Grant will help TCC expand cybersecurity degree

Tacoma Community College will receive a grant of $599,790 from the National Science Foundation to educate and train cybersecurity professionals.

The grant, announced Thursday by U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, will bolster TCC’s existing associate degree program in cybersecurity. Students who complete the degree at TCC can continue in a bachelor’s level program through Western Governors University without additional course requirements, according to the announcement.

“At a time when cybersecurity has become such an important part of our everyday lives, this grant will enable TCC to expand capacity to train cybersecurity professionals,” TCC President Sheila Ruhland said.

TCC is part of a growing network of regional higher-education institutions with cybersecurity programs. The University of Washington Tacoma has a cybersecurity and leadership program with an emphasis on attracting military veterans who have national security clearances or training in protecting information networks.

This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 10:34 PM with the headline "Grant will help TCC expand cybersecurity degree."