Peninsula College - Training Everyday Heroes for Cybersecurity Careers

A Launchpad for Cyber Careers 

Peninsula College’s cybersecurity program, led by faculty member Alex Markunas and his colleague Ray Pulsipher (a graduate of the program himself), provides hands-on, workforce-ready training. With a curriculum built around practical labs and real-world problem-solving, students learn how to think critically, investigate incidents, and manage systems that secure today’s digital infrastructure. 

The cybersecurity and computer forensics programs at Peninsula College prepare students for entry-level roles as Cybersecurity Analysts. This role often provides the first line of defense for an organization’s digital ecosystem. At times they act as first responders when the digital data of our community is under attack. 

Two cyber related associate level degrees and one certificate are offered:

• Cybersecurity and Computer Forensics, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree
• Cybersecurity and Computer Forensics, Associate in Applied Science - Transfer (AAS-T) Degree
• Cybersecurity and Computer Forensics Short Term Certificate

To examine their exciting list of courses, click this <link>.

For those able to train beyond a 2-year degree, Peninsula College has established a formalized articulation agreement with Western Washington University's Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.

At this time, Peninsula College is in a phase of growth adding more hardware (server and networking equipment) for hands-on learning. By the start of the 2026-2027 academic year this fall, the amount of ready equipment will jump substantially.

Connections with area employers has also increased, resulting in more internship offerings than in prior years.

“We’re not just handing out degrees—we’re getting students ready for jobs,” says Markunas. “It’s not about memorizing answers; it’s about configuring, problem-solving, and understanding real threats.” 

Supporting the Community You Love 

Students graduating from Peninsula’s program are finding jobs where they can serve the very institutions that make life on the peninsula possible. At times, these start in Technical Support positions with near-term growth into cybersecurity roles. Regional employers hiring cybersecurity-trained graduates include: 

• Olympic Medical Center
• The North Olympic Library System
• The City of Sequim
• Seven Cedars Resort
• Peninsula College’s own IT department, where 4 of 5 staff are program alumni

Recent graduates exemplify this mission-driven impact. One student, after completing the program, joined the local library system. Another became a full-time IT staffer on campus, paying their success forward by mentoring new students. One graduate went a step further returning as a faculty member. Ray Pulsifer, now a co-leader of the program, embodies how this college grows not only careers, but a legacy of service. 

Accessible, Flexible, and Rooted in the Region 

Located in a rural area, Peninsula College makes cybersecurity education accessible through high-flex delivery. Students can attend in person, via Zoom, or watch recorded lectures—crucial options for working adults, parents, and those living far from campus. 

Student demographics reflect this flexibility: around 60% are career changers aged 25 to 45, many of whom come through workforce retraining programs. The remaining students include high school graduates, international learners, and individuals augmenting skills in fields like accounting or public service. 

Even while the college embraces hybrid learning, Markunas is rebuilding in-person lab spaces and fostering peer collaboration. Weekly “collaboration hours” give students a place to troubleshoot labs, build community, and engage deeply with coursework. This hands-on philosophy extends to their capstone projects, which are based on real business scenarios from the NICE Challenge labs. 

Cybersecurity Starts at Home 

What sets Peninsula College apart is its community-centered ethos. Students aren’t just training to work in cybersecurity—they’re preparing to protect the digital lifelines of their hometowns. Whether it’s defending hospital systems, ensuring library network security, or helping a local municipality respond to a cyber incident, these graduates are stepping into roles that make a direct, tangible impact. 

To help ensure the program curriculum aligns with local needs, Peninsula College's advisory board includes the IT Directors of both the City of Sequim and the Seven Cedars Resort along with other IT employers from the area.

Markunas summarizes a chief value this way: 

“You can learn cutting-edge technology while being surrounded by nature—and graduate ready to make your community safer.”