Western’s CISS Degree Program to Start Next Fall in Poulsbo

Western Washington University on the Peninsulas’ new bachelor’s degree program in Computer and Information Systems Security (CISS) will begin classes this September on the Olympic College – Poulsbo campus.

Applications are now available, and the program’s priority application deadline is March 1. Interested applicants are encouraged to meet with program manager Kathy Johnson,= for advising. Applications will be accepted until the July 1 final application deadline.

The program, established in cooperation with Olympic College and Peninsula College, is designed for students who wish to build upon their associate degrees. They will continue their education with Western on the Peninsulas for two years to earn the Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Systems Security (CISS), which prepares graduates with the technical skills and education required to fill high-demand professional roles in businesses and local, state and federal government positions.

Students must complete Olympic College’s Associate in Applied Science – Transfer (AAS-T) degree in Information Systems with an emphasis in Networking or Peninsula College’s AAS-T degree in Cybersecurity and Computer Forensics before beginning Western’s CISS program. 

“As cyber threats continue, all organizations that maintain electronic records will need employees with the skills to keep the data safe from hackers. Cybersecurity is a program that Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula employers have requested, and Western is pleased to serve the Peninsulas in this way,” said Candice Merrill, director of Western Washington University on the Peninsulas. 

For more information about Western on the Peninsulas’ CISS degree program, visit wwu.edu/Cyber; email Western.Peninsulas@wwu.edu; call (360) 394-2733; or contact Kathy Johnson, program manager, at (360) 394-2733 or Kathy.Johnson@wwu.edu.