Welcome to the SWCC Virtual Cyber Center! Southwest Virginia Community College offers a pathway to begin your journey in the cybersecurity world. The Career Studies Certificate in Cybersecurity can be easily inserted into our Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology for students planning on transferring and completing a Bachelors Program.
The diverse training opportunities allow students within the certificate program to begin prepping for Security+, Network+, and other industry certifications.
Credit & Non-Credit Programs
The Career Studies Certificate in Cybersecurity is designed to introduce students to the basic level of study in cybersecurity by beginning with the basics. The program begins with CompTIA IT Fundamentals. The certificate also includes preparation for CompTIA IT Fundamentals, Security+, A+, and Network+.
Students planning on transferring are advised to also complete the Associates of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology Degree which does share some of the same courses as the career certificate program. Students are also asked to meet with both SWCC advisors and the institution they wish to transfer to as course requirements may change.
SWCC also offers a pathway to gain nationally recognized and vendor-neutral cybersecurity credentials.
Faculty Biographies
Michael Brown (CIW, CompTIA IT Fundamentals)
276-964-7703, michael.brown@sw.edu
Michael Brown is an associate professor of Information Technology (IT), Graphic Design, Parks and Recreation. He teaches various IT courses, focused primarily on IT Fundamentals, Web Design, and Networking classes. Mr. Brown has a B.S. and a M.S. in Engineering Technology from East Tennessee State University. He is a proud former student of SWCC. The parks and recreation classes are part of Mr. Brown’s hobbies that have become a lifestyle.
Charles Bundy (A+, Network+, InfoSec Certified Ethical Hacker)
276-964-7735, charles.bundy@sw.edu
Professor Bundy is a full-time IT faculty member. He received bachelors and master’s degrees in Computer Science from the University of Virginia. He has over 30 years of work experience in academia, government, and the private sector. He likes chocolate chip cookies and coffee.
Dr. Janet Rowell
276-964-7213, janet.rowell@sw.edu
Dr. Rowell is a professor of Information Systems Technology and Administrative Support Technology. She has more than 25 years of information technology/administrative support technology-related experience. She holds an Ed. D. in Educational Leadership from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rowell has been teaching IT and AST courses at SWCC since 1998.
Crystal Dye (EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker, MOS 2013/2016, CompTIA IT Fundamentals)
276-964-7250, crystal.dye@sw.edu
Crystal Dye is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems Technology and also teaches within the cybersecurity program. Ms. Dye teaches a variety of IT courses including MS Office, Advanced MS Excel Spreadsheets, Network Security (Security+), Systems Analysis, and our Capstone course for the Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology. She has 13 years of teaching experience in higher education and has been teaching at SWCC since 2012. She also has She holds a Bachelor of Science from Milligan College and a Masters of Information Technology from American InterContinental University. Ms. Dye also serves as Program Head for the Information Systems of Technology and Cybersecurity programs at SWCC and is the designated point of contact for the Center of Academic Excellence.
Transfer Guidance
Important Note: The following information is provided as guidance only. Often institutions will change academic requirements. It is recommended to maintain contact with both SWCC and your intended transfer institution to ensure all requirements will be met for program completion.
Students planning on transferring are advised to also complete the Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology degree before transferring.
Cybersecurity Facts & Resources
- Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education: https://www.nsa.gov/resources/students-educators/centers-academic-excellence/
- National Cyberwatch Center: https://www.nationalcyberwatch.org/
- National Institute of Standards and Technology: https://www.nist.gov/topics/cybersecurity
- National Institute of Standards and Technology – Computer Security Resource Center: https://csrc.nist.gov/
- National Security Agency – Cybersecurity: https://www.nsa.gov/Cybersecurity/