UTC graduates first cybersecurity cohort

The first UTC BAS-IT CyS cohort at December 2023 commencement ceremonies. From left: Jaeden Adami, Mischka Scott, College of Engineering and Computer Science Interim Dean Ahad Nasab, Dr. Chang Phuong, Amber Gordy and Noah Syler.

The initial cohort of students in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology in Cybersecurity (BAS-IT CyS) degree program crossed the McKenzie Arena stage during commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 16.

The four students—Jaeden Adami, Amber Gordy, Mischka Scott and Noah Syler—wore emblazoned silver stoles to signify the occasion. The accelerated degree program’s first cohort participated in its first class on Jan. 9.

Scott has been hired by Playcore, where she is currently an intern. She will work as a system administrator following the completion of her internship.

Syler, who interned with Miller Industries, will start working as a systems programmer at EPB in January 2024.

The BAS-IT CyS program, housed within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, directly addresses workforce needs. At the time of the program’s launch in fall 2022, approximately 6,700 cybersecurity jobs were open in Tennessee—including 300-plus in southeast Tennessee and north Georgia—and employment demand is expected to grow 22-24% in the next five years.

The program prepares students to assess the security needs of computer and network systems; recommend safeguard solutions; and manage the implementation, auditing and maintenance of security devices, systems and procedures.

Each semester has two seven-week terms in which students take at least three courses and participate in an internship with a local company.

During the spring 2024 semester, the BAS-IT CyS program will be comprised of 15 students—six from its fall 2023 cohort and nine who will be starting in January. The students have internships with the following employers: FreightWaves, Future Capital, McKee, Miller Industries, Transcard, TVA, US Xpress, UTC IT, Walden Security and XGS.

Dr. Chang Phuong, a lecturer in computer science, leads the program.