LLCC is offering a cybersecurity certificate designed for students who wish to enter the workforce as cybersecurity professionals in 18 months.

“We increasingly hear about cybersecurity attacks in the news. As the number of people and devices that are online continues to grow, so do the opportunities for cybercrimes,” explains Dr. Carmen Allen, professor of computer science. “There is a great need for professionals trained in cybersecurity to protect data, networks and programs.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security is expected to grow 31% through 2029, which places it among the fastest growing career fields nationally.

Developed through a National Science Foundation grant, most of LLCC’s cybersecurity certificate courses are in a flexible-paced, competency-based education (CBE) format, which allows students to move ahead of schedule where skills are strong.

“Each student must meet established deadlines and complete required work, but has the option to accelerate through the course and finish before the end of the standard semester,” explains Dr. Allen. “This is done through learning modules students can individually access and complete. The teacher is a subject expert and coach that guides, grades work and encourages students along the way.”

In the cybersecurity certificate program, students explore attacks against networks and computer systems along with necessary defense mechanisms, such as end user tools, tips and techniques to counter attackers. Hands-on projects, competitions and case studies are used to master the cybersecurity concepts.

Fall semester registration at LLCC is underway and open through Aug. 21. Learn more about LLCC’s cybersecurity certificate at www.llcc.edu/cyber-center.

Feb. 21-27 is National Engineers Week! Have you ever stopped to think about how everything around us — from our food to our cars — has been designed by an engineer? Hear more about the role of engineers from Jim Pierce, professor of engineering, and how LLCC’s engineering program provides students a strong foundation toward a four-year degree.

LLCC received the prestigious Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-2Y) certificate on Nov. 20. Representing LLCC, Dr. Carmen Allen, professor of computer science, accepted the award in Phoenix, Ariz. To date, LLCC is only one of four community colleges in Illinois to receive such a  designation. It is awarded after meeting rigorous requirements set forth by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The CAE-2Y designation reflects LLCC’s commitment to educate and prepare cybersecurity professionals who reduce vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure.