SANS.edu Priority Areas for MSCHE Reaccreditation
As part of its Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Self-Study, the SANS Technology Institute has identified four strategic priorities aligned with its mission to develop highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. These priority areas guide institutional improvement efforts and demonstrate how SANS.edu meets and exceeds MSCHE’s standards for accreditation.
Priority 1: Continued Growth
Objective:
Dramatically increase the number of graduates prepared to enter the professional cybersecurity workforce and lead in technical and managerial roles.
Alignment with MSCHE Standards:
Supports Standard I (Mission and Goals), Standard IV (Support of the Student Experience), Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement), and Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration).
Key Strategies:
- Amplify and refine targeted marketing to drive lead generation and enrollment conversion.
- Create seamless pathways from certificates to degrees through stackable credential models.
- Launch new programs in step with evolving cybersecurity threats and SANS/GIAC content.
Priority 2: Name Recognition
Objective:
Significantly improve brand awareness both within and beyond the cybersecurity community.
Alignment with MSCHE Standards:
Primary focus on Standard II (Ethics and Integrity) and Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration), while reinforcing Standard I (Mission and Goals).
Key Strategies:
- Maintain participation in IPEDS reporting to enhance academic visibility.
- Highlight student and alumni engagement across the cybersecurity industry.
- Use faculty expertise and success stories to build thought leadership.
- Expand student participation in cyber competitions and publish research.
Priority 3: Student Success
Objective:
Enhance student experiences, increase retention, and improve alumni outcomes.
Alignment with MSCHE Standards:
Aligned with Standard II (Ethics and Integrity), Standard III (Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience), Standard IV (Support of the Student Experience), Standard V (Educational Effectiveness Assessment), and Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement).
Key Strategies:
- Strengthen advising, academic support, and career readiness services.
- Expand scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
- Use data-driven approaches to track and support student progress.
Priority 4: Industry Impact
Objective:
Deliver measurable contributions to solving the cybersecurity workforce skills gap.
Alignment with MSCHE Standards:
Supports Standard I (Mission and Goals), Standard III (Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience), and Standard V (Educational Effectiveness Assessment).
Key Strategies:
- Expand access through student funding programs.
- Track alumni career advancement and leadership roles.
- Build feedback loops with industry partners to ensure curriculum relevance.