Cody Dostal grew up in a wired world and decided after high school to get a bachelor’s degree online. But the first program he enrolled in didn’t match his expectations. “I wanted a curriculum that would challenge me more,” Dostal says.
A Good Fit for Information Security Education
In 2015, he transferred to Capella University. His interest in software development drew him to Capella’s IT offerings, but he ultimately decided to focus on information assurance and security. The fact that the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had named Capella a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense seemed like a good sign, and that Capella’s BS in IT program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org), seemed like further proof that its programs were respected in the professional world.
The first few courses Dostal took confirmed his belief that Capella offered a more rigorous curriculum. “The faculty expected more,” he says. “They seemed to care more.” He also learned a lot through team projects, working with other members in his classes.
The proof that his education was paying off came last fall when Dostal was awarded a civilian internship with the U.S. Army. One of a handful of individuals chosen from 200 applicants, he began working full time in October as a student trainee in information technology management. Based in Maryland, he assists upper-level technicians with security issues.
A Dual Path of Coursework and Certifications
Many employers, including the Department of Defense, require industry certifications for advanced positions. So in addition to his classes, Dostal has devoted time to obtaining certifications—CompTIA Network+, TestOut Network Pro so far, although he intends to pursue more.
Capella’s coursework prepares information technology students for certain industry certifications, and exam vouchers are provided to qualifying students so they can complete the required tests—at no additional out–of-pocket expense. The path to getting the exam vouchers was smooth, Dostal says, even if the certification tests themselves were challenging.
Dostal’s coursework and certifications have already helped get him on the right career path. “One thing I like about working for the Army is that I can apply things I learn in class to my job,” he says. “I can already tell that a lot of what I learn at Capella I can use in the future—whatever I do.”
Ultimately Dostal would like to pursue a lifelong dream of working for the CIA or the NSA. But first he wants to finish his bachelor’s degree and focus on continuing his education. Where will he enroll for his advanced degree? “With what I’ve experienced at Capella, my plan is to stay put,” he says. “I like the environment. I love that I can work a full-time job and not have to take the time to go sit down in class. I love how much the professors push their students.”
Learn more about Capella’s bachelor’s program in information technology.
See graduation rates, median student debt, and other information at Capella Results.
