In a Collin College cybersecurity lab, students will soon monitor a simulated network as suspicious activity emerges.
An alert will appear; code will scroll across the screen, and decisions will need to be made. In this environment, defensive and offensive actions will unfold in real time, and one student’s actions will directly impact another.
The training will occur inside the IBM Cyber Range, a simulated security operations center modeled after IBM’s system. As the college begins using the platform later this semester, students will move beyond static lab exercises and operate in environments that mirror real security operations centers, where many will start their careers as tier-one analysts after graduation.
In a rapidly growing region where digital threats are evolving, hands-on preparation is critical.
Cybersecurity professionals monitor networks, identify vulnerabilities and respond in real time to protect the infrastructure North Texas businesses rely on, and local employers need job-ready talent to fill these high-paying roles.
By aligning its programs with workforce demand, Collin College is helping meet that regional need while preparing students for careers with major employers across North Texas.
Learning to use AI critically
Artificial intelligence is integrated throughout Collin College’s technology programs, but the emphasis is not on replacing human thinking.
“The big emphasis is teaching students how to evaluate AI output critically and use that to enhance productivity,” Associate Dean Dr. Cathy Thurman said.
Students use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Shell GPT to simulate phishing attacks, generate scripts and model vulnerabilities. Faculty also leverage AI to convert select course material into engaging podcasts, giving students another way to digest complex concepts.
“We’re seeing these tools make highly technical content more accessible and engaging for our students,” Program Director Damien Smith said. “Furthermore, these tools have been shown to accelerate students’ learning curve in high-stakes application environments, allowing them to grasp complex security concepts much faster.”
In software development classrooms, faculty demonstrate how AI platforms can generate or debug code. Then the analysis begins: is the code efficient, secure and scalable?
In team-based projects, students engage in the full software development life cycle, build applications and collaborate on decisions.
This approach reflects six core skill standards embedded across the college, including communication, teamwork and problem-solving, which prepares students to adapt to evolving technology.
A new, four-year tech pathway
That adaptability is central to the college’s newest bachelor’s degree.
Offered at the Frisco Campus, the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development welcomed its first class in Fall 2025. The program was developed after an exploratory committee of industry professionals evaluated demand and reviewed the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for modern developers in North Texas.
Employers stressed the importance of graduates who can immediately enter collaborative development environments, instead of only understanding programming theory.
The bachelor’s degree builds on a stackable credential model. It begins with a three-course Occupational Skills Award in Web Development Foundations. Then, students earn sequential Level 1 and Level 2 certificates in Software Development Fundamentals. Next, they earn a Software Development Associate Degree before completing their bachelor’s degree.
“By stacking the credentials like this, students are not committing to all four years,” Thurman said. “They can earn a credential and leave to enter the workforce.”
Collin College also offers a four-year Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity, giving students two BAT pathway options in high-demand tech fields. Like Software Development, the program follows a stackable model, allowing students to earn certificates and an associate degree on the way to a bachelor’s degree.
By offering these bachelor’s degrees at community college tuition rates, Collin College is removing the financial barriers that often keep Collin County students out of the technology sector.
Preparing the region for what’s next
Collin College recently secured two mini grants from the National Information Technology Innovation Center to support hands-on AI implementation and research. The grants will expand student access to emerging tools.
For North Texas, that means a stronger pipeline of local talent prepared to build software, defend digital infrastructure and step into high-paying roles with major employers across the region.
As the tech sector continues to grow, Collin College is helping ensure the workforce is ready to meet that demand, without students having to leave North Texas to launch their careers.
Click here to learn more about Collin College, or click here to learn more about the new bachelor’s degree today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.