GREAT FALLS – New this fall, Great Falls College MSU Lifelong Learning is offering a CompTIA Security+ Boot Camp.
CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills needed to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.
“It’s an industry standard,” said Chris Mee, GFC MSU technology instructor and instructor of the Security+ Boot Camp. “The Department of Defense, along with many large corporations, requires it for their security analyst professionals.”
The Boot Camp is offered over two weekends in October on Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday. The course is 40 hours in all and, at the end, students take an exam to earn their certification.
he intensive course is designed for those who are pursuing a career in IT security or who already work in IT and want to add to their skill set.
“It looks good to an employer and it shows their depth of the knowledge,” Mee said.
Great Falls College MSU recently became a CompTIA Academy Partner. CompTIA offers several industry-recognized credentials. The college is working to offer for-credit cybersecurity credentials in the future.
Cybersecurity is a growing field, Mee said. Cybersecurity jobs are expected to double by 2022, and projections call for a shortage of nearly 1.8 million workers.
“That’s a lot of jobs,” Mee said. “Cybersecurity is something that is in demand nationwide and will continue to be well into the future.”
The Center for Lifelong Learning at GFC MSU would like to offer more boot camps like this going forward, said Director Heather Palermo.
“These intensive boot camps give working professionals an opportunity to earn a credential in a short period of time that can help advance their career,” Palermo said.
This fall, Lifelong Learning is also offering a Cybersecurity Essentials class, which is a three-hour course offering an overview of online security geared toward those who don’t work in IT.
For information on both courses or to register, visit gfcmsu.edu/lifelonglearning or call 406-268-3734.
For more information, contact:
Lewis Card
Executive Director—Development, Communications & Marketing
Phone: 406.771.4412
[email protected]
Erin Granger
Marketing specialist at Great Falls College MSU
Phone: 406.771.4314
[email protected]
