COVID-19 UPDATE: NU is open. Faculty/staff are working in-person and campuses are open for in-person learning this spring.
MORE INFO
up next Liaquat Hossain
Liaquat Hossain
Training Cyber Defense Professionals
Kearney, Nebraska is Home to the Next World-Class Cyber Systems Program
May 2019
You can expect most major companies to have IT teams. But at a time when businesses—and the U.S. government—are more protective than ever of sensitive information and money, many organizations are seeking expert help. Businesses and national security groups want cybersecurity professionals on staff—immediately—and they’re willing to invest in hiring top talent.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney is meeting the demand by offering students a cybersecurity operations major. It’s one of only a handful of learning institutions in the Midwest to do so. Liaquat Hossain, chair of the UNK cyber systems department, believes the university has the potential to create a world-class educational program. He’s so confident in the potential of the program, he left his position at the University of Hong Kong to take the position at UNK.
Liaquat has good reason to be positive. UNK is scheduled to complete a new STEM building in spring 2020. The $30 million, 90,000-square-foot facility will promote collaboration and innovation across numerous academic departments in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Liaquat is imagining a transformational cyber systems department involving all three academic colleges at UNK. After all, he argues, technology impacts every occupation, from cyberbullying and online education in K-12 schools, to national cybersecurity, to GPS-guided machinery on Nebraska farms.
“Companies are offering an average salary of $100,000 for cybersecurity professionals.”
UNK’s cybersecurity operations major prepares students with hands-on, in-depth, technical training. Because professionals in this field are in such high demand, companies are offering them an average salary of $100,000. UNK’s cyber systems department includes more than 150 students pursuing a major or minor in the field. Most of them will complete an internship during their time at UNK and many will have a job lined up before graduation. The program had a job placement rate of 100% in 2018, with three quarters of those grads choosing to stay in Nebraska.
With an impressive new facility, a strong career outlook for students, and world-class potential, UNK is continuing to keep the University of Nebraska at the front of the pack in a competitive security field. As the University continues to receive support from its state, the future looks bright for cybersecurity job training.
Discover our Podcast Series
“Leading Nebraska” tells the stories of researchers, students and staff who are making a real impact. Join us in March as we follow Chris Kratochvil, UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security Distinguished Chair. He discusses the world-renowned infectious disease center and how UNMC is providing solutions needed to face the next pandemic.
Sorry, no stories match your filters.
Please adjust your filters above to view more stories.
Find Your Nebraska State Senator
Get started by entering your address below. Next, you'll receive information on who your senator is—and how to reach him or her.
Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be sure to cover these essential points:
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your name.
- Be clear that you're calling about the University's eight American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) proposals.
- Ask if your senator will support the University's ARPA proposals. Thank them if they already do.
- Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking the senator or legislative aide for their time.
Email Senator
Sending a written message to your state senator is generally more effective than making a call. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief (a paragraph or so).
- Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the senator know your topic— "Investing in the University of Nebraska" or "University of Nebraska State Funding."
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide your name.
- Be clear that you're writing about the University's eight American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) proposals.
- Share your personal story about how the University has impacted you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask if your senator will support the University's ARPA proposals.
- Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator for their time.
You Just Made a Difference
Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll receive communications about important issues and legislative bills concerning the University of Nebraska—and you'll be the first to hear about upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.
COOKIE USAGE:
The University of Nebraska System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.