Key Takeaways
- Campus launches a cybersecurity concentration within its Associate of Science in Information Technology degree to address the growing shortage of skilled security professionals.
- The two‑year program blends live, synchronous instruction with hands‑on simulations, emphasizing AI’s impact on both cyber threats and defenses.
- Students earn preparation for high‑value certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, EC‑Council CEH, and AWS Cloud Practitioner/Solutions Architect.
- A voucher system covers exam fees for learners who achieve a B or higher in coursework and final exams, reducing financial barriers to credentialing.
- Backed by prominent entrepreneurs and investors, Campus leverages a research‑driven student‑success model that has doubled two‑year college graduation rates.
Introduction
On July 9, 2026, Campus announced the addition of a cybersecurity concentration to its Associate of Science (AS) in Information Technology program. The move responds to a national labor market in which over 250,000 cybersecurity positions remain unfilled and AI‑driven attacks are accelerating. Tade Oyerinde, founder and chancellor of Campus, highlighted that the program creates an “on‑ramp” for young people into a field that urgently needs AI‑native talent. By aligning curricula with current workforce demands, Campus aims to close both the skills gap and the headcount shortage reported by 95 % of cybersecurity teams in the ISC2 Workforce Study.
Program Overview and Objectives
The cybersecurity concentration is embedded within a two‑year AS degree, designed to prepare graduates for entry‑level roles in IT support, security operations, or for transfer into bachelor’s programs. Core objectives include building a strong technical foundation in networking, operating systems, cloud technologies, and security principles, while also familiarizing students with how AI reshapes threat detection and incident response. Donald Rarick, the program’s cybersecurity director, emphasized that although AI is changing the threat landscape, fundamental competencies remain essential for employers seeking day‑one contributors.
Curriculum and AI Focus
Coursework blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, featuring live, synchronous classes taught by cybersecurity veterans who also instruct at institutions such as Stanford and Howard. A dedicated “AI in Cybersecurity” course examines how machine‑learning tools enhance threat analytics, automate security operations, and improve incident response times. Students also study traditional topics like network security, ethical hacking, and compliance, ensuring they understand both legacy defenses and emerging AI‑augmented tactics.
Hands‑On Learning and Simulations
Beyond lectures, the program incorporates extensive hands‑on experience through simulated environments. Learners engage in realistic scenarios covering network defense, AI‑assisted threat detection, security operations center (SOC) workflows, ethical hacking exercises, and regulatory compliance audits. These simulations mirror the tools and procedures used in industry, allowing students to practice mitigation strategies, forensic analysis, and response coordination in a risk‑free setting.
Industry Certification Preparation
Certification readiness is woven directly into the curriculum. Course content aligns with the objectives of CompTIA’s A+, Network+, Security+, and CySA+ exams, as well as the EC‑Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and AWS Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect credentials. To further lower costs, Campus provides funded exam vouchers for students who earn a B or higher in both their final course grade and the corresponding final exam, enabling them to obtain recognized credentials without additional financial strain.
Student Support and Success Model
Campus distinguishes itself through a research‑backed student‑success framework that has been shown to double two‑year college graduation rates. Each learner receives a dedicated academic advisor, on‑demand tutoring, and personalized coaching throughout the program. Live online classes are delivered via a pioneering technology platform that facilitates real‑time interaction, immediate feedback, and collaborative projects, replicating the engagement of traditional campus environments while maintaining flexibility for working or geographically dispersed students.
Transfer Pathways and Career Outcomes
Graduates of the cybersecurity concentration have two primary pathways: immediate entry into the workforce or transfer to a four‑year institution. Campus has cultivated transfer partnerships with a growing number of colleges and universities, ensuring that credits earned in the AS program apply toward bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, or related fields. For those entering the job market, the combination of foundational knowledge, hands‑on simulation experience, and industry certifications positions alumni competitively for roles such as security analyst, SOC technician, or junior penetration tester.
Institutional Backing, Innovation, and Closing Thoughts
The initiative is supported by a coalition of high‑profile backers, including Sam Altman, Shaquille O’Neal, General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and 8VC, and overseen by a board comprising former college presidents such as John Wilson of Morehouse College and Gail Mellow of LaGuardia Community College. Campus’s recognition as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024 underscores its commitment to redefining higher education for the AI era. By delivering a cost‑effective, accelerated route into a critical and rapidly evolving field, Campus not only addresses the pressing cybersecurity talent shortage but also exemplifies how innovative educational models can meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.