Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
Practical Training for High-Demand Cybersecurity Careers
Program Overview
Are you ready to become a key player in the fight against cyber threats? At College of Western Idaho (CWI), the Cybersecurity program is designed just for you, preparing you to safeguard systems in our digitally-driven world. Understanding of computer technology, Internet navigation, and file management is essential, and we are here to elevate your skills. You have two paths to choose from: a traditional, two-year, in-person option beginning each fall or an accelerated 18-month, hyflex option with entry points during select semesters. Request more information to learn more.
Certified with the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations Program (CAE-CD), issued by the National Security Agency (NSA), our program immerses you in hands-on lab work, simulating real cyber threats. You will learn from professionals who have been in the trenches of cybersecurity, gaining insights only experience can teach. Whether you are aiming for certifications like CompTIA’s Network+ or CYSA or preparing for a high-demand cybersecurity role, this program is your stepping stone. Get ready to be at the forefront of digital defense, equipped with knowledge and skills that make a difference.
Learning Opportunities
- Face Real-World Challenges: Engage in hands-on labs where you will tackle actual cybersecurity scenarios.
- Learn from the Experts: Gain insights from instructors who bring their real-world cybersecurity experiences into the classroom.
- Achieve National Recognition: Benefit from a program celebrated for its excellence in cyber defense education.
- Certification-Ready: Prepare yourself for important cybersecurity certifications, enhancing your professional profile including CompTIA A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, CYSA+, Server+, and Cloud+.
- Choose Your Learning Path: Select between a comprehensive two-year journey or an accelerated online path tailored to your lifestyle.
Cyber Defense Center
CWI's Cyber Defense Center 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.
Areas of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Cybersecurity – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Cost:
$11,058
Cybersecurity - Advanced Technical Certificate
Cost:
$10,122
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Career Opportunities
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
99
Annual Openings*
$
71.47
Hourly Median Wage*
$
148,657
Annual Median Salary
27.59
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
44
Annual Openings*
$
58.48
Hourly Median Wage*
$
121,638
Annual Median Salary
30.15
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks , wide area networks , intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
41
Annual Openings*
$
57.17
Hourly Median Wage*
$
118,913
Annual Median Salary
15
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network , wide area network , data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
33
Annual Openings*
$
42.44
Hourly Median Wage*
$
88,275
Annual Median Salary
8.65
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks , wide area networks , cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
23
Annual Openings*
$
32.15
Hourly Median Wage*
$
66,872
Annual Median Salary
9.87
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.
12
Annual Openings*
$
60.00
Hourly Median Wage*
$
124,800
Annual Median Salary
15.58
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
$
37.62
Hourly Median Wage*
$
78,249
Annual Median Salary
10.54
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Cybersecurity as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Lab Spaces
View the College's state-of-the art lab spaces where you will receive hands-on, comprehensive career training.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
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Clubs
Business Professionals of America
College of Western Idaho is proud to be part of Business Professionals of America (BPA), the leading Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology, and other related career fields.
SkillsUSA
College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training.
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