Proud recipient of the 2022 and 2023 Montana's Future at Work Grant

Montana's Future at Work

The Montana University System and the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation chose select organizations throughout Montana that deliver responsive Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These programs fulfill high-need, short-term credential areas.

Recipients of Montana's Future at Work Grant must be public post-secondary institutions working in partnership with accredited Montana high schools. As a recipient of this grant, CyberMontana focuses on high school students interested in earning a Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Cybersecurity.

The Early College CTS program offers stackable credentials before or in concurrence with high school graduation. Students have the option to use their early college credits towards an AAS in IT. High school students can complete the early college CTS in Cybersecurity within 1-2 years alongside their high school credentials.

We're proud to be recognized as a recipient of this grant alongside other inspirational accredited programs throughout this state. Learn more about Montana's Future at Work and the other recipients to the right. Click on each program to learn more about its offerings.

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Early College for High School
Students in Montana

Whether you're interested in gaining a better understanding of cybersecurity, preparing for an entry-level cyber career, or getting a head-start on an Associate's of Applied Science, we have program options for you! All of the courses below are eligible for the 1-2-FREE program, where students can receive up to 6 credits tuition free.

Introduction to
Cybersecurity (ITS 130)

This entry-level, one-semester course provides an opportunity for students to explore the cybersecurity field without the commitment to a full program. This course provides essential information about what cybersecurity means, why this industry is important, and the types of careers available in the industry.

The Introduction to Cybersecurity establishes foundational knowledge for students in:

  • Cybercrime
  • Security principles
  • Technologies
  • Procedures to defend networks
  •  

This course is:

  • Remote/online
  • 3 credits of UM college coursework (upon completion)
  •  

We encourage students who enjoy this course to pursue the Cybersecurity Certificate of Technical Studies thereafter.

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Cyber Security Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS)

Cybersecurity Certificate of Technical Studies Program is a 1-2 year program with four required courses for students who are interested in pursuing an entry-level career, or an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Information Technology. This certificate program can be completed in 1 to 2 years for High School students.

Students will gain the following skills:

  • Networking concepts
  • IT systems components
  • System administration
  • Fundamental security design principles
  • Cyber-threats and cyber defense
  • Cryptography
  • Policy, legal, ethics, and compliance

This course prepares students for:

  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Entry level position as a network or systems administrator

The courses for the CTS are:

  • ITS 150 Cisco Networking 1
  • ITS 212 Network OS: Server Admin
  • CSCI 215E Social & Ethical Issues in CS
  • ITS 222 Enterprise Security

Upon completion of the courses, students receive special recognition indicating completion of an NSA-approved Cybersecurity Center of Academic Excellence program of study. Students will have the option of testing for COMPTIA Security+, a recognized DoD certificate upon completion.

Application Deadline: December 10, 2024
Registration Deadline: January 9, 2025 (Be sure to apply first)
Semester Start Date: January 16, 2025

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Free Courses
with Montana's
1-2-Free
Program

One-Two-Free is the Montana University System's Dual Enrollment program, initiated in August 2018 as a pilot project. Funded by the Montana University System, this program aims to increase access to higher education for high school students, reduce education costs for Montana families, and enhance student success.

Eligible students can sign up for two dual enrollment courses, or up to six credits, at no cost.

Additionally, students facing financial hardship can apply for scholarships to cover tuition for additional dual enrollment courses.

All 5 courses are eligible for the 1-2-Free Program. Once a student has used their 1-2-Free benefits, CyberMontana will pay for additional credit hours leading to the completion of the CTS Program. We also provide two vouchers to be used toward the CompTIA Network+ and the CompTIA Security+ Industry.

Contact Kristal Crowley at CyberMontana for more information.

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Questions?
Contact Our Team