In a modern world with rapidly evolving technology and a growing need for qualified information technology professionals, students can get the skills they need to stay competitive in the newly accredited Network Security Administration program at North Idaho College.

“It’s an opportunity for students to really have a chance to expand their horizons in information technology,” said Kathleen Czurda-Page, NIC Computer Information Technology instructor/Cyber Defense program manager. She designed the curriculum. “And it’s an opportunity that isn’t being offered everywhere.”

The Network Security Administration program prepares students for careers in cybersecurity technology, which includes jobs such as security analyst, security engineer and security consultant. The skills acquired in this two-year program can be applied in many areas, Czurda-Page said.

Those who are already working in the information technology field will have opportunities to enhance their knowledge and credentials, which may help them advance in their careers.

NIC is the only community college in Idaho to earn a highly selective designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense 2-Year Education. This designation ensures employers that NIC students come from a nationally recognized program that meets the highest standards in cybersecurity, giving students a leg up when it comes to job searches. The program is also accredited by the Northwest Commission for Community Colleges and Universities.

Whether at the local, regional or national level, there is employment in this rapidly growing field, Czurda-Page said.

“While we’ve had the need for cybersecurity for a while, the field is ever evolving, really,” she said. “That’s why there are so many jobs available — there isn’t the workforce to fill them. It gives the program tremendous value.”

Globally, 1.8 million more cybersecurity professionals will be needed to accommodate the predicted shortfall by 2022, according to The National Initiative for CyberSecurity Education.

“Government jobs are big,” Czurda-Page said.

To build the Network Security Administration program at NIC, Czurda-Page and NIC Business and Professional Programs division chair Sue Shibley examined employment at a regional and national level in order to understand what employers are looking for. They also studied other cybersecurity programs throughout the country to keep the NIC program competitive.

Because the field is dynamic and constantly evolving, those who work in cybersecurity are engaged in a lifelong learning process where they apply what they learn in real time. The ongoing challenge is part of the appeal, Czurda-Page said, which makes it a good fit for people who enjoy problem solving.

“Things don’t always go well. The anomaly is when things run smoothly,” she said. “Your role is to figure out why and how. I love the challenge of that.”