According to ISACA's State of Cybersecurity report, 55 percent of organizations say their cyber teams are understaffed, while 70 percent expect demand for technical contributors to continue rising. For Louisiana Tech, that presents an opportunity to prepare graduates with the practical skills employers need without adding entirely new degree programs.
The result is a learning environment where students apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios while building credentials employers recognize. Since launching in 2024 with 24 participants, the program has grown to 60 students in the first quarter of 2026.
"In addition to rigorous academic coursework, the industry training and certificates from this program give students a meaningful advantage as they begin and advance their careers while helping businesses fill critical roles with skilled talent," Warren Ward, executive director of LTRI and CTPP program director, said.
Beyond the classroom, participants receive ISACA student memberships, review sessions, webinars, and Q&A forums that extend learning into professional practice. Students say the combination of academic learning, hands-on experience, and industry credentials helped them transition from the classroom to the workplace with confidence.
For Karma McCoy, a CTPP participant, that advantage translated into a job offer after just one month of searching.
"After only a month of job searching, I received an offer to work on a company's cybersecurity projects,” McCoy said. “The knowledge I gained helped me pass the company's screening project, which was similar to work I had already performed within this program."
Employers report that graduates arrive with a stronger understanding of cybersecurity, compliance, and technical documentation.
Businesses benefit by having a direct pipeline to skilled employees in highly competitive fields. By combining academic instruction with hands-on learning and industry-recognized credentials, Louisiana Tech has built a pathway from the classroom to the workforce.
Students can earn ISACA foundational certificates in:
- Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
- Blockchain Fundamentals
- Cloud Computing Fundamentals
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Data Science Fundamentals
- Internet of Things Fundamentals
- IT Audit Fundamentals
- IT Risk Fundamentals
Students can also prepare for advanced ISACA certifications, including:
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)