Western Oregon minor is for those who want to fight cybercrime
Western Oregon University’s Cybercrime Investigations and Enforcement (CIE) minor is an innovative and hands-on program.
The program addresses the critical skills gap in cybercrime investigations for businesses and public service agencies in Oregon.
The CIE program prepares students to step into investigative roles and combat cybercrime effectively. Crimes such as identity theft, ransomware, financial fraud, online scams, child pornography, data theft, stalking, espionage, and violent offenses can have severe consequences for critical public services and vulnerable populations.
George Chamberlin, CIE instructor, is also a former FBI cybercrime supervisor. He shares that as cybercrime caseloads continue to rise, law enforcement agencies are facing growing challenges in hiring and training first responders and investigators to manage complex investigations involving cybercrime and digital technology.
Chamberlain adds that the CIE program helps prepare students to step into those critical investigative roles.
Emilee Gillespie, the first graduate of the program, recently completed a cybersecurity boot camp and is also preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam.
“It was a wonderful experience to meet so many instructors who have a clear passion for the subjects they teach. They work hard to get you to where you want to be,” Gillespie said. “I hope students immerse themselves in the program and enjoy the ride.”
- Press release
