In a ground-breaking collaboration at the intersection of industry training and academia, Abilene Christian University (ACU) and Cengage Group announce an industry-first initiative to award college course credit for certification through Infosec Institute’s boot camps from CompTIA, a globally recognized organization that offers professionals trusted credentials that validate their career experience. This innovative partnership will save students time and money when pursuing an online bachelor’s degree or certificate in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity by providing academic credit for the existing certifications in the information technology field. It also marks a significant leap forward in recognizing the value of highly-regarded industry expertise and facilitating a seamless transition from Infosec Institute’s acclaimed cybersecurity training programs to formal academic recognition.

Bridging the Gap: From Industry to Academia

As the need for cybersecurity training rapidly evolves, ACU Online and Infosec Institute are at the forefront of fostering a monumental shift in cybersecurity education. The core innovation in this partnership lies in the recognition of Infosec Institute’s boot camps offering CompTIA certifications, a widely respected standard in the information technology industry, as eligible for college course credit within ACU Online’s cybersecurity degree and certificate programs.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

• Credit for Industry Certifications: Building on the success of Infosec Institute’s renowned training programs, learners can now earn academic course credit at ACU for successfully completing industry certifications through Infosec’s boot camps, starting with the prestigious CompTIA certifications. This groundbreaking approach acknowledges the real-world relevance of industry certifications and provides a structured pathway for learners to advance their education toward formal academic credentials, such as university certificates and degrees.
• Save Time & Money: Learners with existing CompTIA certifications can save $1,185 per course, with up to five courses waived within a bachelor’s degree. Those interested in pursuing one of ACU’s cybersecurity certificate programs can save 25% on tuition.
• Flexible Learning Pathways: The collaboration offers a flexible and personalized approach to cybersecurity education. Learners can seamlessly integrate their Infosec training into ACU’s online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and two cybersecurity certificate programs, creating a comprehensive and industry-aligned learning experience.
• Fusion of Practical and Theoretical Knowledge: Infosec’s industry-leading practical, hands-on training meets ACU’s academic rigor, ensuring that graduates not only possess technical skills but also a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles. This fusion positions learners for successful careers in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
• “This partnership with Cengage Group’s Infosec Institute represents a transformative approach to cybersecurity education,” said Stephen Johnson, chief executive officer of ACU’s Dallas campus. “By recognizing the value of CompTIA certifications for college credit, we are breaking new ground in providing a pathway for learners to bridge the gap between industry expertise and formal academic achievement. ACU is proud to lead in innovation and make quality education accessible to professionals worldwide.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity professionals with a bachelor’s degree can expect to make an average annual salary of $112,000 per year. Even more impressive, this field is expected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, making cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. 

“At Infosec Institute, we have always believed in the power of hands-on, practical training. This collaboration with ACU Online is a testament to our shared commitment to empowering individuals in their cybersecurity journey,” said Keatron Evans, Vice President, Portfolio Product Strategy, Infosec Institute. “The ability to earn college credit for CompTIA certifications is a game-changer, offering our learners the recognition they deserve in both the industry and academic realms.”

ACU’s online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas and include 15 bachelor’s degrees, 15 master’s degrees, four doctoral degrees, four undergraduate certificate programs, and 10 graduate certificate programs. Prospective students, industry professionals, and Infosec learners interested in exploring this innovative pathway to academic recognition can find more information and begin their journey by visiting onlinedegrees.acu.edu/infosec.

ACU also supports military students through specialized tuition assistance programs for its online degrees. Learn more about ACU’s active-duty and veteran military tuition discounts here.

-A. Gibson
January 22, 2024