Spotlight on Whatcom Community College

Quality Program with National Recognition  

We recently sat down with Christy Saunders, full-time faculty member at Whatcom Community College (WCC), to discuss how WCC prepares students for the dynamic world of cyber defense.  

WCC's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Information Systems (CIS) program has been validated and awarded the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), a program led by the National Security Agency (NSA)  in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security. The CAE-CD Designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and/or certificates at the associate, bachelor, and graduate levels, and WCC was one of the first community colleges on the west coast to earn this prestigious designation. The designation process is a combination of elements related to the institution focused on outputs for determining academic achievement. This combination assures that the institution meets the desired characteristics of a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) institution and that the academic delivery to students is producing the qualified workforce needed by the nation. Graduates from CAE-designated institutions can assure employers that their education meets the highest standards for a cybersecurity program.   

The CIS program is also endorsed by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges as a Career Launch program because it is aligned with local employer needs. It includes work-based learning and prepares students for high-demand, high-wage jobs.  

"While we train graduates for the local workforce, the curriculum prepares them for a cyber-related job anywhere in the U.S. and in multiple sectors." - Christy Saunders  

At WCC, students in the two-year programs can tailor their studies to match their interests and career goals. Some, with a knack for networking, dive deep into Cisco technologies, preparing for roles in corporate environments. Others are drawn to Industrial Control Systems, aiming for cybersecurity careers in critical infrastructure and utilities. With its range of focus areas, WCC offers pathways to suit a wide variety of professional aspirations in the cybersecurity field.  

 Comprehensive Programs with Flexibility  

The flexible programs allow students to earn certificates while earning a 2-year degree. This equips them to seek employment before graduation if needed.   

The 2-year degree is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Information Systems (CIS), and so much is packed inside! The program includes courses in virtualization, open-source operating systems, Cisco networking, Internet of Things (IoT), network security, cloud foundations, computer forensics, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS).  

Certificate Specialty Areas:   

The following can be earned as certificates. They can be taken as a stand-alone endeavor or earned along the journey towards a 2-year degree. 

Cloud computing  

Prepares students with foundational cloud administration and cloud security skills necessary to apply best practices to cloud architecture, design, and more.  

Data utilization  

Prepares students with skills in database design and synthesizing data for business applications. Students also gain foundational data analysis skills with an introduction to machine learning.  

Networking  

Prepares students with foundational networking skills needed for a role as a network technician. Learners are prepared to pass the CCNA exam.  

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) fleet management  

Prepares students to support, operate, maintain, and manage a fleet of unmanned aircraft systems. Equips students with the required FAA flight and safety regulations when operating a UAS.  

Technical Support  

Prepares students to become Help Desk Technicians with future career potential in cybersecurity. Learners are equipped to pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam as they study hardware, software, and network troubleshooting and learn how to secure networks and endpoints. 

 An associate's degree and a certificate of completion in one of these focus areas prepare graduates for IT jobs in multiple sectors, ranging from agriculture to utilities and everything in between.  

Transfer Options 

The course load for the AAS Transfer degree closely mirrors the AAS degree. However, it includes targeted requirements specifically designed for direct transfer to cybersecurity degree programs at Western Washington University, Evergreen State, Eastern Washington University, or Western Governors University.  

Whatcom’s 4-year Degree in CIS  

Students who finish the AAS or AAS-T can build upon their studies by continuing into Whatcom's Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in IT Networking - Cybersecurity. The BAS program requests that applicants have completed an associate’s degree in an IT-related field within five years of the application deadline from a regionally accredited community or technical college. 

The WCC website states that this degree: 

“...addresses the growing employment gap for qualified IT networking and cybersecurity personnel with enhanced skills in cloud computing, operational technology (OT), industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), mobile technologies, and web development. The degree is the only one of its kind in the northwest corner of the state and further confirms Whatcom's stature as a regional and national leader in computer information systems and cybersecurity education.”  

 How WCC Aligns with Industry  

Whatcom Community College maintains strong connections with local and regional employers to ensure its cybersecurity programs stay relevant and responsive to industry needs. The college regularly consults its advisory board for input on emerging skills and how best to integrate them into the curriculum—an approach that keeps coursework aligned with current trends and helps produce job-ready graduates. For instance, when employers across various sectors began requesting expertise in drone technology, WCC responded by developing a specialized certificate in that area.  

