Cybersecurity@GCC

Homeland Security Logo

Be a part of GCC's nationally recognized Cybersecurity program

Are you ready to be on the cutting edge of technology? Do you want to get a head start on a great career? If you have a knack for coding and problem-solving, plus you have a desire to identify and protect system vulnerabilities, then GCC's Cybersecurity program is the right choice for you.

For more information, please contact Rachelle Hall, CAE PoC, at rachelle.hall@gccaz.edu or call (623) 845-3231.

National Center of Academic Excellence

Image of the NSA seal.

Image of the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity seal.

The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program is managed by NSA’s National Cryptologic School. Federal partners include the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). NCAE-C program aims to create and manage a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:

  • Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence,
  • Includes competency development among students and faculty,
  • Values community outreach and leadership in professional development,
  • Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic disciplines,
  • Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.

(nsa.gov, 2023)

Enter the program of study that defined GCC as CAE-CD. Start with classes in the Information Security Technology Certificate of Completion (CCL). The CCL is a stackable credential which means it stacks right into the AAS in Information Security.

For the suggested course sequence, please use the following links for the Information Security Technology CCL and Information Security AAS.
 

Gaucho Security Operations Center (GSOC) Logo

Cybersecurity Paid Internship Program

As part of the AAS in Information Security, students have the opportunity to apply to be a paid intern in the Gaucho Security Operations Center (GSOC) in the last semesters of their degree.  The GSOC is a live security operations center where student interns monitor, detect, and inform clients of potential threats or breaches on their systems. The clients the GSOC serves are local municipalities that partner with GCC and complement the clients’ existing IT efforts. Many governmental entities such as small towns, school systems, etc., have an IT team in place but need supplemental support to lend them continuous monitoring of their networks. The GSOC is the answer.

Join the Gaucho Security Operations Center (GSOC) and make a difference while preparing for a career in Cybersecurity. Glendale Community College GSOC serves the growing cybersecurity ecosystem in Arizona by investing in building competency-based platforms, creating career-ready pipelines for students, and engaging with partners locally while striving to meet the needs nationally.

Interested students must submit a resume and cover letter as part of the application process to GSOC@GCCAZ.edu for consideration.

For more details about the program, download the flyer and If you have any questions or would like to request additional information, please email inquiries to GSOC@GCCAZ.edu.

Cyber Club

Open to all students enrolled at GCC. Visit our web page for more information about our GCC Cyber Club.
 

Cyber Club Competitions

The GCC Cyber Club participates in collegiate cyber defense competitions as well. These are the types of competitions we have been involved with to date.

News

GCC is named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

GCC is placed among a select group of regionally-accredited two-year, four-year and graduate-level institutions nationwide to receive this prestigious distinction.

USCYBERCOM Welcomes GCCAZ to Academic Engagement Network (AEN)

March 21, 2022 – GCC’s Cybersecurity Programs were accepted into the Academic Engagement Network by the USCYBERCOMMAND. GCC is the only program in the state of Arizona to receive this honor and one of only 14 community colleges.

Glendale Community College Launches Security Operations Center to Serve Rural Municipalities

GSOC – Gaucho Security Operations Center – the first operations center of its kind in the Maricopa Community College District – held its Grand Opening on August 18, 2023.

Channel 10 News Coverage 

GCC Faculty Speaks at National Cyber Security Conference and ASU

Martin Bencic, Lead Cybersecurity Faculty at GCC was a guest speaker for the CAE Symposium and was invited back to speak to refugee students and their families.

FAQ

Do I need to get an advanced degree before I can get a job?

According to CyberSeek.org there are numerous entry-level positions that only require an associate's degree

What prior experience do I need?

Some computer experience is helpful but no experience outside of the required courses is necessary.  You will have the opportunity to develop all of the skills necessary for an entry-level position.

Is this career in demand?

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, there is a huge demand, 1.5 million cybersecurity professionals will be needed to fill the demand.