Programs prepare graduates for work as network security officers and analysts, forensic analysts, network administrators, and more

This fall three of Maine's community colleges will launch new degree programs in computer information security, one of the fastest growing fields in information technology.

CMCC and WCCC (in partnership with CMCC) are offering an associate degree in network security/computer forensics. SMCC is offering an associate degree in computer information security.

"Training tomorrow's information security professionals is essential for our security and economy and to protect the investments and data assets of Maine companies," said SMCC President Ron Cantor in announcing the college's new program. "This program will provide companies with the trained employees they need while giving Mainers skills that promise them a bright future."

SMCC's CIS program covers a wide range of topics including virus protection, computer ethics, laws, policies, and network security. Students will learn how to install, configure, and maintain network infrastructures; identify security threats; and create security policies and procedures.

CMCC/WCCC's program will give students a strong background in computer technology and networks and provide an opportunity for students to concentrate on securing, testing, and analyzing information as it is stored, manipulated, and communicated across networks.

These new IT programs - and many others at Maine's community colleges - are all part of the Maine is IT! initiative, funded by a major grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant has enabled all seven of the colleges to launch innovative courses and programs to address the growing need for skilled information technology workers across many industries and in all parts of the state.

Maine is IT! offers numerous pathways to success in information technology and is designed for individuals with a range of experience, from those interested in gaining basic IT skills to information technology professionals looking to earn new industry certifications.

       

CMCC: CompTIA A+ and Microsoft security fundamentals and technology associate starting in August. Fall programs include courses in networking, operating systems, PC repair and more.

EMCC: Certification and applications for healthcare IT, network architecture, server operating systems, and digital illustration courses all start in September.

NMCC: Introduction to PC operating systems, computer networking hardware, network administration, and security begin in September.

SMCC: New computer information security degree program starts this fall.

YCCC: New and expanded programs for fall include certificates in IT, information security, network administrator, Web development, and help desk and user support.

Before long, he was working as an intern in YCCC's IT department and, after graduating, was hired as a help desk technician at the college. This past March he was offered a position at Systems Engineering in Portland as a help desk technician. His goal is to become a database administrator, and he credits YCCC with giving him a strong foundation on which to build his career.  

As part of Maine is IT!, CMCC is creating two state-of-the-art networking labs with data centers to support new programs in computer technology. The labs will include a virtual environment that can quickly configure computers for use by a variety of different classes and students and will enable students to install, configure, and test various operating system setups and test resilience to cyber-attacks.

Photo: Graham Tasker, CMCC Information Support Specialist II, installs the blade center for the college's new Business Simulation Lab.   

Just ask Portland IT firm Winxnet, one of the largest IT service providers in the area. According to a recent Portland Press Herald article about the company: