The MCC Cybersecurity Center has been established to promote cyber-awareness to meet the growing need for a well-trained cybersecurity workforce. Through efforts directed at becoming a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, the MCC Cybersecurity Center has the following goals:
- Be a resource to promote (CAE-CD) programs, news, events and security awareness broadly.
- Provide high quality and rigorous (CAE-CD) programs designed to meet the needs of employers in the public and private sectors.
- Provide affordable and flexible (CAE-CD) education and training options that help promote student achievement, retention, completion and placement.
- Provide innovative, comprehensive and interdisciplinary education and training in the (CAE-CD) field.
- Continuously develop working relationship models for K-12 schools to engage students at an early age to enter (CAE-CD) fields of study. Develop and maintain articulation with four year institutions in the CAE framework.
- Continuously improve the quality of (CAE-CD) programs, curricula, faculty, students and sponsored relationships with industry and community partners.
Provide leadership and obtain sponsored research funding from both the National Science Foundation and National Security Agency in support of our CAE-CD efforts.
Programs of study at MCC
Students wishing to pursue careers in cybersecurity can choose from the following learning paths. For additional information, we encourage you to speak with an academic advisor and attend a cybersecurity information session.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree options
Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Metropolitan Community College Kansas City as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through year 2023.
- National IA Education and Training Programs (NIETP)
- Department of Homeland Security
- National Security Agency
Resources
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Metropolitan Community College is committed to information security and the protection of student, employee and all other sensitive data.
Through efforts such as annual information security awareness training for all employees, additional focused training for specific job roles, maintaining updated policies and procedures, providing resources and offering training programs related to cybersecurity, MCC has developed a culture where cybersecurity is a priority within the institution as well as academically.
Following are some free resources related to security awareness:
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MCC has maintains the following partnerships in an effort to provide rigorous programs with high quality curriculum that aligns with industry standards and certifications
- National Cyberwatch Center member
- National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center (NCYTE) member
- CompTIA Authorized Academy partner
- VMware Academic partner
- KC Tech Council member
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Students pursuing careers in cybersecurity have access to a variety of resources and are offered opportunities to engage with industry and employer partners in the following ways:
- Articulation and transfer agreements with area four year institutions.
- Campus visits from employer recruiters
- Employer site visits and tours
- Networking opportunities including social media groups
- Resume and job search resources including interview coaching
- Certification exam preparation workshops
- Access to extended open computing lab time
- Certified faculty with industry experience
- Access to faculty advising
- Regular course offerings with plans to complete degrees and certificates in two years or less
- Many courses available in evening, online and hybrid format
Students are also encouraged to join the cybersecurity club, the National Cybersecurity Student Association, as well as participate in cybersecurity competitions such as those offered through the National Cyber League.