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SPC to Offer Online Degree in Cybersecurity

Education | Technology | Computers

Once developed, the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree will be the first of its kind at the community college level in the Tampa Bay region and only the second in Florida.

ST. PETERSBURG – St. Petersburg College has received an $83,450 grant from the Department of Education as part of its pilot program for Cybersecurity Education Technological Upgrades for Community Colleges initiative.

In partnership with NSF ATE National Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance, SPC will enhance its College of Computer and Information Technology’s existing cybersecurity program and work toward an online Bachelor of Applied Science in cybersecurity degree to meet the growing workforce needs in Tampa Bay.

Once developed, the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree will be the first of its kind at the community college level in the Tampa Bay region and only the second in Florida, providing students with an affordable, flexible option for high-wage, high-demand sustainable careers in cybersecurity.

“St. Petersburg College is honored that the Department of Education has awarded us this grant to enhance our cybersecurity program,” said SPC CCIT Dean Dr. James H. Stewart. “This grant project will strengthen regional and national partnerships with institutions in cybersecurity education, sharing resources and best practices for other community colleges seeking to develop bachelor’s programs.”

The grant will also support faculty and staff efforts for curriculum development, new equipment for virtual training activities and faculty certification training.

The U.S. Department of Labor designates Florida as the fourth-largest cyber employment market and projects a 28 percent increase in employment of information security analysts through 2026, with Tampa Bay being the state’s leading tech hub.

Photo courtesy of St. Petersburg College.

St. Petersburg College | Education | Cybersecurity | Tampabay News

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