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ERIC Number: ED664403
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 217
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3467-3670-7
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Developing an Online Cybersecurity Certificate Program for Upskilling and Reskilling Professionals and Preparing Students for Market Entry
Robert Chapa
ProQuest LLC, D.Crim.Jus. Dissertation, Saint Leo University
While the cybersecurity landscape continually evolves, with new technologies, attack vectors, and defense mechanisms emerging regularly, cybersecurity certificate programs remain challenged to stay current and relevant, often resulting in the delivery of outdated course content in existing programs. Scholars note that the absence of standardized curriculum and certificate frameworks is a gap in the cybersecurity education literature that leads to the proliferation of disparate certificate programs with varying levels of rigor and recognition. The purpose of this archival case study research with a project-based research design is to develop and describe an online cybersecurity certificate program proficient in reskilling and upskilling professionals, enhancing organizational resilience, preparing students for market entry, and meeting the rapidly changing demands of the cybersecurity profession. This study was guided by Malcolm Knowles' (1980) "Andragogy Theory," which asserts that adults are self-directed and responsible for learning. To address the identified literature gap, I evaluated five online professional certificate programs in cybersecurity provided by the U.S. The primary thematic categories emerging from the data analysis of archival data were: 1) industry demand for highly skilled talent in cybersecurity to support organizational resilience, 2) student demand for high-quality online certification programs in cybersecurity, 3) the need for ongoing reskilling and upskilling of cybersecurity professionals, and 4) developing online certification programs in cybersecurity to address immediate market entry of graduates. I integrated the findings from the thematic analysis to develop and present a structured and evidence-based comprehensive curriculum design for an online cybersecurity certificate program suitable for implementation at higher education institutions. To ensure rigor in the trustworthiness of the study results, I incorporated a data and investigator triangulation process. My research provided important insights into how online cybersecurity certificate programs can be designed to better prepare students for the workforce, upskill current professionals, and enhance organizational resilience. Educational institutions can improve the quality and relevance of their certificate programs by focusing on hands-on training, industry-aligned certificates, and flexible delivery. Incorporating certificates and practical components is essential to ensure students are prepared to meet the demands of the job market. This study is significant for driving positive social change for cybersecurity students from diverse populations to attain access to online delivery of a high-quality online cybersecurity certificate program. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A