Boise State Cybersecurity Program Emphasizes 'Resilient People' Approach

Online degrees in cyber operations and resilience aim to address the industry's growing skills gap.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Cybersecurity expert Patricia Watson, an instructor in Boise State University's online cybersecurity programs, champions a 'resilient people' approach that goes beyond just technical skills. She emphasizes the importance of building security-minded professionals who can adapt to evolving threats and empower end-users. Boise State's flexible online degrees aim to make cybersecurity education more accessible, while Watson advises aspiring professionals to embrace continuous learning and industry engagement.

Why it matters

The cybersecurity field faces a significant skills gap, with demand for qualified professionals outpacing supply. Boise State's focus on developing 'resilient people' through its online programs seeks to address this challenge by making cybersecurity education more inclusive and equipping students with the human-centric skills needed to protect networks in a constantly changing threat landscape.

The details

Watson, who has over 25 years of experience in the field, explains that while technical skills are important, true network protection requires understanding the human factors at play. Boise State's online bachelor's and master's degrees in cyber operations and resilience are designed to be flexible and accessible, catering to working professionals, parents, and students from diverse backgrounds. The asynchronous format removes traditional barriers to education, broadening participation in the field.

  • Boise State University launched its online cybersecurity programs in 2024.

The players

Patricia Watson

An online cybersecurity program instructor at Boise State University with over 25 years of experience in the field.

Boise State University

A public research university that offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in cyber operations and resilience, designed to be flexible and accessible.

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What they’re saying

“To build resilient networks, you must build resilient people.”

— Patricia Watson, Cybersecurity Instructor

What’s next

Boise State University plans to continue expanding its online cybersecurity programs to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field.

The takeaway

Boise State's emphasis on the 'resilient people' approach to cybersecurity education highlights the importance of developing security-minded professionals who can adapt to evolving threats and empower end-users, in addition to technical expertise. This holistic approach aims to address the industry's skills gap and make cybersecurity education more accessible.