 

For more information on the Cybersecurity program, visit the Cybersecurity program page

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