Community College Workforce Study
Community colleges have increased the number of cybersecurity professionals that graduate from their programs each year. These individuals are finding employment in every sector of our economy and are addressing the nation’s shortage. The federal government led by the NIST/NICE Project have been able to better define the nations cybersecurity workforce through a list of 52 specialized cybersecurity work roles. This study was designed to examine the type of cybersecurity jobs filled by community college graduates and how they align to the NICE frameworks job roles. This study was conducted as a partnership between the National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center (NCyTE) and the Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA) and was funded by the NSF. The study examined graduates from 12 of the nation’s top community college cybersecurity programs. The study is based on student interviews and self-identification of their current cybersecurity work roles. Doctoral candidates from Dakota State University interviewed the alumni and collected survey data. The results were analyzed and published by Dr. John Sands and Corrinne Sande. The study reveals the type of positions community college students are prepared for. The study highlights current trends and identifies potential opportunities for community college graduates.
