SANS Technology Institute and Chippewa Valley Technical College Launch Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree Pathway

Eau Claire, Wisconsin — November 4, 2026 — SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu) and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) today announced new articulation agreements that create a streamlined pathway for eligible CVTC students to continue their education and earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity from SANS.edu.

Through the agreements, students in CVTC’s IT–Cybersecurity Specialist and IT–Network Specialist associate degree programs may transfer up to 70 eligible credits into the 120-credit SANS.edu Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity program. Students then complete the remaining 50 credits at SANS.edu, where their studies focus on advanced, hands-on cybersecurity education and include nine industry-recognized GIAC certifications. CVTC students can also choose to pursue the SANS.edu Applied Cybersecurity Certificate to enter the workforce faster, with all 12 credits from that certificate transferring directly into the bachelor's program.

“By creating clear pathways between CVTC’s cybersecurity specialist and network specialist programs and SANS Institute’s industry-recognized training, we’re expanding opportunities for students to build on their education and prepare for in-demand careers,” said Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, Chippewa Valley Technical College President. “These articulation agreements demonstrates our commitment to removing barriers, supporting lifelong learning and helping students develop the skills employers need in an evolving workforce.”

“Community colleges play an essential role in preparing students for technology careers, and we’re excited to build on the strong foundation CVTC provides,” said Ed Skoudis, President of the SANS Technology Institute. “This partnership gives CVTC students a clear path to take their education further, develop advanced hands-on cybersecurity skills, earn respected GIAC certifications, and prepare to make an impact in the cybersecurity workforce.”

SANS.edu also provides eligible students with access to its Career Center, which offers career coaching, resume and interview support, salary negotiation guidance, and connections to employers seeking cybersecurity talent.

To learn more about the partnership and transfer pathway, visit https://www.sans.edu/cyber-security-programs/bachelors-degree-chippewa-valley-technical-college.

About Chippewa Valley Technical College

With 145+ programs, certificates and apprenticeships offered online and on campus, Chippewa Valley Technical College delivers innovative, applied and flexible education that supports a diverse community of learners, improves the lives of students and adds value to our communities. CVTC programs are designed with the input of employers throughout the CVTC district to prepare graduates for today’s jobs with 94 percent employed within six months of graduation and associate degree graduates earning an average annual salary of $60,628. Learn more about CVTC.

About the SANS Technology Institute

SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu), America's premier college for cybersecurity, delivers career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs characterized by a world-class faculty of highly skilled information security practitioners, hands-on cybersecurity courses regularly updated for real-world relevance, and industry-recognized GIAC certifications earned within each program. SANS.edu offers innovative online and in-person course delivery options, including 100% online options for all its programs. Master's degree students at SANS.edu conduct leading-edge cybersecurity research, enhancing the state of the art in information security practices. The college also houses the Internet Storm Center, the world's leading global cyber threat detection network. Learn more about SANS.edu.