Jeff Crawford is currently working as a Cybersecurity Specialist for the ADA County Highway District. But he struggled in the past to secure a full-time, professional cybersecurity position, even with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Idaho.
This changed once Jeff enrolled in Boise State’s M.S. in Cybersecurity program. During his time in the program, he was able to focus on specific topics of interest within cybersecurity and work for the Cyberdome, where he gained hands-on work experience providing cybersecurity services to clients across Idaho. These experiences built on his previous academic experience, elevating his knowledge.
“One skill you can’t teach somebody is how to read data and make a big picture. You have to do it yourself; you can’t just read about it. In the Cyberdome, I received hands-on experience and was able to do the work. That’s what the Cyberdome afforded me was the ability to say that I have had that experience.”
Combining his experience from his bachelor’s and master’s, Jeff quickly advanced within the Cyberdome. Within two weeks, Jeff was promoted to team lead and started creating policies, procedures and training videos that are still used today in the program.
“I think that’s why I advanced so quickly in the Cyberdome. I already went through a bachelor’s, but with the master’s you get to focus on strict cybersecurity topics and put policies together. With the background of my master’s, and having a laser-focus on cybersecurity, I was able to pull that knowledge together and apply myself more into the Cyberdome.”
The M.S. in Cybersecurity program builds the knowledge and skills of security specialists to effectively protect the safety and prosperity of companies, communities and the nation. The program offers three emphasis areas in computer science, management, and cryptanalysis and signals analysis. Crawford completed the computer science emphasis in two years as a full-time student.
“Jeff, as the first graduate from our program, serves as an inspiring role model for other students. His remarkable dedication and enthusiasm towards his education have played a pivotal role in his current employment,” said Dr. Yeh, program advisor. “His outstanding achievements and success within our program exemplify the benefits of a quality education and demonstrate the potential for future students to excel in the cybersecurity field.”
Interested in a Master of Science in Cybersecurity? For more information, visit the program’s website here.