U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer talked about the importance of Cybersecurity degree programs during a 2018 stop at SUNY Adirondack.

Students learn tech needs in global economy

Jordan Suprenant of Fort Edward did some homework before choosing a degree program.

Suprenant had an interest in computers, and she wanted to choose a major that had a strong future.

“I did research on all the opportunities out there and found statistics for the increasing opportunities in cybersecurity,” Suprenant said.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a steep 28 percent growth rate for cybersecurity positions through 2026, which is 300 percent higher than the prediction for all occupations.

Suprenant was one of the first students to enroll in SUNY Adirondack’s Information Technology: Cybersecurity program, a multifaceted discipline designed to meet a growing global need.

Students in the program learn theoretical and hands-on knowledge to identify network vulnerabilities and threats and how to counteract with the appropriate security controls to maintain confidentiality, integrity and the availability of data and systems. The curriculum harnesses content from certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security, CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker.

“I was surprised at how hands-on it is,” Suprenant said of the associate of applied science program. “In our ethical hacking class, we have a web-based virtual environment where we practice attacks and watch them go through. Then we mitigate against them to learn how a real hacker would launch an attack. The best way to understand them is to watch them and implement them.”

Choosing SUNY Adirondack made economic sense for Suprenant, but the depth of the two-year Cybersecurity program surprised her.

“Attending SUNY Adirondack, I’ve obviously been able to save a lot of money because I can commute. But I’ve also gotten great exposure to people who have worked in the field — and you get to network with those people. I've had job offers already,” said Suprenant, who graduates in 2019 and transferred to a bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity at SUNY Plattsburgh’s main campus.

While the Cybersecurity degree prepares graduates for immediate entrance to the workforce, those seeking further education toward a four-year degree can seamlessly transfer to SUNY Empire State or Excelsior. Students may also transfer a majority of credits to other colleges, including SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Poly, SUNY Morrisville, Utica College St. Rose and Rochester Institute of Technology.