JSCC cyber defense program receives national certification

JACKSON, Tenn. — Jackson State Community College is the only community college in the state with a cyber defense program certified by the U.S. National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

Jackson State Community College students Megan Hamilton, left, and Holly Lott work on a server in the school’s computer lab.

JSCC’s program is the only community college program in Tennessee to be certified as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the U.S. National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security, according to a news release from the school.

“It is very unique that we’ve been able to develop and offer a program of this magnitude that fills a current demand to defend our cyber infrastructure,” JSCC Dean of Health Sciences and Computer Information Technology Dr. Tom Pigg said. “Not many colleges can say that.”

Graduates often find work protecting national security information systems, commercial networks and critical information infrastructure in both the private and public sectors, the release says.

You can find more information on the program at JSCC’s Cyber Security Center website.