Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate program now accepting students

MURRAY, Ky. – The Murray State University Cyber Education and Research Center is now accepting students into the Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate program.

The nine-month, 12-credit hour program, aims to increase cybersecurity employment opportunities for marginalized populations within the Kentucky Delta Region and develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled cybersecurity analysts to meet the growing demand in the cybersecurity industry.

The program, free to eligible participants, covers a wide range of topics, from network configuration and vulnerability assessment to traffic analysis. With a focus on practical, real-world scenarios, students will learn to identify and mitigate cyber threats effectively, safeguarding organizations from potential breaches and data loss. All curriculum is aligned with industry certifications, allowing students to finish with multiple industry credentials. During the course of the program, students will obtain their CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ industry credentials.

This certificate program was funded by a $1.5 million three-year grant from the Employment and Training Administration within the Department of Labor through the Delta Regional Authority. Eligible students that take part in the grant will have free tuition for the 12 credit hours of coursework, a paid internship, a laptop, career coaching, job placement support and real-world experience. The classes can be taken either online or in-person to support students’ complex schedules better.

The program is designed for incumbent workers and new workforce entrants wishing to pursue a cyber analyst career, including individuals who are currently underemployed, seeking advancement, changing careers or wanting to earn a higher income, with an increased focus on those workers who have been historically marginalized within the field of technology.

“We are very excited to have our first cohort of students begin at the start of the fall semester in August,” said Cheryl Calvert, the outreach coordinator for the Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate program. “This is a great opportunity for students who want to get involved in cybersecurity, but do not have the time and resources to invest in a bachelor’s degree, to work in the field and fill the gap in employment that is currently taking place throughout the Delta Authority Region.”

Individuals interested in the Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate program and grant can reach Cheryl Calvert directly at ccalvert2@murraystate.edu.

The Cyber Education and Research Center and the Cybersecurity and Network Management undergraduate and graduate programs are part of the award-winning statewide Program of Distinction at Murray State University. The program provides degree tracks in cybersecurity, wireless communications, and network and systems administration. Cybersecurity and Network Management focuses on cybersecurity and network infrastructure in the rapidly growing field of technology. It is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a solid foundation in cybersecurity technologies and their application in a business environment.

Murray State’s Cybersecurity and Network Management program recently placed within the top 10 nationally among 400 institutions through a community outreach competition by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.