October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on shared responsibility to protect and strengthen our digital defenses. This year’s main message from the National Cybersecurity Alliance is, “Don’t make it easy for them,” highlighting how superintelligence and evolving technologies accelerate cyber threats and make proactive defense vital. 

At Davenport University, cybersecurity receives attention year-round, not just during Cybersecurity Month. From strengthening the university’s defenses to educating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, Davenport’s approach is future-oriented.  

Lonnie Decker, department chair of Davenport’s College of Technology, said the cybersecurity field continues to evolve rapidly. “With the constant change of technology and reliance on computers, the internet, and now AI, we are increasingly reliant on our technology being secure,” he said. “The same technology that used to simply hold data in databases is now driving cars, keeping track of our online preferences and more.” Decker added that protecting these systems is increasingly important to ensure they remain available, that the information they maintain is accurate and private and that it is used ethically.

Training students to carry out this important work is something Davenport does well, earning the university and its cybersecurity programs high praise. Davenport’s programs:

• Is one of 18 National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education(CAE-CDE) in Michigan, as recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) 
• Aligns with the Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NICE) Framework for cybersecurity work roles in the U.S. 
• Was recently ranked #2 as the Best Online Cybersecurity Program in Michigan for 2027. 

These recognitions highlight Davenport’s commitment to cybersecurity education that prepares students for careers in an increasingly important and evolving field.  Cybersecurity offers students a variety of career paths. Roles like installing equipment and software appeal to students who want hands-on work, while management, software engineering, analysis, training and system testing appeal to others. No matter which direction students choose, cybersecurity jobs are plentiful.

According to Cyberseek.org, more than 514,000 cybersecurity-related job openings are currently available in the U.S., and nearly 10,000 are in Michigan. Preparing students to step into these high-demand roles is at the forefront of Davenport’s College of Technology and its three cybersecurity degrees.

Students enrolled in a cybersecurity program at Davenport are eligible to apply for the DoW Cyber Service Academy (CSA) scholarship. It provides selected students with full tuition, fees, a living stipend and a full-time cybersecurity position with the federal government upon graduation.  

The two-year cybersecurity associate degree prepares students for roles such as cyber defense analyst or cybersecurity specialist. It can be earned online through the Global Campus, via a livestream learning format, in-person at the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus, or through a blend of formats. 

The bachelor’s in cyber defense prepares students to protect organizations from internal and external data breaches and cyberattacks. This degree also includes an employment guarantee for eligible students.

The Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity degree is ranked among the top 5 cybersecurity master’s programs in Michigan by Cybersecurityguide.com. It prepares students to address domestic and international legal and ethical issues in cybersecurity, such as data protection. 

Several factors strengthen Davenport’s cybersecurity programs, starting with experienced faculty with deep connections to the cyber community who teach the latest techniques and trends.

Jeffrey Martin, a Davenport cybersecurity faculty member and senior technology forensics examiner at Evidence Solutions, Inc., previously worked with the Michigan State Police and now works in the private sector. He said he sees firsthand how technology and security issues affect people and businesses. “Bringing that experience into the classroom helps students connect what they are learning to challenges they will face in their careers,” he said. “Cybersecurity requires more than knowing the technology. Students need to think critically, solve problems and communicate clearly, and practical experience helps us teach those skills.” 

As for learning the latest techniques, Decker said Davenport students learn a variety of systems and tools needed to ensure an organization’s overall security. “When our students graduate, they know how to oversee systems development, risk management, complete a vulnerability assessment and conduct staff training. Furthermore, students in the BS Cyber Defense program learn to work in a variety of systems, including Microsoft and Linux operating systems, networking devices like routers and firewalls and programming in Python,” he said. 

As cyber threats continue to evolve, Davenport remains committed to preparing students to meet the challenges head-on. Through hands-on learning, experienced faculty and industry-aligned programs, students gain the knowledge and skills to help organizations protect their systems, secure sensitive information and stay ahead of emerging threats. In a world that increasingly depends on technology, Davenport graduates are prepared to make a meaningful impact in the growing field of cybersecurity. 

Click here to learn more about Davenport’s cybersecurity degrees. 

This story is another example that “Davenport Works.”