My Favorite Things About the BS Cyber Program

By Micaela Burney, September 2015

As the first week of classes comes to an end, I sit here at midnight wondering about the silly things in life, such as: Do vegetarians eat animal crackers? Why are there no ‘B’ labeled batteries, and if you are bald, what hair color do they put on your driver’s license? Yes, these thoughts often go through my head—usually early in the morning or late at night. This strange sleep schedule does have a benefit in that it allows me to focus on finishing reading assignments, watching videos recommended by the professor and sharing my thoughts and favorite things about the BS Cyber Program at Utica College.

1. Accelerated courses

Often it feels like it takes forever to get your degree and get out in the workforce. However, with the Cybersecurity Program at Utica College, most classes are only eight weeks long, and you feel like you are making progress in getting your degree. This is a great feeling! I love accomplishing activities, and it feels like every completed week contributes something to my degree.

2. No commute

I believe that every day you can stay in bed, drink a cup of coffee and not have to go anywhere is a good day. From driving to your job, school or stores, it seems that nowadays you spend more time in your car than at home! One of my favorite things about the Cyber Program at Utica is that it’s online, which means no traveling, no sitting in traffic and I can stay in my pajamas all day. You don’t realize how many hours you spend on the road, getting gasoline, or simply sitting in traffic until you start taking online courses.

3. You don’t have to choose a local college or University

Because Utica College offers the cyber program online, I was able to choose one of the best colleges for my degree. I currently live in Hawaii, and though it has a wonderful university, they don't currently offer a cyber program of any sort. That means without Utica or online courses; I wouldn't have been able to major in the degree I want and eventually get the job I want.

4. You can take your classes whenever you want

As I am currently writing this blog at midnight, you can see the appeal of taking your classes whenever and wherever you want (as long as you have an internet connection, of course). For example, you can work a nine to five job and still complete a degree because you can take your tests and read materials without leaving your job. There is no ‘set time’ to do your work; just complete it by the due date required by the professor.

5. The professors online are just as good the professors on campus

One of the main misnomers of taking online courses is that the professors aren’t as good as those on the main campus. I’ve found that this is not the case—in fact, every professor so far has been as wonderful as those who mainly teach on campus. They will help you and talk to you just like a professor on campus would, you can even contact them at various times throughout the day!

Though I may never know what hair color they put on bald people’s driver’s license, I hope, my list of favorite things about the cybersecurity bachelors program can help you decide if the program is right for you—just as they’re helping me to move forward with my degree.

About the Author

Micaela Burney is a resident of Oahu, Hawaii and a soon to be graduate of the online Cybersecurity program at Utica College.