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National Recognition

Champlain College is a designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) by the National Security Agency (NSA).

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Safeguard the Future.

The digital technology explosion has reshaped our society, and we need experts to make sure its benefits outweigh its risks. With data breaches and security threats on the rise, there’s a growing need for professionals who can protect against cyber attacks. If you’re interested in safeguarding systems and being at the forefront of this vital field, Champlain’s Computer Networking & Cybersecurity program could be for you.

What Is Computer & Digital Forensics?

Computer Networking & Cybersecurity is a field that focuses on protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and potential threats. It involves understanding how computer networks work, designing secure systems, implementing protective measures, and detecting/responding to security incidents. With increasing reliance on technology and the Internet, cybersecurity has become critical to protecting sensitive information and ensuring the smooth operation of businesses and organizations. Exploring this field can open up exciting opportunities to help protect digital infrastructure and make a meaningful impact in the world of technology.

Why Study it at Champlain?

Champlain College’s Computer Networking & Cybersecurity program equips you with cutting-edge skills to protect the Internet and the digital realm. Our labs and virtual infrastructure provide hands-on experience in securing sensitive data for individuals and government agencies. You’ll learn to identify network vulnerabilities, implement robust security measures, and defend against cyberattacks.

Our Upside-Down Curriculum allows you to begin taking networking and cybersecurity courses in your first semester, and gain in-depth knowledge over the course of four years. Through projects, internships, and experiential learning, you’ll immerse yourself in the profession and develop skills in designing, building, and securing enterprise networks.

Highlights of our program include extensive training in server software, systems administration, networking, and protocols, all in small-sized classes to ensure a rich and personalized educational experience. Located in a city with ample job opportunities, our program sets you up for success in the field during and after college.

Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity

At the Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity, you’ll work on network security, cyber threat response, and critical cybersecurity research. In this leading digital lab, you’ll participate in groundbreaking research and support the cybersecurity needs of government agencies and organizations. You’ll play a critical role in developing training protocols for law enforcement and examining the network security of emerging technologies. Through hands-on work at the Leahy Center, you’ll hone your skills as a Champlain cybersecurity student, contribute to the field, and graduate as a cybersecurity professional with real-world experience.

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Different by Design

Leading the Way

Our program is nationally recognized and was one of the first programs in the country designated as a Center of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Specialized Cybersecurity Education

With a focus on adapting to the ever-changing landscape and new technologies in the field, our cybersecurity program was built from the ground up as a specialized degree designed specifically for the purpose of cybersecurity education.

Top-Ranked

Our program was ranked No. 1 by industry experts in SC Magazine’s list of top cybersecurity college programs.

Hands-On Experiences

Beginning in your first year, you’ll gain hands-on experience through projects, internships, service to local nonprofits and organizations, and partnerships with industry experts at the Leahy Center.

100%

of Computer Networking & Cybersecurity majors in the Class of 2023 achieved career success within six months of graduation. That’s success you can see.

Medalists

Cybersecurity students competed against a team of professional hackers in a two-day cyber defense competition during the annual Northeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (NECCDC), taking second place overall.

$70,000

was the median starting salary of Computer Networking & Cybersecurity Major majors graduating in the Class of 2023.

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National Recognition

  • National Security Agency logo and National Center of Academic Excellence logo
    NSA Designation

    Since 2007, Champlain College has proudly held a Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation, which is renewed periodically. Our cybersecurity curriculum meets the rigorous criteria set by the NSA, FBI, and Department of Defense, helping to strengthen the nation’s information infrastructure. As an active participant in the NCAE program, we set a high standard for cybersecurity education, producing confident professionals with extensive cyber defense expertise.

Sign Up To Get Stickers + Helpful Info

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Ready to be inspired? Fill out the form and sign up to receive helpful information about Champlain College—plus, we’ll send you a full sheet of high quality stickers designed by one of our Graphic Design & Visual Communication graduates.

Career Success

The Computer Networking & Cybersecurity program prepares graduates for the workplace. 97% of CNCS majors in the Class of 2023 were employed within six months of graduation.

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By the time you graduate, you will…

  • Have a solid grasp of cybersecurity fundamentals and be able to analyze architectures, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend controls to mitigate threats.
  • Have hands-on experience configuring and managing security controls, such as configuring host firewalls, user access controls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and encryption mechanisms at various levels.
  • Have a deep understanding of networking protocols, such as Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and how they facilitate communication between networked hosts and applications. Be able to design and implement network solutions based on business requirements.
  • Understand the components and roles of computer systems, including CPUs, memory, storage, and networking. You will be able to manage operating systems, network services, and security controls to troubleshoot problems and ensure optimal performance.
  • Develop strong teamwork and communication skills. You will actively collaborate with others as a member or leader of project-based teams and learn how to effectively communicate technical information through formal documentation, presentations, and interpersonal interactions.

You’ll Find a Career In…

  • Network Engineering
  • IT Security and Cybersecurity
  • Cybersecurity Consulting
  • Security Operations and Incident Response
  • Systems Architecture
  • Digital Forensics
  • Cloud Security Engineering
  • a cybersecurity pre-college students converses with faculty in the leahy center
    Pre-College Summer Program: Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy

    The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy offers students an in-depth learning experience in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Students work together to solve real digital forensics problems faced by law enforcement agencies all over America and gain hands-on learning experience from veterans of the cybersecurity industry in this pre-college summer program.

    This program is designed for students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates.

    Learn More on the Pre-College Summer Program Website

More Inside Computer Networking & Cybersecurity Major