TCC Launches Cybersecurity Program & Associate Degree

With this addition, TCC now has three college-credit offerings to help an individual enter this fast-growing and high-paying field of cybersecurity through the TCC School of Business and Information Technology.

Beginning this Fall, students can enroll and complete the Cybersecurity Associate of Applied Science, which is designed to lead a student directly into the workforce. The two-year intensive college credit program prepares individuals to assess the security of computer and network systems, implement controls to secure organizations against cyberattacks, and respond to security breaches.

“As we launch the Cybersecurity degree program at TCC, we’re also building new computer lab classrooms and a fully functional data center to ensure students have access to, and experience working with cutting-edge secure network technology to prepare them for a successful career,” said Dr. Travis White, dean, School of Business and IT. “The facility is planned to go online as students move to those more advanced level courses in Cybersecurity.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of cybersecurity jobs will grow by 35% between 2021 and 2031. The average salary in Tulsa County is nearly $90,000 in this field.

“Cybersecurity covers a wide range of job titles and duties and TCC has a range of options for an individual interested in this field and based on their career goals,” said White.

TCC has a separate Secure Infrastructure Specialist Certificate, a one semester college credit program leading to stackable IT industry recognized CompTIA credentials including A+, Network+, and Security+. Students earn a certificate from TCC and as part of the program take the tests for the nationally recognized credential. Launched in January 2023, the certificate is an accelerated, high-intensity and demanding program.

“One of the things I share with perspective students is the amount of work and studying this program takes as you start,” said Tim DeGeer, MBA, TCC assistant professor and program coordinator. “For example, the first four weeks requires an average of 22 hours of study per week due to the amount of content we are covering but tapers off the rest of the semester. I don’t want to scare off anyone but help set realistic expectations for them.”

Students who complete the program and CompTIA credentials have the necessary skills for employment or advancement in the IT field. The Secure Infrastructure Specialist Certificate has a fall or spring start but there is a limited number of seats.

For those interested in transferring to complete a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or related field, TCC also has a third option which is an associate degree in Computer Information Systems.

“We have transfer agreements in place with partner institutions, such as the new Polytechnic Institute at OU-Tulsa where students complete their first two years at TCC and transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree,” said White.

To find additional information on all three programs, visit the TCC website or to get started for Fall 2023 email admission@tulsacc.edu or call 918-595-8000.