In a quickly evolving field, Capitol cybersecurity students hit the ground running

When it comes to cybersecurity programs, bigger is not necessarily better.

Capitol Technology University may be a small school, but its laser focus on engineering and technology fields enables it to provide aspiring cyber warriors with unparalleled opportunities to launch their careers, says Dr. Bill Butler, chair of the school’s cybersecurity program, which stresses a hands-on approach to the subject starting from day one.

“Unlike many other colleges and universities, we don’t make our students wait until their junior year before they can start taking cybersecurity classes,” he says. “Attend Capitol, and you’ll start building up your expertise in the field right away.”

Butler, a seasoned professional and educator who has served as deputy chief technology officer for USCENTCOM and as chief information security officer (CISO) for the US Marine Corps, is steering Capitol’s program through a time of rapid transitions in the cybersecurity field, including increased focus on mobile and the Internet of Things (IoT).

He says applied learning is particularly important in cybersecurity because of the quick pace of change. Students who do not get enough hands-on practice and exposure to real-time industry trends are likely to find themselves behind the curve when they enter the job market.

That’s why Capitol hires working professionals to teach in the cybersecurity program, he says, and also why it places importance on facilities such as the Cyber Lab – a unique facility, launched  in 2009 with the help of a BRAC grant, that enables students to test their skills in real-time scenarios and serves as the hub for Capitol’s cyber competition teams.

“That’s a huge differentiator for us when the students visit our campus,” Butler notes.

Also setting Capitol apart is its status as an NSA and DHS-designated Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), its location in close proximity to the NSA headquarters at Ft. Meade, and its credibility among employers in both the public and private sectors.

“The CAE gives us access to grants and scholarships and opportunities that other schools will not,” Butler said. “Only 4% of all the colleges and universities in the country have this designation, so it’s a small, select group. Only students at CAE-designated schools can apply for the Scholarship for Service, also known as CyberCorps, as well as the SMART scholarship for cyber and the Information Assurance Scholarship Program.”

“These are programs that carry stipends with tuition-free education and a three-year commitment to work for the government. The student receives a stipend, spends virtually nothing to attend school, is guaranteed federal government internships over the summer, and is guaranteed federal employment after receiving the degree. That kind of opportunity is hard to beat – and it’s only available to schools with the CAE designation, like Capitol,” Butler said.

In addition to the scholarship opportunities, Capitol students benefit from the designation because it gives them an edge at hiring time. Employers know that a CAE school teaches to the standards set by the NSA and that its students graduate with a strong skill set.

It’s no wonder, then, that Capitol graduates go to work for firms such as General Dynamics and Leidos, as well as for the DoD and other agencies.

“Our track record and access to industry sets us apart even from larger competitors here in Maryland,” he said. “We don’t try to do everything here. Instead, we focus on selected fields, such as cybersecurity, and deliver the best education available.”

“Whether you want to work for a contractor, the federal  government or the private sector, Capitol can help you get there,” Butler said.

For more information about the Career Changers program, contact the graduate admissions office at gradadmit@captechu.edu.