Vincennes University partners with Purdue to provide associate degrees and cybersecurity certificate for apprenticeship program

VINCENNES and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind - Vincennes University has announced a partnership with Purdue University’s Cyber Apprenticeship Program (P-CAP) to provide two online associate degree programs and an online cybersecurity certificate for students registered in Purdue’s innovative apprenticeship program. 

Vincennes is the only university providing the opportunity to earn stackable degree programs at the one-year or two-year degree programs level as part of the Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program. Students in the Vincennes University programs will have the opportunity to transfer credits to Purdue University, including the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered within the Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program.

“We are excited to partner with Purdue on this initiative that allows employers and employees to engage in the learning process. Cybersecurity is not just an IT initiative, and the apprenticeship program will bring awareness to the hundreds of cyber-related competencies needed across the organization to secure digital assets,” said Jaci Lederman, associate professor and chair of the information technology department at Vincennes University.

Apprentices pursuing an online IT Support and Cybersecurity associate degree from Vincennes University study the forensic investigative side of cybersecurity along with the information and network security side. Students learn how to protect information systems from threats as well as how to administer servers and build, repair, and troubleshoot computers and servers.

The online computer science associate degree from Vincennes University provides a unique opportunity to learn how a computer works while learning to code in the first year. Students learn specific skills in coding and computational algorithm development, explore how to push the limits of what a computer can accomplish, and learn a variety of computer languages that prepare them to develop applications for multiple platforms.

Apprentices registered in Vincennes University’s online Cybersecurity and Network Operations Certificate program learn a variety of different applications, equipment, tools, and scenarios that are all designed to provide the necessary skills for a quick response to security incidents. Students will also learn how to assess, design, and implement security solutions to strengthen the security posture of an organization.

Purdue University and Vincennes University are configuring a one-of-a-kind cyber competency-based dashboard built using the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, a nationally-focused resource that establishes a taxonomy and common lexicon to describe cybersecurity work, and workers, regardless of where, or for whom, the work is performed.  

By offering two online associate degree programs along with a certificate for the Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program curriculum, Vincennes University will equip future cyber professionals with advanced skills and expertise by providing a wide range of innovative education and training, allowing students an opportunity to be part of the solution to growing cybersecurity threats. 

To learn more and apply for the Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program, visit purdue.edu/pcap/candidates.

About Vincennes University – Indiana’s First College

Vincennes University in Indiana is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch.  

Vincennes University’s tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. In addition to offering more than 200 associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and certificate programs, VU offers online degrees and classes to students who need access to college courses and flexibility through its distance education. A leader in dual-credit and career and technical education statewide, VU provides instruction at military sites throughout the nation. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 36 other states, and 21 additional countries. 

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become president of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. president, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu. 

About Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program

Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program (P-CAP) was developed in response to the federal government’s desire to fill an industry need of as many as 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs by 2021 (The New York Times). A $12 million U.S. Department of Labor Education and Training Award granted to Purdue Polytechnic Institute has tasked the University with providing a path to higher education, certifications, and cybersecurity on-the-job-learning through apprenticeships to at least 5,000 students by 2023. For more information, visit purdue.edu/pcap. 

Media contact: Jim Bush, 765-336-1909, jsbush@purdue.edu