Nine students at Glenville State University (GSU) have successfully completed the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certification during the Fall 2024 semester, gaining both college credit and industry-recognized credentials—at no cost to them. This opportunity was made possible through a strategic partnership between GSU and Google, empowering students with in-demand skills for a fast-growing field.
John Howard, one of the students who took advantage of this opportunity, shared his excitement about the experience. “Taking this cybersecurity course has been an incredible opportunity. Not only am I earning college credit, I am also gaining skills that can help me land a cybersecurity role in the future,” Howard stated. “Knowing that this course is setting me up for both a professional certification and better career opportunities makes it even more rewarding. It's amazing to see GSU offering programs like this, I'd encourage any students thinking about cybersecurity to take advantage of this” he added.
Dr. Mark Sarver, Professor of Business at GSU, who designed and taught the course, emphasized the importance of integrating industry microcredentials into university education. “Employers today are looking for graduates who not only have a degree but also possess job-ready skills. Industry-recognized certifications like the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate give our students a competitive edge in the workforce. By embedding these microcredentials into our curriculum, we are ensuring that GSU graduates are prepared to step into high-demand roles with both academic knowledge and practical expertise.”
With cybersecurity jobs projected to grow 32% by 2032, programs like this provide a valuable pathway to high-demand careers. GSU continues to expand its commitment to offering accessible, career-focused education, ensuring students can build the skills they need for success—without the financial burden. In the Spring Semester, Dr. Sarver is incorporating Google’s Project Management Professional Certification into his Project Management class.
For more information on upcoming opportunities, visit www.glenville.edu/departments/business.
