To counter growing threats to computer operations in government and industry Oakland Community College will offer new programs this fall in the fast-growing specialty of Information Assurance/Security.

“Information Security involves the creation of a secure computer information structure using the latest management styles and processes…one that has no leaks or loopholes” says OCC faculty member Ken Sigler who teachers Computer Information Systems classes at the college’s Auburn Hills Campus.

Students must take 36 credit hours in nine classes to earn a certificate.  They may also opt to earn a transferable associate degree that incorporates the nine courses.  Upon completion they will receive individual National Security Agency certificates for each of the nine courses confirming that they have achieved the core competencies required for information security employment with the US Department of Defense.

Computer Information Systems professionals who already hold bachelor’s degrees in the field can complete the OCC certificate to qualify for entry into a graduate program, or to work for the government.

OCC students who earn associate degrees in the specialty will be able to apply all of their credits toward a bachelor’s degree in Information Assurance/Security from the University of Detroit-Mercy.  OCC is currently working with universities across the nation, including local schools such as Walsh College and Eastern Michigan University, to develop similar transfer arrangements.

The new OCC programs have widespread applications in the private sector as well.  “Although the program is designed to prepare students for employment in the field of Homeland Security, the courses have been aligned with a national set of ‘best practices in information security’ that are necessary for work in industry” Sigler says.

The programs also feature government-funded scholarships, both for students studying at OCC, and those enrolling in university programs.

For further information, contact Ken Sigler at (248) 232-4247 or via email at kesigler@oaklandcc.edu.

With five campuses located throughout Oakland County, OCC is the largest community college in Michigan and the 14^th largest in the nation.  OCC offers degrees and certificates in more than 130 career fields, and university transfer degrees in business, science and liberal arts.  Approximately 70,000 undergraduates attend the college each year.

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