Spotlight on Edmonds College: Cybersecurity with a Forensics Edge

Forensics at the Forefront 

The Edmonds College associate degree in Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics combines foundational IT skills with a highly focused sequence of courses in digital forensics. Stackable certificates are earned along the way, making students job-ready even before graduation. These include two academic certificates—Network Security and Digital Forensics—and multiple industry certificates, including Network+, Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and PenTest+. Instructor Steve Hailey, whom we interviewed, reports that the majority of students graduate with an associate degree and at least five or six certificates.

What sets Edmonds apart is how deeply its coursework integrates the tools and techniques of digital investigations. A final course in the program, CIS 279, is a capstone in penetration testing. Through instructor-led consulting projects, students gain real-world experience performing vulnerability assessments and penetration tests—sometimes even handling actual digital forensics cases under supervision. These applied opportunities result from the professional work of instructors Steve Hailey and Mike Andrew, who operate a cybersecurity consultancy alongside their teaching roles. 

World-Class Instruction with Global Reach 

The forensics expertise at Edmonds isn’t limited to the classroom or even national borders. Both Steve and Mike are among a select group of U.S. instructors certified by the Department of Homeland Security to teach cyberterrorism courses. They’ve taught at military bases across the country, bringing the same lessons into the classrooms at Edmonds College. 

Their work has also reached international courts and law enforcement. In 2010, the Federal Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates hired Steve and Mike to provide digital forensics training for judges and police agencies. They later helped establish a forensics lab for the police department in Abu Dhabi and trained officers from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Notably, their expertise led to two Saudi professionals from oil giant Aramco enrolling in Edmonds' full cybersecurity program—earning not only degrees and certificates, but also passing a rigorous Cybersecurity Forensic Analyst certification exam. 

National Recognition

In June, Edmonds College received the prestigious designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). This award, granted by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), was the natural next step for a college that has been teaching digital forensics and data recovery for over 25 years.

Forensic Support on the Home Front

After the devastating landslide in Oso, Washington, in 2014, Edmonds College stepped in to help families recover precious and personal digital information. Restoring a mud-soaked hard disk can cost thousands of dollars. But Edmonds College donated its skills, time, and equipment to extract family photos, videos, and other precious information for the victims. Students at all levels of the program got involved. With expert supervision, they learned with real data on real equipment, restoring digital treasures for the broken-hearted. The event is still talked about on campus today, and Edmonds College is ready to help again, if needed, in future disasters.

Supportive Environment and Strong Career Outcomes 

Students at Edmonds benefit from a robust support system, including 30–40 hours per week of Open Lab time, where they can receive help from lab managers—often alumni who continue volunteering while working full-time for Fortune 500 companies. This system helps ensure that even students starting with limited technical experience can succeed. 

Internships and job placement are key strengths of the program. Edmonds has built pathways to employment with major regional employers, including Microsoft, the City of Seattle, and a major telecommunications provider whose digital forensics capability is primarily staffed by Edmonds graduates. When formal internships aren't available, students gain hands-on experience through consulting projects facilitated by faculty. 

Cyber Ranges, Competitions, and Growth 

The college recently acquired a professional-grade cyber range—one used by the military—which will soon host its own cybersecurity competitions. This, along with the new CAE-CD designation, is expected to spark higher enrollments in the coming academic year. To support the growth, an additional staff member will be brought on board soon.

Always Looking Ahead 

As AI becomes increasingly relevant in cybersecurity, Edmonds is working to integrate artificial intelligence tools into its curriculum. Steve, currently researching AI applications for anomaly detection and automated response, is exploring ways to align these innovations with course outcomes. He and Mike also plan to pursue AI certifications and training opportunities to keep the program on the cutting edge. 

Edmonds College’s cybersecurity program reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact. With its focus on forensic investigation, globally recognized instruction, and a track record of student success, Edmonds continues to set the standard for community college cybersecurity education in Washington State.