College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn is offering a new Associate in Applied Science degree in Cyber Threat Intelligence, training students to analyze digital threats and use artificial intelligence in cyber defense.

The degree, announced by the college Monday, Sept. 14, combines coursework in cybersecurity, threat intelligence and AI. Students will take classes in cyber defense, network security fundamentals and a new Cyber Threat Intelligence course. Several existing certificates in COD's Computer and Information Technology (CIT) and Computer and Information Science (CIS) programs stack toward the degree, letting students build credentials as they go.

The two departments developed the program together.

"As organizations adopt AI-driven systems and tools, there is a growing need for professionals who understand not only how to develop and use these technologies, but also how to secure them against emerging threats," said Tony Chen, professor of Computer and Information Technology at COD.

COD already holds a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security. The college is now pursuing the NSA's separate CyberAI designation, which validates AI-focused cybersecurity education. Chen serves as COD's point of contact for the NSA program.

Classes and projects in the cybersecurity program take place at the Robert J. Miller Homeland Security Education Center on COD's Glen Ellyn campus, according to the college's cyber defense program page. The college is also a certified Cisco Networking Academy and CompTIA Academy.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics pegs the national median annual wage for information security analysts at $129,180 as of May 2025 and projects 21 percent job growth from 2025 to 2035, with roughly 14,100 openings per year.

Graduates of the new degree would be prepared for careers in information security and computer systems analysis, according to the college. Tuition, credit-hour totals and enrollment deadlines were not listed in COD's announcement. The college's admissions office can be reached through its website.