Raymond Hsieh is a criminal justice professor at Pennsylvania Western University who has expertise in forensic science and information technology. His courses in cyber forensics teach students to collect and analyze digital evidence. (Courtesy of Pennsylvania Western University)
While Pennsylvania Western University does not offer a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, the state-owned college will start recognizing credits for students who complete select cybersecurity and information technology credentials
PennWest — which operates campuses in California, Clarion and Edinboro — has entered into an agreement with the Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Center. Students can earn up to nine college credits for certifications they have already completed
Certifications covered by the agreement focus on information technology, computer networks and cybersecurity. Students receive three PennWest credits for each
“We’re looking at all opportunities to strengthen the workforce, to support industry and educational partners, in any way that we can,” said Bob Mehalik, associate provost and graduate dean. “I think this is an excellent opportunity to serve that mission, and to help high school students get an early start on their higher education career.”
PennWest officials said the agreement provides a direct route from career-focused training to a college degree. Students must apply and be admitted to PennWest within two years of completing the cybersecurity program
“Students today are very intentional. They’re looking for majors that are potentially going to get them a job,” said Kaylee Gmutza, PennWest’s assistant registrar who handles partnerships, articulation and transfer agreements
Those types of jobs are in demand: the median salary for an information security analysts are $124,910, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 16,000 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the next decade
PennWest offers graduate degrees and certificates in cybersecurity. While the credits can count toward any program, officials think common links could be with undergraduate degrees in computer information systems, computer science and criminal justice with concentrations of forensic investigation and cyber forensics
The pool of high school students learning about cybersecurity is small, but growing. Nationwide, less than 4% of public high school students have access to a cybersecurity course, reports cybersupply.org, a research website on cybersecurity classes U.S. public high schools. Locally, Gateway, South Allegheny and South Fayette offer such courses, and students in those classes can earn security and networking certifications
PennWest has faced ongoing enrollment declines and financial struggles since its consolidation in 2022. Mehalik said the agreement could help with recruiting and retaining students
“Through this agreement and partnership, students and parents stand to save several thousands of dollars,” Mehalik said, referencing tuition costs saved through the credits. “They’re invested in higher education. They’re going to want to stay on and finish that degree when they know they’re saving that amount of money.”
The cybersecurity agreement is the latest way universities are trying to recognize industry credentials for prospective and current students. PennWest in October expanded its agreement for those certified with the National Academy of Sports Medicine to earn academic credit and tuition discounts for online master’s and bachelor’s degrees in exercise science
“The career and technical education programs are blowing up,” Mehalik said. “We want to meet them where they are. We want to make sure we’re here for them when they’re ready for higher ed.”
About the Writer
Kellen Stepler is a TribLive reporter covering education in Allegheny County. He joined the Trib in April 2023. He can be reached at kstepler@triblive.com
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