Bellevue College - Cybersecurity Program Updates

College Spotlight: Bellevue College 

Bellevue College (BC) stands out as a leader in cybersecurity education, offering a robust array of programs that cater to both aspiring and seasoned professionals. With flexible attendance options and a curriculum shaped by industry trends, the college is preparing students for some of the most in-demand roles in the cybersecurity field.  

Academic Programs 

Bellevue College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity, an Information Technology Associate transfer degree, and certificates in Desktop Support, Network Support, and Cloud Architecture. These programs are designed to equip students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, making them job-ready upon graduation. According to Evan Drake, chair of the cybersecurity program, the BAS degree is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge relevant to pursuing Cybersecurity Analyst roles.

Drake highlights that classes are primarily taught by adjunct faculty who are active industry practitioners. “Our instructors bring real-world experience directly into the classroom,” Drake said, noting that students benefit from firsthand insights and the ability to network with professionals currently working in cybersecurity. 

Breaking News 

Bellevue College recently achieved two major milestones that underscore its commitment to innovation: 

Adoption of PISCES for Student Training 

Bellevue College has been approved to use the Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System (PISCES) as a training tool for students. PISCES allows students to analyze real-world network traffic data, providing a hands-on experience that mirrors tasks performed by cybersecurity professionals. This state-of-the-art platform helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry demands. 

New DevSecOps Course 

This Winter Quarter, Bellevue College is introducing a new course on DevSecOps, a skillset in high demand according to the program’s industry advisory board. The hybrid course will guide students through DevSecOps principles and practices, with labs conducted in Google Cloud. Students must complete the Applied Programming Concepts (DATA 333) course as a prerequisite. The addition of this course demonstrates the college’s responsiveness to industry needs and its proactive approach to curriculum development. 

This winter, enrollment for some classes has reached peak capacity. To accommodate the additional students, Bellevue College now offers two sections of Digital Forensics. If demand continues, they are prepared to double the offerings of other courses as well.

Flexible Learning Options 

Bellevue College offers hybrid and synchronous online courses, accommodating the needs of working professionals, veterans, and international students. “Our late afternoon and evening classes are specifically designed to fit the schedules of students who have day jobs,” Drake noted. Hybrid courses also ensure that veterans and international students meet on-campus attendance requirements while benefiting from the flexibility of online learning. 

Career Connections 

As a culmination of their studies, BAS students complete a two-part capstone project or an internship aligned with two 5-credit courses. Capstone projects vary by cohort but often involve tackling real-world challenges. Internships, on the other hand, allow students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings and reflect on their experiences through written submissions evaluated by faculty. 

To assist in the job search, the Center for Career Connections helps students with resumes, interview skills, and matches employers with candidates through the Handshake platform.  

Whether students are pursuing certificates, an associate’s degree, or a BAS, they gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Bellevue College’s dedication to excellence ensures that graduates are not only job-ready but poised to make a lasting impact in cybersecurity.