A new transfer agreement between Grand Valley and Oakland Community College creates a seamless pathway for OCC students to earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from GVSU.

The agreement, signed in October, allows OCC students who complete an associate degree in cybersecurity to transfer up to 80 credits toward GVSU’s bachelor’s degree in the same field. Students will then complete 45 additional credits at Grand Valley, while maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to cybersecurity training and providing students with clear, affordable and high-quality pathways into cybersecurity careers,” said Marouane Kessentini, dean of the College of Computing. 

“Through this collaboration, we are enhancing opportunities for learners across Michigan to gain the skills, experience and credentials needed to protect our digital future.”

In 2024, the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity — a joint initiative of the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security — awarded the College of Computing the National Centers of Academic Excellence-Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation. 

The prestigious recognition highlights the university’s innovative cybersecurity curriculum, faculty expertise and leadership in advancing cyber defense education.

“We continue to see an increase in cybersecurity jobs and this transfer agreement gives our computer information systems students a seamless pathway to earning their bachelor’s degree at a great institution like Grand Valley and preparing themselves for in-demand careers in the information security industry,” said Hany Othman, department chair of OCC’s business and computer information systems program.

The articulation agreement runs through September 30, 2028.