Using My Online Cybersecurity Degree to Make a Difference
Kurtis Ashton used Purdue Global’s credit for prior learning benefit to graduate debt-free in only ten months. (Purdue Global photo/Kelsey Lefever)
Purdue Global’s cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program is helping Kurtis Ashton do good in his community and find success at work
In the age of constant cyber threats, Kurtis Ashton is passionate about helping those who are taken advantage of online.
Ashton (BS cybersecurity ’25, Purdue Global) works with a local nonprofit in his community to educate individuals with disabilities about phishing and other risks on smart devices. And in addition to his role as an information security analyst at General Electric Credit Union, he started Ethical Hackers LLC as a way to give back.
“My mindset this entire time has been ‘How can I apply this to work, but also use it to help others?’ It’s my calling to give back and do what I’m supposed to for my community,” he says.
But Ashton wasn’t always in the information security field. For most of his life, he faced challenges from epilepsy, which, for him, could involve up to 20 seizures a month. In 2014, brain surgery reduced his symptoms, and by 2015 he earned his driver’s license. He realized he could pursue what he thought was out of reach.
While he was a student earning his associate degree at Ivy Tech Community College, he worked full time in IT and completed different certifications. When it was time to start his bachelor’s degree, he chose Purdue Global for the transfer opportunities.
With his experience and associate degree, he used Purdue Global’s credit for prior learning benefit to begin his bachelor’s program with 122 credits done. He then chose the ExcelTrack program to complete the program in ten months.
“I’ve always been very passionate about the information technology industry. When you have the passion and the drive to reach your goals, nothing is going to stop you,” he says.
When you have the passion and the drive to reach your goals, nothing is going to stop you.”
Kurtis Ashton
BS cybersecurity ’25, Purdue Global
Now, Ashton balances his family, career, business, volunteer work and more certifications. He plans to return for his MBA in hopes of becoming the best leader he can be.
“This is the career I want to be in, and this is what I want to do,” he says. “If I were to say anything to a Purdue Global student, it would be ‘Never give up. Continue moving forward.’”