CyberWire Daily What role does higher education play in cyber? [CISOP]
Mar 10, 2026
Dr. Lara Ferry, VP of Research at Arizona State University and cybersecurity education leader, discusses how universities design coherent cyber degree pathways. She covers balancing theory with hands-on internships. The conversation highlights industry-academia disconnects, ways companies can engage with programs, and pathways from community college to four-year degrees.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Why One Young Candidate Chose Against College
- Anecdote: Kim Jones recounts meeting a young Black man who could afford college but questioned its value.
- She urged him to avoid adding an excuse for employers not to hire him given underrepresentation in cybersecurity.
Compensate For No Degree With Certifications And Proof
- Do build credibility without a degree by earning entry-level certifications, publishing work, networking, and joining bug bounties.
- Kim Jones recommends certifications or public evidence of skill to climb the hiring pyramid if a degree isn't attainable.
Degrees Need Matrixed Learning Objectives
- Insight: University courses must be matrixed so learning builds across the degree and produces demonstrable competencies.
- Laura Ferry explains academic freedom exists but courses still need clear objectives and progression so graduates can show concrete skills.