In addition to regional insights, WCC incorporates national and global perspectives into its program design. The college used the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process to shape its current offerings. This method brings together industry professionals in focus groups to map out real-world job tasks and align academic content accordingly.  

To inform the DACUM process with a national lens, WCC partnered with the National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center (NCyTE), a National Science Foundation funded Advanced Technical Education National Center. WCC is the host institution to two national cybersecurity centers, the NCyTE Center and the CAE Candidates National Center, and also the State of Washington’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CoE). 

WCC’s investment and leadership through these three organizations underscore the college’s deep commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and ensuring its students, as well as other academic institutions, both in Washington and nationally, are equipped for success in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.  

Industry Partnerships: From Classroom to Career  

WCC’s active Advisory Board members and other industry partners assist with:  

• Guest speaking in the classroom
• Participation in job fairs and other events like GenCyber summer camp
• Student mentorship
• Capstone projects
• Internships and contract work

Such continuous involvement and close association with area employers helps WCC stay in tune with current workforce needs in cybersecurity and information technology.  

Student Success & Outreach  

 Capstones  

Capstone projects are a real-world application of the skills developed throughout the program. Students must devise a capstone plan well in advance of their final quarter. Faculty may leverage NCyTE’s Virtual Cybersecurity Career Challenge (VCCC) as a capstone project, or ideas can be sparked by collaborating with teachers and other students. Well-written proposals are reviewed by the faculty and approved. At times, these are projects done for area employers to investigate and solve a real-world problem. The capstones can be showcased on resumes and often lead to employment.  

“The highlights of the NCyTE VCCC experience for me were gaining hands-on experience with real-world cybersecurity challenges, applying theoretical knowledge to protect systems and data, and developing practical skills that go beyond textbook learning. This project was truly eye-opening, giving me a deeper understanding of the complexities and intricacies involved in the field of cybersecurity.’ – Cohort 3 VCCC Participant   

 Internships  

Internships are opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience that can serve our local workforce. These experiences foster students’ academic and professional growth while earning academic credit. Students earn credit for the demonstration of learning that occurs during an internship experience. Internships are required for some professional-technical programs of study and are also valuable for students seeking to develop their academic and professional skills. Students are encouraged to partner with WCC’s internship coordinator for assistance and career coaching. 

Cyber Competitions  

Students hone their defense tactics through participation in regional and national cyber defense competitions, often sponsored by NCyTE and/or the Washington State CoE. In these competitions, students defend networks against simulated cyberattacks while contending with real-world business pressures. Examples include: 

• Pacific Rim Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (PRCCDC)
• Department of Energy Cyberforce competition
• National Cyber League.

K-12 Outreach  

To foster a robust enrollment pipeline, WCC engages with a young generation of future cyber defenders by:  

• Connecting with local schools to introduce cybersecurity and IT career options
• Hosting GenCyber Camps each summer for middle and high school students
• Digital Download Workshop for middle and high school girls
• Learning with Leaders
• Hosting K12 students in various workshops and activities at the WCC campus

 Alumni  

A strong alumni network helps in many ways. Most graduates stay connected with their supportive and loyal teachers long after graduation. When job opportunities arise at their new place of employment, they happily alert WCC to give current students an early look and a referral. These alumni also give back to WCC through speaking engagements where current students can ask questions and get advice on recent job trends.  

Why Choose WCC  

1. Hands-on training aligned with industry demands
2. National recognition (CAE-CD) and transfer pathways
3. A community where students, faculty, and employers collaborate to shape cyber defense’s future

For more information, visit Whatcom Community College’s Cybersecurity Programs.  

Whatcom Community College stands out as a responsive and forward-thinking leader for cybersecurity education. When industry identifies emerging skills or technologies, WCC engages with its advisory board and partners to thoughtfully adapt its programs. Whether through new certificates, revised course content, or enhanced hands-on training, the college ensures graduates are equipped with the relevant, real-world expertise needed to succeed in a constantly evolving cybersecurity landscape.