Columbia Basin College Equips Students for Cyber Jobs

For a well rounded education in cybersecurity, Columbia Basin College has you covered.

From cyber competitions to internships, CBC offers a broad range of benefits for those launching a career in cybersecurity.

November 12, 2024

This month, we are thrilled to spotlight Columbia Basin College (CBC), located in Pasco, Washington.

Instructor Tony Sako recently shared his insights on how CBC’s cybersecurity program equips students with industry-relevant skills and hands-on experience. CBC offers two main degree pathways: an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity; and a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity. In 2014, CBC earned the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation, awarded by the National Security Agency. Here is a recap of our discussion.

Well-Rounded, Accessible Program & Experienced Instructors

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a variety of roles in cyber such as Information Assurance, Penetration Testing, Systems Administration, Cyber Project Management, and so much more.

Online and hybrid attendance options make pathways accessible to students seeking remote or in-person education. CBC created fully remote and online learning options long before the pandemic forced other institutions to quickly transition. Remote learning options appeal to working professionals who want to earn a BAS degree but have limited time or ability to attend in person. Furthermore, CBC can evaluate industry experience and industry certifications for college credit, saving students time and money.

Many of the CBC instructors are industry professionals with years of real-world experience in IT. Their backgrounds enable them to offer practical and actionable advice to students.

Connecting Capstone Projects with Student Interests

When interviewing fresh graduates, many employers examine the student's capstone project. It shows the candidate's creativity, skill, and initiative. Students are encouraged from the very start to begin planning a capstone project. As they take classes and build knowledge, ideas are sparked. Instructors support students with ideation and feedback. High quality and unique ideas are approved, encouraged, and supported by faculty. GitHub is suggested as a suitable place to showcase the highlights and outcomes of capstones and start an online portfolio of their work to show prospective employers.

Internships and Strong Industry Connections

CBC has developed valuable partnerships with local organizations to facilitate job placements and internships for students. One notable partner is the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where many CBC students have gained hands-on experience working on cybersecurity research projects. These internships have often led to full-time positions, with graduates now contributing to the protection of the U.S. energy grid and other critical infrastructure.

CyberHawks Club: A Community for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

CBC’s CyberHawks Club is an essential resource for cybersecurity students, providing opportunities to advance technical skills and connect with industry professionals. Club members receive support in setting up home labs, participate in cybersecurity competitions, and gain access to networking opportunities with employers. Notably, the CyberHawks placed 7th in the nation at the 2016 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (NCCDC), highlighting CBC’s competitive edge in the field.

Core Courses Build Essential Skills for Cybersecurity Practitioners

The following are some of CBC's cybersecurity courses and the vital skills they cover:

Computer Ethics: Cybersecurity professionals wield considerable influence over sensitive information. This course emphasizes ethical decision-making and helps students understand their responsibility to uphold privacy, integrity, and trust.
Unix/Linux: Proficiency in Linux is essential, as it powers many security tools and underpins critical systems across industries. Students learn to administer and secure Linux environments, a skill that boosts employability.
Network Infrastructure: A solid understanding of network architecture is crucial for identifying, analyzing, and defending against network-based threats—a necessity as digital networks grow increasingly interconnected.
Cybersecurity Information Assurance: This course covers the frameworks and regulatory standards used to safeguard organizational systems and data, giving students a foundational understanding of compliance and proactive security.
Cyber Crime and Terrorism: Students learn about the broader implications of cyber threats, including real-world scenarios and threats to critical infrastructure, preparing them to tackle sophisticated, large-scale cybersecurity challenges.
Project Management: As in many fields, project management skills are essential in cybersecurity. This course helps students develop the skills to organize and execute projects effectively, which is critical in fast-paced cybersecurity roles.

We found that Columbia Basin College’s cybersecurity program is comprehensive, flexible, and career focused. With experienced instructors, a CAE-CD certified curriculum, and extensive industry connections, CBC offers an exceptional pathway for students ready to defend against tomorrow’s cyber threats. Anyone aspiring to enter this dynamic field or advance their career should consider one of CBC’s cybersecurity pathways.