June 16, 2020
The College of Engineering and Applied Science has announced an administrative change for the Technology, Cybersecurity and Policy Program. Beginning July 1, 2020, TCP will be housed in and administered by the Department of Computer Science.
The groundbreaking program, in existence since 1971 as the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program, was rebranded last year to highlight CU Boulder’s commitment to meeting the needs of the workforce of the state and nation, bolstering national security and preparing students to lead in cybersecurity. There are more than 100 students in TCP pursuing degrees and certificates.
TCP will retain its identity and continue to offer an MS, BAM and certificate in Technology, Cybersecurity and Policy, as well as serving PhD students already in the program. All current and prospective TCP students will be fully supported through computer science.
This move is being made in response to a request from campus leadership to identify areas for consolidation or centralization of activities. This cost-saving measure is among the strategies the college is adopting to navigate the ongoing financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for the future in a thoughtful, strategic way.
“We appreciate the leadership of CEAS in providing sound fiscal management while preserving the highest academic quality in these difficult times,” Provost Russell Moore said. “The campus has an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality cybersecurity educational programs to our students and to meeting the needs of our region and beyond.”
The Department of Computer Science is the second largest department at CU Boulder and supports an array of computing-related degree programs, including computer science, information science, creative technology and design through the ATLAS Institute and now, the TCP program. The department is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
This administrative change has several benefits for the program. It represents a more financially responsible approach to offering these degrees. It also integrates TCP students into the Department of Computer Science and creates opportunities for academic synergies such as access to computer science graduate courses in networking and systems. In addition, the TCP professional master’s degree in network engineering will be revitalized and offered within computer science. Existing relationships with TCP partners will be preserved and expanded where promising opportunities exist, with the potential to positively impact more students.
“The college is committed to sustaining and enhancing this valuable academic program,” said Keith Molenaar, interim dean of the college. “Colorado has become a national hub for cybersecurity, and there is a nationwide shortage of qualified professionals in this field. Consolidating TCP into our computer science department allows us to continue to innovate to meet workforce demands and make a significant contribution to our national security.”
The transition of the program into the computer science department will be led by Bobby Schnabel, professor and external chair of the Department of Computer Science.