Southwest Montana News

Carroll College has announced the introduction of a new Cybersecurity major, scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025. This program, offered through the college's Mathematics and Computer Science department, aims to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity by providing them with necessary technical skills and strategic thinking abilities.

The Cybersecurity major will be delivered through a hybrid model, featuring six online courses in collaboration with Rize Education and faculty from other institutions. This approach allows students to access specialized coursework while benefiting from Carroll's liberal arts education. The program focuses on critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving skills essential for success in cybersecurity.

"We’re really excited about the breadth of opportunities this program opens up for our students,” said Dr. Ted Wendt, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Carroll College. “The demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing and with our cutting-edge curriculum blended with a liberal arts focus, we are uniquely positioned to equip our graduates with the technical skills and critical thinking abilities they need to excel in this ever-evolving field."

Students enrolled in the program will learn to assess threats, defend digital assets, and apply ethical hacking techniques. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience to prepare graduates for roles such as information security analysts and cyber threat intelligence analysts. Students will also have opportunities to pursue industry certifications like the CompTIA A+ exam.

Industry projections indicate high demand for cybersecurity professionals, with an estimated 460,000 unfilled positions nationally by 2025. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 35% by 2031. The average salary is $112,000 with a full employment rate, offering stability across various industries including technology and finance.

Carroll College’s new major reflects its commitment to expanding academic offerings that meet workforce needs while developing ethical leaders ready for digital challenges.

For more information about the Cybersecurity major at Carroll College, visit www.carroll.edu/cybersecurity.

Rize Education collaborates with colleges to create career-focused programs tailored to workforce demands. Partnering with over 100 institutions, Rize enhances student career prospects through specialized training.