Delta's computer science technology program, once strictly a criminal justice curriculum, was recently revamped and now has three career tracks. Students can earn associate degrees in financial security, information assurance or criminal technology.

About the Program Tracks

The program gets graduates ready for jobs in government and crime-fighting agencies, as well in the banking industry, the corporate world and with credit card companies. These cyber security agents will guard government information such as foreign intelligence communications; personal information, such as social security numbers; and corporate information, like what band will be featured in the next version of Guitar Hero. Those on the forensics side will help hunt down lawbreakers by tracing cell phone calls, tracking computer exchanges and following electronic trails.

financial security – provides the skills and knowledge to assess, protect, and recover financial information in financial systems.

information assurance – teaches students how to identify potential security threats and then develop policies to protect the network, users and information.

criminal technology – covers the legal side of securing information as well as the technological side, by combining Criminal Justice classes with CST networking classes.

Delta's program follows National Security Agency guidelines and is certified through the National Information and Assurance Education and Training Programs, which has developed standards and assesses course offerings to identify gaps. It is one of only 200 programs across the country certified by the NIETP.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for those educated in computer security is expected to grow as businesses and the government invest heavily in security to protect networks and electronic infrastructures from hackers, viruses and other attacks.

Job prospects should be best for college graduates who possess the latest technological skills, particularly graduates who have supplemented their formal education with relevant work experience. Employers will continue to seek those who possess strong fundamental computer skills combined with good interpersonal and communication skills.

*Wages based on national averages from the 2008-09 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Students Say

Peter Starland will finish his bachelor's degree in information assurance in December and already has three job offers on the table – two of them from the U.S. Department of Defense. Before transferring to Capitol College in Laurel, MD, Starland got his start at Delta College, where he earned two associate degrees in computer science and information technology. The Bridgeport native thinks his Delta education is the reason he already has job offers. "I felt so unbelieveably ahead of the game when I transferred," said Starland, 32. "I can't believe how prepared I am for this."

Joshua Roebuck is enrolled in the Ferris program at Delta after earning two associate degrees in computer technology and informatin security at Delta. Roebuck, of Birch Run, wants to put his degree to use in law enforcement, where he thinks he can be of more service to society. "I feel I'll get more of a feeling of self-reward and of accomplishing something more than fixing computers and helping a big company make more money."

Scholarships

The Federal Cyber Service is helping recruit students by offering a Scholarship for Service. The program provides up to 2 years tuition and an annual $10,000 stipend to information security/assurance students who are willing to take work for the government for two years. Visit http://www.sfs.opm.gov/ for more information.

Interested?

For more information on the computer science technology program contact the program coordinator, Felicia Peters at flpeters@delta.edu or 989-686-9405.