Date: 2019/11/25

GFC MSU receives national cyber defense designation from NSA and DHS

Great Falls College MSU representatives, Dr. Leanne Frost and Chris Mee, accepting the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education designation at a ceremony in Phoenix, AZ.

GREAT FALLS— Great Falls College MSU received its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education from the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) November 20 at a ceremony in Phoenix, AZ. GFC MSU is now one of only two such designees in Montana and only 312 in the country.

"We are excited to receive this designation by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security," said Dr. Susan Wolff, CEO/Dean at GFC MSU. "It is a rigorous process to receive the designation and speaks to the quality of the curriculum and faculty in the college's Computer Technology programs."

The designation resulted from a yearlong process in which the curriculum of the college's AAS in Network Support & Security was evaluated and found to meet the criteria set by the NSA for excellence in cybersecurity education.

Dr. Leanne Frost, Director of General Studies, and Chris Mee, Computer Technology Department Chair, for the college received the official certificate from the Commandant of the National Cryptologic School of the NSA, Diane Janosek.

"Being designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, Great Falls College MSU now has the distinction as an educational institute that meets rigorous requirements and criteria," said Mee.

The Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education designation at the associate level is available to regionally accredited two-year colleges as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Today, most businesses have an online presence. Whether it is energy grid, medical and financial centers, or through online shopping, an informational site, or database, businesses operations are dependent upon technology which needs to be protected from hackers. By providing Cybersecurity programs and being designated by the NSA and DHA, Great Falls College MSU is prepared to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to work for local businesses and increase their cyber defenses.

Registration is open now for spring semester, and current or prospective students interested in pursuing a future in Computer Technology or Cybersecurity. Contact Admissions by calling (406) 268-3700, or by visiting the college's website at gfcmsu.edu and clicking on "Become a Student."

Date: 2019/03/27

Great Falls College MSU student honored as 2019 Newman Civic Fellow

GREAT FALLS – Julius Scott, a computer programming student at Great Falls College MSU, has been selected by Campus Compact as a 2019 Newman Civic Fellow.

"From the first time I met Julius, it was evident to me he would quickly become a student leader and actively engaged in campus activities," said Dr. Susan J. Wolff, CEO/Dean of Great Falls College MSU. "He is serious about his studies and educational goals, and Julius' love of life and desire to be of service inspires others to become involved."

The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth. Scott joins 275 other college students nationwide who will make up the 2019 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows.

Scott is currently the sitting President of the Associated Students of Great Falls College MSU and is campaigning to be elected as President again in the upcoming year. He previously served as Food Pantry Chair after being involved in many food drives when he was younger. Making sure students do not go without crucial items such as food and toiletries has been one of his main missions since becoming a student at Great Falls College MSU. Read More

Date: 2019/03/26

Great Falls College MSU announces new Cybersecurity programs

 

GREAT FALLS— Beginning Fall semester 2019, Great Falls College MSU will offer both a Certificate of Technical Studies (C.T.S.) and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Cybersecurity.

The certificate is designed for those already working in the computer field and builds on their knowledge and skills to prepare them to transition to cybersecurity and system analysis. The associate degree in Cybersecurity is designed for those with little or no experience in computer technology or cybersecurity who want to enter this growing field.

Both programs will provide coursework in networking fundamentals, network security and CompTia Security +, computer forensics, enterprise security, ethical hacking and network defense. Students will engage in hands-on experience to advance their career in Cybersecurity or the computer technology industry.

"Today, most businesses operate online in some fashion. The Cybersecurity programs at Great Falls College MSU are designed to prepare students to become proficient in the cybersecurity discipline so they can go out into the workforce and work to test, analyze, and secure IT systems for those businesses and their customers," said Chris Mee, Computer Technology Department Chair at Great Falls College MSU. "Nationally and locally, there is a shortage in cybersecurity professionals. Well-paying cybersecurity positions will be available well into the future." Read More

 

 

edit