The International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP) announced Wednesday (May 18) that it has formed a strategic partnership with Technology University, with the goal of addressing the nation's growing need for cybersecurity professionals.
The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to study the feasibility of the creation of a Security Operations Center (SOC) at the Laurel-based university.
“Capitol Technology University fills a unique niche through a program that integrates scientific theory with hands-on experience," said Dr. Bill Butler, who chairs the cybersecurity program at Capitol and also serves as information security director for the university's Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center.
"Our curricula are designed so students gain practical knowledge, ensuring they are immediately prepared for their professional careers,” Butler said. “As a critical part of organizations’ infrastructures where information systems are monitored, analyzed and protected, giving students practical hands-on experience in a SOC will allow them to apply their academic knowledge and develop the necessary skills to help fill the shortage of cybersecurity professionals.”
The ICMCP works to bridge the gap in the cybersecurity sector by providing scholarship opportunities, technical training programs, innovative outreach, mentoring and networking programs targeting underrepresented groups including women, minorities, and veterans, according to a press release from the non-profit organization.
“I am delighted to embark on this strategic partnership with Capitol Technology University,” said Alejandro Buschel, the ICMCP’s Academic Partnerships Chairperson. “Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency, Capitol Technology University’s commitment to providing its student real-world knowledge is laudable. Experiencing first hand the activities that take place in a SOC will provide the students the requisite technology and communications skills to help bridge the gap in cybersecurity."
About ICMCP
The ICMCP, launched in 2014, is a volunteer-led 501(c)3 non-profit organization. ICMCP is working to bridge the minority gap in the cybersecurity sector by providing scholarship opportunities, technical training programs, innovative outreach, mentoring and networking programs targeting women and minority cybersecurity professionals worldwide and by promoting academic and technical excellence in the industry.
About Capitol Technology University
Capitol Technology University is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to education in engineering, computer science, information technology and business through practices of leadership and innovation. Founded in 1927, Capitol offers associate, bachelor’s and master's degrees, doctoral programs in cybersecurity and management and decision sciences, and professional development training and certificates.The university campus is located in Laurel, Maryland, in a suburban setting midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. www.captechu.edu.