Agreement Makes It Easier for OCC Students to Earn Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree at GVSU
Oakland Community College (OCC) and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) have signed a transfer agreement that creates a seamless pathway for OCC students to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity at GVSU.
“Cybersecurity careers are booming, and this partnership offers our students a streamlined path, making it easier than ever to earn their bachelor’s degree and launching into the dynamic field of information security.” said Dr. Hany Othman, OCC CIS Department Chair, noting his enthusiasm for its alignment with the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and industry needs.
With the agreement, students who earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Information Systems-Cybersecurity at OCC can transfer up to 80 credits toward GVSU's bachelor’s degree. This includes 50 program-specific credits and 30 general education credits as part of the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) requirements.
Transferring OCC students complete the remaining 45 credits in GVSU’s Cybersecurity program with a minimum 2.0 GPA at GVSU.
“Through this collaboration, we are enhancing opportunities for learners across Michigan to gain the skills, experience, and credentials needed to protect our digital future,” said Marouane Kessentini, Dean of the College of Computing at Grand Valley State University. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to cybersecurity trainings and providing students with clear, affordable and high-quality pathways into cybersecurity careers.”
“Faculty are always looking for pathways to assist students in obtaining credentials. This agreement allows for more seamless progression toward a bachelor's degree,” added Tom Hendricks, OCC’s Academic Dean of Business and Information Technologies.
In 2024, the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity—a joint initiative between the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security—awarded Grand Valley’s College of Computing a prestigious designation.
Grand Valley’s cybersecurity program received the National Centers of Academic Excellence-Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation in recognition of its innovative cybersecurity curriculum, faculty expertise and commitment to advancing cyber defense education.
The articulation agreement runs through September 30, 2028.
For more information about OCC’s program, visit Cybersecurity. For information on GVSU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, visit Cybersecurity B.S.
About OCC
Celebrating 60 years, Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
About Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University attracts more than 22,000 students with high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley is a comprehensive university serving students from across Michigan and dozens of other states and foreign countries. Grand Valley offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 300+ areas of study from campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids, and Holland, and from regional centers in Battle Creek, Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships.
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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu