This fall, Middlesex Community College is offering a new Computer Science Transfer, Secure Software Development (SSD) Associate in Science degree program. Registration is now open and courses begin Wednesday, Sept. 3.
“The FBI predicts cybersecurity will eventually become the number one threat against the United States,” said MCC Computer Science Professor Sanaz Rahimi.
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“Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor projects there will be approximately 43,700 new jobs for computer/software programmers by 2020,” she continued. “MCC’s new SSD program includes a specially designed set of courses that will equip students with the skills and expertise necessary to succeed in working in the field of cybersecurity.”
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Intended to prepare students for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, MCC’s new Computer Science SSD Program focuses on developing secure software that performs only its intended functions without the presence of vulnerabilities that hackers or others with malicious intent can exploit. It also includes robust, career-focused pathways in the fields of computer science, information technology, computer networking and data analysis.
The program conforms to the framework for cybersecurity education developed jointly by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security. Program curriculum was developed with guidance from MCC’s Information Technology Advisory Board, which includes cybersecurity professionals from organizations such as Mitre and Lincoln Labs. The program development was funded by a grant from BATEC (Broadening Advanced Technological Education Connections), a national center of excellence for computing and information technologies, sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
Four new cybersecurity courses are being offered as part of the program, including “Operating Systems Basics & Security,” “Introduction to Computer Security,” “Secure Programming” and “Information Assurance.” A considerable amount of hands-on computer experience is incorporated into the curriculum.
For more information about MCC’s new Computer Science Transfer, Secure Software Development (SSD) Program, contact Don Brady, Assistant Dean of Health & STEM, at bradyd@middlesex.mass.edu.
MCC is one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in the state. We offer more than 75 degree and certificate programs, plus hundreds of noncredit courses, during the day, evening and weekend, on our Bedford and Lowell campuses, and online. Middlesex – a great place to begin your future!