Marissa Wilson, a student in the online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience at Boise State University, found the program to fit her interests and goals perfectly.
After working in the wireless industry for over a decade, Wilson was looking for a career that would allow her to continue solving puzzles and working with changing technology. Cybersecurity was recommended to her, and she was thrilled to discover the online program offered by Boise State. She was particularly drawn to the fact that all of the courses are taught by professionals who have experience with information security, providing her with free access to experts who can answer her questions and help her along her academic journey.
As an online student, Wilson enjoys the flexibility of the program’s asynchronous format, allowing her to design a schedule to meet deadlines around work and family. Group projects allow her to connect with other students and grow her network. Wilson also speaks highly of the resources and support available to her as an online student, including the personalized support provided by her professors and mentors, who are always available to help her with any questions or concerns.
Information Assurance and Critical Thinking, taught by Sandy Dunn, stood out to her as a favorite learning experience. It introduced her to cybersecurity controls and frameworks, asset management, vulnerabilities and OSINT. Additionally, the class provided historical context on hacking and cybersecurity through reading Cult of the Dead Cow by Joseph Menn. Wilson said she valued Dunn’s belief in her and her fellow classmates’ ability to not only learn the material but also to figure out how to apply it. Wilson appreciated the balance of frustration and empowerment that she experienced in the course, something that she found to be true in all of the classes she has taken in the CORe program.
Wilson said she has gained practical experience in the field through an internship at the Institute for Pervasive Cybersecurity. She now works as a cybersecurity analyst protecting rural schools and communities in Idaho. She has been able to apply the knowledge she gained through her education to a real-world setting and is excited to start a full-time career in cybersecurity. Wilson is particularly interested in governance, risk and compliance. She is passionate about helping companies recognize the benefits of protecting themselves from information security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks. She recommends the online cybersecurity program at Boise State to anyone interested in breaking into the field who has a drive to learn and a passion for technology.
Learn More About Cyber Operations and Resilience
Boise State’s online cyber operations and resilience program helps future cyber professionals acquire the skills needed to succeed in the cyber operations field. Earn your degree from wherever you are with 100% online courses. Contact a student success coach to get started!