Interested in learning more? REQUEST INFORMATION COVID-19 Updates Request Info Apply Now Refer Friends menu About OU > Public and Media Relations OUAZ LAUNCHES CYBERSECURITY PROGRAMS 06/24/2021 Ottawa University-Arizona (OUAZ) and the Angell Snyder School of Business has launched three new programs in cybersecurity that will impact the university’s Surprise campus by creating new enrollment opportunities. In partnership with Cyber Range Solutions (CRS), OUAZ’s comprehensive cybersecurity programs will offer cross-training for high skilled engineering, IT, computer science, and business centric professionals with competencies to lead and manage cybersecurity in organizations of all types. “OUAZ is excited to have this innovative cybersecurity program on campus,” Dr. Brian Sandusky, chief enrollment officer, said. “In this current digital climate, it is an honor for OUAZ to lead and train students who will be an asset to the industry, while preparing them for an exciting and meaningful career.” CRS, based in San Antonio, Texas, is a turnkey cybersecurity education-as-a-service firm that accelerates the development of cybersecurity professionals by packaging experiential training programs to deliver immersive, hands-on training to rapidly close the cybersecurity talent gap. CRS has helped OUAZ facilitate the Ottawa University Cyber Range (OUCR) to provide students, businesses and governmental organizations with a hyper-realistic environment to hone their cyber security skills against real-world attack scenarios and to test incident response plans in both a virtual and in-person environment. The OUCR is a cloud-based, hands-on training facility where individuals and teams are trained how to respond to and defend real-world cybersecurity attacks in a simulated, virtual environment. The facility utilizes Cyberbit technology, which is the most widely-deployed cybersecurity training and simulation platform, and is fully-customizable and automated to also serve as a testbed for companies to assess their current security tools and architecture in a safe and controlled environment. “We use customized cyber security training platforms and curriculum to train individuals and teams on current threats that can help them build muscle memory for mitigating and thwarting prevailing cyber risks,” said Bash Kazi, CEO of CRS. “We are excited to partner with Ottawa University in Arizona to offer these cybersecurity programs, including a unique executive education and leadership course in cyber security risk management. This is a unique and worthwhile public-private partnership that fills a massive training gap for students and IT employees in the Four Corners.” OUAZ’s cybersecurity programs are available for immediate enrollment, and will be offered in the following three platforms: A cybersecurity concentration has been added to OUAZ’s existing Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program. Visit http://bit.ly/OUAZ_EMBA_Cybersecurity to learn more. A Certificate of Advance Graduate Studies (CAGS) in cybersecurity will be offered to students who already hold an EMBA. Visit https://bit.ly/OUAZ_CAGS_Cybersecurity to learn more. A cybersecurity certification program developed for currently enrolled OUAZ students and non-degree-seeking students. Visit https://www.ottawa.edu/CRS to learn more. The cybersecurity courses at OUAZ will offer students an engaging hands-on experience in CRS’ state-of-the-art Cyber Range, where students enter simulated real-life cyber-attack scenarios. These 100% online courses, led by instructors who are cyber industry veterans, have been developed to advance the cyber career of anyone who enrolls by offering unique training so that students learn how to respond to threats in a training environment rather than while on the job. These new programs at OUAZ will be focused on preparation and prevention in a world where cyber-attacks are becoming more prevalent, according to Kazi. "Cyber-crimes not one-off actions and there is a potential to see new ones on a weekly basis, which is why every industry requires trained 'cyber-warriors' who know how to recognize and stop an attack in its tracks,” said Kazi. “CRS' tailored curriculum and training techniques allow students to experience real-life attacks in a completely isolated environment. These tactics must take root not only in business and within government but within education. Arizona is lucky to have an institution like Ottawa address the gap in cybersecurity education by injecting this critical curriculum into its extensive catalog of coursework. Now, students, businesses and government entities can take steps to enhance their knowledge and ability to fend off the inevitable cyber-crimes that will continue to plague our lives.” Employment in information security occupations is expected to increase by 31 percent though 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the average entry-level salary in 2020 being $99,730. Jobs that require cybersecurity know-how will usually have a range of titles, including Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Security/IT Director, CISO/CSO, Systems Administrator, among others. To learn more about OUAZ’s cybersecurity programs or for enrollment options, contact Melinda Vazquez via email at cyber@ottawa.edu or by calling 602-749-5184. ### About Ottawa University Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity as a Christ-inspired community of grace and opening inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution, serving more than 4,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix and Queen Creek, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; and online. Visit www.ottawa.edu for more information. 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