News and Events

Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) will offer a brand-new certificate program beginning Fall Semester 2020. The Cybersecurity program, a rigorous 30-credit certificate, prepares students with the skills needed to evaluate, secure, and remediate at-risk computer and networked systems. Graduates are prepared for employment in computer security related careers, including cybersecurity, network security, information assurance, and incident investigation, all high demand fields. The certificate can be completed completely online in just one year.

With the recent rise in unemployment across the country, many are looking for new opportunities in stable fields, and Cybersecurity is an ideal option. The only program requirement is a basic knowledge of computers (which can be learned through additional coursework if needed), making this a great option for working or underemployed adults looking to grow their skills or break into a new field of work.

Virtual Open House

ATCC is hosting a Virtual Open House on Tuesday, May 19 at noon. The virtual open house will allow students of all ages to learn more about ATCC’s School of Business and Information Technology programs, including the new Cybersecurity certificate. Information will also be shared about Transfer Pathway degrees, which offer students the opportunity to earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree locally before transferring to a Minnesota State University. Registration for the open house is available at alextech.edu/govirtual.

Faculty Addition

Vickie McLain joins our Computer Science faculty team, bringing more than 18 years of experience to the role. McLain has experience teaching students from 7th grade to adult age. Well renowned in the cybersecurity community, McLain has spoken at several national GenCyber conferences sponsored by the NSA. As the Principal Investigator for a Cybersecurity Workforce Education grant, Vickie designed mini businesses for students to develop their cybersecurity skills in a realistic setting.  As a result of this work, the National Institute of Standards and Technology developed a new national initiative to encourage colleges to educate students in a way that simulates their future working environment.