2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This study investigates the pedagogical approach of embedding industry certifications, specifically the CompTIA Security+ exam, into the Foundations of Cybersecurity course at the University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute. As a junior-level course in the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program, this course serves students with diverse educational backgrounds, many of whom have transferred from community colleges and possess limited experience in advanced computing topics. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating a professional certification within the academic curriculum, balancing foundational cybersecurity knowledge with practical, industry-recognized skills.

The course is structured to introduce core cybersecurity concepts while preparing students for the CompTIA Security+ certification who desire to take the certification examination. While the primary focus is on teaching core cybersecurity fundamentals, a Security+ aligned textbook was adopted as a certification examination aid. Further, the class quizzes and exams were modeled after the certification's multiple-choice format. Mid-term and final practice exams will be administered to gauge student readiness, with the university sponsoring students to take the official certification exam at the end of the semester. In return, students will provide their exam performance data, allowing for an external assessment of curriculum effectiveness as it relates to certification preparation.

The initial cohort of students consisted of 25 students with an average age of 26.6 and a median age of 24. The group is diverse with 24% identifying as women and 64% coming from minoritized populations and the remaining 36% identifying as Caucasian. Notably, 44% of the students are first-generation college students. The majority, 92%, are Oklahoma residents with nearly three-fourths of the students having attended Community College prior to enrollment while the combined cohort had a GPA of 3.22. While the group received significant financial aid, 64% of students still face unmet financial needs.

Quantitative data from student exam scores, both practice and official, coupled with qualitative feedback, will be analyzed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of this integrative approach. Anticipated outcomes indicate the potential to enhance both student learning outcomes and certification pass rates, contributing to a workforce-ready cybersecurity graduate.

This research offers valuable insights into whether certification-focused instruction can be harmonized with traditional academic rigor in a new cybersecurity program. The conclusions will guide course refinements aimed at improving the integration of industry certifications while maintaining academic integrity. Future research will expand this framework to other courses within the cybersecurity curriculum and investigate strategies to balance the demands of certification preparation with broader academic goals. This study is particularly relevant as cybersecurity educators and institutions seek to align their programs with the evolving needs of the cybersecurity profession.