Western Oklahoma State College

PROJECT PURPOSE

It is estimated that Oklahoma will see 3,500 openings each year in Aerospace and Computer-related jobs. The purpose of this project is to allow Western Oklahoma State College (Western) to establish a Cybersecurity Workforce Center in Altus, Oklahoma. The Center will educate a diverse student population and partner with Altus Air Force Base and other rural southwest Oklahoma businesses to fill the cybersecurity workforce needs of the area and state. Altus Air Force Base has expressed the need for 300 Information Technology Specialists starting in the next three years. The Center will house an advanced computer laboratory and datacenter. The Cybersecurity program will be constructed on the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity?s recommendation to follow the CAE-CD knowledge units in order to create an Associates of Science in Cybersecurity degree with embedded certificates. This program will require one Master?s prepared full-time faculty and two part-time adjunct faculty members. Western has already been named a CompTIA Academic Partner and has created continuing education classes for the CompTIA Security + certificate. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of cybersecurity professionals is projected to grow by 33% over the next 10 years.

EVIDENCE

A global study of cybersecurity professionals by Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) warns that a lack of investment is resulting in a skills shortage that?s leading to unfilled jobs. With only three Oklahoma community colleges offer a degree in cybersecurity, there is a lack of access to affordable education in cybersecurity. EMSI estimates that Oklahoma will see 3,500 openings each year in Aerospace and Computer-related jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predict that employment of cybersecurity professionals is projected to grow by 33% over the next 10 years; this is much faster than the average for all occupations.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

This program would be offered online and could impact the entire state. Almost 40% of Oklahoma?s population belongs to a racial/ethnic minority group. Over 14% of Oklahoma?s population live in poverty. Research demonstrates health disparities in COVID-19 outcomes in the U.S., with members of racial and ethnic minority groups experiencing higher risks of COVID-19 positivity and disease severity. Further, socioeconomic and racial disparities in access to affordable healthcare options limit prevention education and treatment options for COVID-19, as well as many other chronic health conditions. Individuals identifying as white in Oklahoma are more likely to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 whereas Hispanics and Native Americans are overrepresented in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state. Increasing the number of cybersecurity degree program graduates in Oklahoma aligns directly with the state?s efforts to increase workforce degrees.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Western will collect data to measure project outcomes. Evidence of project success include: increased cybersecurity student enrollment; increased cybersecurity student retention; and increased cybersecurity degree production.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma