Jensine Logrono Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity Student

BAT Bound

Collin College alumna Jensine Logrono earned an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity degree in December 2018 and was thrilled to learn that the college would be offering classes for a new Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity degree this spring.

Logrono first began taking Collin College classes as a dual credit student at Centennial High School in Frisco. She said she saved money and time by taking those classes. She was a full semester ahead of her peers, and her classes cost much less than classes at a university.

Logrono’s love of the cyber world didn’t happen right away. It wasn’t until she took an information systems cybersecurity class that she knew she had found her future career.

“I was the only one in my class that broke my partner’s code,” Logrono said. “I just thought I was playing with numbers in my head.”

After that experience, Logrono was hooked, but she admits that she was one of just a few females in her classes.

“At first, I was really intimidated, but I was never one to quit because of adversity,” Logrono said. “Once I got to know the guys, I realized they are just people, and they didn’t treat me any differently. Students and professors stayed after class to explain things to me if I didn’t understand something. There is a real camaraderie in this industry.”

Logrono encourages other women to consider the field of cybersecurity and to get involved in the college’s extracurricular activities. She was a member of the college’s Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) and robotics clubs.

“Cybersecurity is a really good industry,” she said. “I was never exposed to seeing women in technical roles, so I never saw that as an option. Taking classes broadened my horizons. It’s not what’s on the outside. It is what is in your brain. Don’t try to be one of the guys. Just work as hard as you can and be yourself. You can do whatever you want to do.”

And what Logrono wants to do now is earn a BAT in Cybersecurity degree at Collin College.

The new bachelor’s degree allows students to take their associate degrees in information security to the next level with a degree that offers high-wage jobs in a high-growth field, convenient class scheduling, and the lowest tuition in the state of Texas.

“Collin College’s BAT in Cybersecurity degree offers an excellent education for a fraction of the cost,” said Dr. Don Weasenforth, vice president/provost of the college’s Frisco Campus (Preston Ridge). “Another big advantage is the hands-on instruction from professors who are currently working in the field. Our industry partners, the people who represent companies who recruit our students, continually tell us that they are looking for hands-on instruction from their job applicants.”

Logrono cannot wait for the BAT in Cybersecurity classes to begin.

“I don’t want to miss out on this opportunity,” she said. “One of the first classes is an introduction to cryptology class. That’s cool. This bachelor’s degree will help with my career. I am so excited.”

Students who have already earned a two-year degree in an information security field are eligible to enroll in the BAT in Cybersecurity degree program.

Three information sessions will be held at the Frisco Campus (Preston Ridge) in Heritage Hall, room 237.

Monday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17, 2020 at noon

All eligible students who are interested in enrolling in the spring 2020 BAT in Cybersecurity, should attend an information session and meet with a career coach. To contact a career coach, email workforce-programs@collin.edu or call 972.377.1501.

For more information and to download an information sheet, visit www.collin.edu/academics/programs/CYBR_BAT.html.

Questions? Email workforce-programs@collin.edu.