Purdue Global partners with Paradigm Cyber Ventures to create a cybersecurity workforce pathway

August 12, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. and WEST LAFAYETTE, In. — With cyber threats growing and a massive talent shortage looming, Paradigm Cyber Ventures offers a proven solution to equip high school students with the skills and certifications needed to excel in the booming cybersecurity field. Purdue Global has partnered with Paradigm to provide learners with academic college credit for their completed CompTIA Security+ certification that they achieve during their cyber program.

Purdue Global supports the mission Paradigm shares.

“Purdue Global is passionate about supporting Paradigm’s effort to close the cybersecurity skills gap and possesses the ability to create rewarding cybersecurity career pathways for learners," said Dr. Tina Burton, director of partnership solutions within Purdue’s Office of Industry Partnerships.

“We believe that we are able to provide incredible value to our partners in the cybersecurity industry who are desperate to find motivated, work-ready talent,” said Matt Miller, co-CEO of Paradigm. “Our driving vision has always been to have a positive impact on as many young people as possible. This venture allows us to scale that vision and change the paradigm of what student potential and workforce expansion can truly mean.”

As Purdue Global welcomes Paradigm students, faculty and parents can also enjoy discounted tuition and articulation of prior credit. The university provides a huge variety of educational offerings that can be personalized based on the goals of each learner. Some of the options are described below.

Learners who seek a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or information technology can use their CompTIA Security+ certification for articulation into Purdue Global.

Learners may choose from several options, including the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, or the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology that includes the course that aligns with Security+.

Notably, Purdue Global has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) for the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. The program is also ABET accredited so learners can be confident they are learning the skills required to support the cybersecurity effort in the nation. In addition, this degree prepares students to pursue the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management which is also designated as a CAE-CD, and is a two-year all online program; some undergraduate courses and industry certifications can also provide transfer credits into that program.

In support of the CAE-CD and all related programs, Purdue Global has the Purdue Global Cybersecurity Center that learners can utilize to find more resources, cyber competitions, clubs, partnerships, etc. Purdue Global learners participate in a wide variety of competitive events to hone their hands-on skills and prepare for their careers.

Purdue Global has also partnered with Google to offer a certificate program that allows learners to earn the Google IT Support Certificate, along with the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Micro-credential. This is a program that can be completed in 14 months. The courses in the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Micro-credential can later stack/transfer into the degrees mentioned above.

In addition to the articulation of Security+ for credits, Purdue Global has an extensive list of industry certifications that can be earned and applied as credit into related programs.

Paradigm students, faculty, and parents are invited to explore the benefits of this partnership more fully by visiting the Purdue Global and Paradigm Cyber Ventures web page.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit .

About Paradigm Cyber Ventures

Paradigm Cyber Ventures creates, launches, and supports high school cybersecurity programs that will help with the shortage of individuals to fill high-need cybersecurity positions. The program was developed by educators, school leaders, and industry experts. The curriculum within the program aligns with national cybersecurity standards and results in students earning their CompTIA Security+ certification. Paradigm Cyber Ventures also connects with industry partners for sponsorship, mentorship, and internship opportunities.

Writer: Tina Burton

Media Contacts:

Matthew Oates, oatesw@purdue.edu

Tina Burton, tmburton@purdueforlife.org

Sources:

Matt Miller, co-CEO, Paradigm Cyber Ventures

Tina Burton, director of partnership solutions, Office of Industry Partnerships – Educational Partnerships

 

Graphic Caption: Purdue Global in partnership with Paradigm Cyber Ventures