In January, Collin College began offering two new bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While the spring semester was met with some challenges due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, students carried on and continued to work hard toward their degrees.
Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity
Lisha Williams initially came to Collin College to take photography classes, but she loved learning and wanted to continue to expand her knowledge in the technology field. She ended up earning an Associate of Science and an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity. Now she is pursuing her BAT in Cybersecurity with Collin College.
“I chose the BAT program because it will help me transition to a security-focused career,” Williams said. “Collin has a team of caring professors and staff who are committed and want students to succeed. They offer sound advice and guidance. Additionally, the affordable cost of the classes is a huge plus. I’m taking university-level classes at a substantially reduced cost.”
Williams said what she likes the most about the BAT courses is how practical the material is and the real-life experiences that the professors bring to the lectures.
“I have also been able to apply some things I have learned to my current job functions, which gives me even more confidence in the program,” she said. “The BAT will open more opportunities for my career whether it be at my current company or another company in the cybersecurity field.”
Although Williams did not first attend Collin as a freshman, she said she believes Collin provides the support and quality programs for students in all walks of life.
“I enrolled in a level 300 online cybersecurity class offered by a four-year university, and I was presented with the same level and quality of information here at Collin. That cemented my decision to enter the BAT program,” Williams said.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Annette Minear decided to come to Collin College after she attended a nursing camp for high schoolers.
“I was inspired by the activities and students at the camp,” Minear said. “Collin College had so much to offer in the labs and has excellent professors. I started taking prerequisite courses that fall after the camp so I could apply to the program.”
Through taking prerequisite courses and core classes, Minear earned an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate Degree in Nursing. She is now pursuing a BSN through Collin.
“One of the biggest reasons I chose the BSN program at Collin was that I already knew the professors at Collin College,” she said. “The professors are amazing at Collin, and they are truly invested in your success.”
Minear said within the BSN program there is always constant communication between faculty and students. She said faculty provide a great environment to learn and encourage open discussion on various nursing topics.
Minear added that she is excited about the career opportunities that will open up for her once she receives a BSN. She explained she would like to be a part of more specialized health care programs and fields.
“Collin College is an amazing experience,” Minear said. “To be able to discuss health care topics with classmates and teachers will forever be some of the greatest learning opportunities I have experienced.”
For more information about Collin College bachelor’s degrees, visit www.collin.edu/academics/index.