IT Grad Certificates at the KU Edwards Campus Provide Real-World Training for Students to Advance Their Careers
Joel Kershner is confident in the lifelong value associated with university degree and certificate programs. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in technology management and working in the field, currently as a senior information security analyst at KU, he decided to invest in graduate-level education to continue to grow professionally.
While working full-time and using KU’s employee tuition benefit, Kershner recently earned a Graduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity, a program supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT). He is excited about the opportunity to count credits from the graduate certificate toward a full master’s degree.
“I am now building on the certificate to complete the Master of Science in Information Technology,” Kershner said.
In addition to the cyber certificate, the IT program offers a Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering and Management, which is also supported by JCERT.
Jacob Schleith, a full-time lead integration engineer, is on track to complete a graduate certificate while working on a master’s in information technology.
The program has already given Schleith new insights into the IT field. “I've used many of the things I've learned in class on the job because they have real-world impact on operations, performance, and security.”
The career outlook for information and network security professionals is robust. According Lightcast, a research company that tracks national labor market data, the number of IT jobs in the U.S. increased by 13.2% between 2021 and 2024, and the median salary is $104,200. Employers in a variety of fields in both the public and private sectors are seeking qualified professionals with real-world skills and educational credentials.
The KU graduate certificates in IT ensure that students have the knowledge and skills to meet the growing need, especially for area businesses.
“The graduate certificate in cybersecurity is designed to provide students with essential skills needed to succeed in the dynamic frontier of network and computer security,” said Blake Bryant, IT program director. “Students are expected to learn and demonstrate proficiency in offensive, defensive, and managerial skill sets pertinent to the world of cybersecurity.”
The software engineering and management certificate focuses on skills needed to develop large software products, including project management principles, architecture, quality assurance, and best practices in software design.
“Many students pursuing these certificates are working professionals,” Bryant said. “They bring real-world challenges from their day jobs to the classroom, which maximizes networking and collaborative opportunities for all the students.”
According to Parveen Mozaffar, senior academic advisor for the IT programs, these certificates from KU are highly regarded in the workforce and add significant credentials to a resume.
“It’s not uncommon for a student to complete a certificate program, which requires 12 credit hours, and then go on to complete the IT master’s degree,” Mozaffar said.
Kershner believes businesses have difficulty finding technology talent and specifically quantifying the quality of talent in the hiring process.
“What employers really want is depth of knowledge and a demonstration of your passion for your profession,” he said. “KU certificates and degrees are valuable because they represent both knowledge and your level of commitment.”
According to Kershner, the KU certificate program taught him many lessons he carries with him in his current role. “More and more I realize you can go only so far with a technical understanding of security. What is really being asked for is continual process improvement and organizational maturation. The KU program really emphasizes the importance of this.”
Schleith said he appreciates the programs being offered at the KU Edwards Campus since he lives in Kansas City. “My primary focus has to be my job, so the flexibility to take courses in the evenings is essential.”
The IT graduate certificates are offered in a hybrid format at the KU Edwards Campus, allowing full-time professionals to earn credentials to advance in their careers. Courses are taught by faculty with extensive experience in the workforce.
More information about these IT programs today.
This blog was authored by Jeanene Dunn.
