Rhodes State College has added Cybersecurity Fundamentals to its slate of courses in its eCampus, which offers one-semester, financial aid eligible certificates for students seeking a new credential to advance in their careers or to upskill while they continue in their jobs.
According to Jean Wisuri, Coordinator of Online Learning and K-12 Partnerships, Rhodes State currently offers three eCampus certificates: Esports Management and Coaching, Project Management – Professional Certification, and the new addition this fall, Cybersecurity Fundamentals.
“Perhaps someone is exploring a new interest or a new career—the eCampus programs could be of interest,” said Wisuri. “All certificates are 16 credit hours in length, which makes them financial aid eligible for those who qualify and are delivered 100% online with no need to come to campus. These are accelerated certificates so students complete all requirements in one term.”
With the new Cybersecurity Fundamentals certificate, Rhodes State is meeting an industry need, as headlines tell us that data breaches and hacking are becoming more and more prolific. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing occupations with a growth rate of 31% through 2029. The new certificate prepares IT professionals and students for a career in IT infrastructure; covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks, hardware, and software. The course will prepare its students with skills in installation, maintenance, physical security, knowledge in common attacks, protection of wired and wireless devices, and threat analysis and mitigation. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in activities through the Ohio Cyber Range, a secure virtual environment that is used for competitions, training, and testing.
In addition to Cybersecurity, an already vital part of the eCampus offerings is the Esports Management and Coaching certificate. Breaking into the billion dollar Esports industry, students in this program identify key elements of coaching and managing a team, demonstrate effective communication skills, and practice supporting the physical and mental well-being of Esports athletes. Additionally, students work with area high schools to create Esports teams.
To support the program and its students, Rhodes is currently remodeling a venue that will become a gaming activities area for students in the fall of 2021. There will be computers provided for students to play games, make friends, and create a gaming community for all those interested in Esports.
Alongside these two certificates is the Project Management eCampus program.
“Project Management is important because it brings leadership and direction to projects,” said Wisuri. “Without Project Management, a team can be moving but without direction, control, or purpose. Leadership allows and enables team members to do their best work and supports executing the strategic goals for a company, which is cost effective.”
In this one-semester program, students will be prepared to sit for the Project Management Institute (PMI) recognized certification of Certified Associate in Program Management (CAPM®). Faculty will cover topics such as the five project management process groups, Project Manager applications, project scope management, the role of the Project Manager, solving simple network diagram problems, and the performance of basic scheduling calculations. Successful completion of the Project Management with CAPM® Certification lead to job opportunities including Assistant Project Manager, Business Analyst Consultants, PMO Operational Support Analyst, Assistant IT Technical Project Manager, and Project Coordinator.
Those interested in the eCampus opportunities at Rhodes State can attend an information session, visit www.RhodeState.edu/ecampus or contact Jean Wisuri at wisuri.j@RhodesState.edu.
