The Bachelor of Technology in Information Technologies - Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics option, at OSU Institute of Technology was recently recognized as one of BestColleges.com’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Systems Security programs.
BestColleges.com, which aims to help prospective students find the school that best meets their needs, ranked OSUIT, the only Oklahoma college ranked, 17th in its 2019 ranking of accredited online bachelor’s in Information Systems Security programs.
Christian Bradley, dean of the School of Creative and Information Technologies said that programs that are ranked high in their areas of study benefit in many ways.
“Prospective students and parents may associate the program with quality instruction and outcomes,” said Bradley. “Employers or industry partners may recognize the students or graduates as more desirable when hiring employees. But most importantly, it confirms the program is trending in the right direction.”
Eileen Dewey, Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics program instructor, said students not only get the benefit of a well-rounded education, but they are now part of ‘the best of.’
“Prospective employers will be thrilled to know that the student graduated from a top 20 nationally recognized program,” said Dewey.
The BT in IT with an option in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics prepares students for the highly specialized work of protecting computers, computer systems and networks from various threats such as hackers, cyberterrorists, viruses and worms. The classes incorporate the current technology, software and tools used in the industry, providing OSUIT graduates with the skills and experience they'll need for successful careers.
Dewey said the course flexibility and faculty expertise contributed to this recognition.
“We can offer online and campus classes. Our Virtual Environment is a huge asset for our student that are not able to come to campus physically,” said Dewey. “Collectively, the faculty has over 47 years of experience in teaching cybersecurity concepts ranging from security program management to applied technical tools, techniques and procedures.”
Bradley said that a benefit to online instruction that gets overlooked often is that online students can get a head start on their professional careers.
“Traditionally on-ground students are tied to the area they attend school. They graduate, apply for jobs, then often move to where their new careers are located,” said Bradley. “Students that participate in an online program have more options and can start working professionally earlier, move more freely for open positions and be choosy in the jobs they accept while continuing to finish their program of study or complete their degree.”
This type of recognition could help expand the reach to prospective students.
“Online programs have made it possible for OSUIT to reach a worldwide market,” said Bradley. “Where OSUIT’s quality programs have reached a more regional/Midwest market in the past, online instruction has made it possible for students from almost anywhere, to take advantage of these programs. This is especially true for students that live outside of a comfortable driving distance or neighboring states. They can attend OSUIT, relocate for a short time while they adapt to college life, then move onward with their careers while not being tied to the OSUIT campus.”
To learn more about the Bachelor of Technology in Information Technologies - Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics option, visit the program page on the OSUIT website.