Albany Technical College Cybersecurity Program Listed No. 2 Among Georgia Associate Degree Programs
Albany, Ga. - Albany Technical College's Cybersecurity associate degree program was listed by Programs.com as the No. 2 cybersecurity associate degree program in Georgia for 2026, recognizing the program's role in preparing students for one of today's fastest-growing and most critical career fields.
Programs.com states that its rankings consider factors such as affordability, curriculum relevance, academic quality, accessibility, hands-on experience, and career outcomes where reliable data is available. The education platform also noted Albany Technical College's affordability, regional accessibility, and cybersecurity curriculum as part of its review.
Albany Technical College’s Cybersecurity program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue career pathways aligned with industry-recognized certifications, including CompTIA Security+. The program also provides a strong foundation for advanced credentials such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). The ranking also highlighted the program's technical training in computer hardware installation, information security, network security, computer forensics, and ethical hacking.
"Cybersecurity continues to be one of the most important workforce needs across business, government, healthcare, education, and national security," said Dr. Emmett L. Griswold, President of Albany Technical College. "This recognition authenticates the work being done at Albany Tech to provide students with affordable, career-focused education that supports both individual opportunity and the workforce needs of Southwest Georgia."
Albany Technical College's Cybersecurity degree is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in cybersecurity and related information technology fields. The program supports students seeking hands-on training in protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital threats.
"Employers need skilled professionals who understand how to protect systems, identify risks, and respond to cyber threats," said Gwendolyn C. Thomas, new Chair/Instructor of Computer Programming, Networking & Information Technology at Albany Technical College. "Our instructors work to connect classroom learning with the real-world technical skills students need to enter the cybersecurity workforce with confidence."
Albany Technical College’s Cybersecurity program serves Southwest Georgia, including Dougherty, Randolph, Clay, Baker, Calhoun, Lee, and Terrell counties, while online options for many classes help extend access beyond the college’s traditional service delivery area. The program’s affordability is also a strength.
Students interested in cybersecurity are encouraged to speak directly with Albany Technical College cybersecurity instructors and admissions representatives to learn more about program requirements, career pathways, hands-on training, and enrollment options.
For more information about the Cybersecurity associate degree program at Albany Technical College, visit www.albanytech.edu or call 229.430.3500.
About Gwendolyn C. Thomas
Gwendolyn C. Thomas is the new Chair/Instructor of Computer Programming, Networking & Information Technology at Albany Technical College and an information technology professional with more than 30 years of experience in enterprise systems, application support, and cloud technologies. Her career includes roles with major organizations such as The Coca-Cola Company and Lucent Technologies, formerly part of AT&T Bell Laboratories, where she specialized in supporting large-scale enterprise technology environments.
In addition to her industry experience, Ms. Thomas has served as a Visiting College Professor at Tuskegee University, where she taught undergraduate computer science courses and mentored students pursuing careers in technology. She brings both practical industry knowledge and academic experience to Albany Technical College, helping students understand real-world applications of computer security and technical support.
Ms. Thomas holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Howard University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Tuskegee University. She is a native of Cuthbert, Georgia, and currently resides in Leesburg, Georgia.