Capitol's cybersecurity programs to be showcased at NSA-sponsored event

Cybersecurity professionals will gather at the Information Assurance Symposium (IAS) in Baltimore from June 19-21 to exchange knowledge and strategize ways of addressing today's emerging cyber threats. Capitol representatives will be on hand to inform participants about the university's pioneering programs in the field, including master's and doctoral programs that are offered online and tailored to working professionals.

"This is a very exciting event for us to be attending," said Xavier A. Richards, director of graduate recruitment. "It's hosted by the NSA and will have cybersecurity leaders, decision-makers and practictioners in attendance. The NSA has also invited international cybersecurity experts to this event, so participants will be engaging a global perspective."

During the symposium, Richards and her colleagues will help get the word out about the university's undergraduate and graduate programs in cybersecurity and the career-boosting opportunities that come with a Capitol degree. Capitol offers bachelor's and master's degrees in Cyber and Information Security as well as a doctorate in cybersecurity. Numerous post-baccaulaureate certificate programs are also available, including in Digital Forensics and Incident Handling, Secure Cloud Computing, Secure Mobile Technology, Secure Software Development and Security Management.

“One of the really outstanding things about our programs is the quality of our curriculum," Richards said. "It's practical and industry-oriented, with students gaining exposure both to theory and labs. We enable professionals to advance their skill sets and become thought leaders in their fields, addressing some of the most pressing concerns in the cybersecurity arena."

The master's and doctoral level programs are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. Like all of Capitol's graduate degrees, these programs are offered online, utilizing a real-time, synchronous learning platform that replicates classroom conditions -- without requiring a commute.

"Our programs are very flexible," Richards said. "Professionals at all career stages can take our classes from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a computer connected to the internet. It's a very unique way to balance school and work and be able to do both at the same time."

Capitol was one of the first institutions of higher education in the country to offer graduate-level degrees in cybersecurity, as well as one of the first to offer cybersecurity degrees online. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated the university as a Center for Academic Excellence (CAE).

“Having that CAE designation is very significant. It’s the gold standard for academic programs in the field,” Richards said.

"Students look for the CAE designation when they are considering their choice of schools, because they know it will unlock greater opportunities for them. They know the level of education they receive will be more reflective of emerging trends and the current standards, and that they will be taught by the very best,” Richards said.

Over 2,500 practitioners and leaders in the field are expected to attend the IAS, held annually by the National Security Agency's Information Assurance Directorate. Through a series of presentations, panel discussions, and training sessions, attendees will gain a thorough overview of emerging developments in this critical field.

The IAS will be held June 19-21 at the Washington Convention Center. More information here.