Success Stories

Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

Christina Westfall developed a passion for ethical hacking while working in IT support at a public school. As cyberattacks increasingly targeted schools and hospitals, her interest became personal. Inspired to protect vulnerable communities, she transitioned into cybersecurity and enrolled in SANS.edu’s master’s program to build the skills needed to make a real impact.

Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

For his master’s degree research project, U.S. Marine veteran Brian Davidson created a first-of-its-kind human interface device firewall—a firewall between a keyboard and the computer—that is patent pending. Learn why Brian chose SANS.edu and how his education made him an increasingly valued asset to his employer.

Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

Shawna Turner earned a master's from SANS.edu while working full time at Nike, so online course options and the ability to adjust her schedule to her life needs were critical to her success. Discover how this former theater tech transformed herself into a cybersecurity subject matter expert.

Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

Flexibility and real-world hands-on experience were key when father of five Billy Wilson started looking at cybersecurity master's degree programs. See what he has to say about attending the SANS.edu master's program while working full time—and presenting a student project to the CISO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

After taking time away from the workforce to focus on family, Carlota Bindner found her way into cybersecurity through the SANS Women’s Cyber Academy, igniting a passion that led her to pursue a master’s degree at SANS.edu. Learn how Carlota is applying her knowledge to protect critical systems as a lead product security researcher at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

Chief Technology Officer Agnel D’Silva applied lessons from the SANS.edu master’s program directly to his city’s security strategy, showing the impact of hands-on cybersecurity education. He calls the experience “life-changing.”

Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

A natural introvert and self-described computer/gamer geek, Jeremiah Hainly knew that gaining up-to-the-minute cybersecurity knowledge could give him game-changing confidence. See why he chose SANS.edu and where the master's program took him.

Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

Melissa Bischoping works alongside some of the most brilliant minds in cybersecurity as Senior Director of Security & Product Design Research at Tanium. Learn about her career journey and why she chose to pursue a master’s degree at SANS.edu.

Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

Jamy Casteel chose the SANS.edu master’s degree program to enhance both hands-on technical skills and soft skills to gain a competitive advantage for his career. Learn more about how this penetration testing expert and Vice President of Offensive Security at Kroll is protecting his clients’ important data from his rural Oklahoma town.

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Cybersecurity

Noah Pack turned a middle school fascination with Mr. Robot into a full-time career in penetration testing. Discover how he made the leap from fan to professional — and earned 9 GIAC certifications — through the SANS.edu bachelor's degree program.

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Cybersecurity

Rachel Down's cybersecurity journey started in the UK's Ministry of Defense, where she worked in various cyber-adjacent roles. Discover how the SANS.edu bachelor's degree program fueled her passion for the field and led to her to receive multiple job offers before she finished the program.

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Cybersecurity | Graduate Certificate in Cloud Security

Keegan Hamlin’s career shift from aircraft maintenance to Cyber Warfare Operations for the U.S. Air Force exemplifies the power adaptability and continuous learning. Discover how earning a bachelor's degree from SANS.edu equipped him with advanced skills and confidence to excel in defending national interests.

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Cybersecurity

Leah Kaplan's journey to cybersecurity started with a video game and grew into a passion for solving real-world problems. Learn how her experience at SANS.edu equipped her with hands-on technical skills and inspired her to build accessible resources for newcomers in the field.

Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity | Graduate Certificates in Incident Response and Cyber Defense Operations

U.S. Army veteran James Childers filled out an application to the SANS Technology Institute the day he discovered the GI Bill® would cover his SANS.edu tuition costs. Learn how the multiple certificates and GIAC certifications James earned at SANS.edu prepared him to become vice president of Cyber Detection and Response at City National Bank. “I am not exaggerating when I say SANS.edu changed my life.”

Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity

Fritz Villanueva, a bachelor’s student at SANS.edu, found his passion in cybersecurity after a decade as a nurse. Learn how this father of five secured an exciting new job as a threat hunter for Scotiabank while he was completing his bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity

Lori Brumm says that working with Internet Storm Center director Dr. Johannes Ullrich was one of the most valuable parts of her internship as a bachelor’s student at SANS.edu. She chose to pursue her bachelor’s degree at SANS.edu to gain a strong competitive advantage in the job market — and because the online options gave this busy mother of three the flexibility she needed to succeed.

Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity | Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity | Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

James Turner’s journey from electrician to an Industrial Control Systems/Operational Technology solution architect underscores the significance of lifelong education. Discover why this Assante Scholar Award winner chose to earn an Applied Cybersecurity Certificate from the SANS Technology Institute—followed by bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SANS.edu.

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Cybersecurity

Kaela Manger’s passion for technology and making a difference led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Applied Cybersecurity at SANS.edu. With real-world training and GIAC certifications, she’s gained the skills to excel in a competitive industry. Learn how Kaela is advancing her cybersecurity career while mentoring others and get her advice for future cyber professionals.

Romania

Initially drawn to cybersecurity by hacker films, cybersecurity analyst Catalin Bejan looks forward to gaining leadership and advanced technical skills, as well as 9 GIAC certifications, as a Paller Scholar.

Nigeria

Security Analyst Akin Bello, who aims to hone both the soft skills and hands-on skills required for success in cybersecurity, is excited about learning from diverse perspectives and mentoring emerging talent.

Poland

Pen tester and red teamer Michał Bełzak pursued the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship for the chance to get a top-tier education, challenge himself, and prepare to make contributions in research and education.

Romania

Cyber Risk and Security Manager Ana Maria Bogdan seeks to make meaningful contributions to cybersecurity research and to support others in entering, transitioning within, or advancing their careers in cybersecurity.

Kenya

Application Security Specialist Vivian Boisabi became a Paller Scholar to enhance her skills in ethical hacking, risk management, and advanced cybersecurity techniques to protect global cyber infrastructures.

Philippines

Pen tester Mark Lester Dampios aspires to excel in presentations, ensuring his audience fully comprehends his ideas, and to share cybersecurity knowledge both locally and internationally.

Gain the skills and confidence to pursue our more technical upper division undergraduate programs.

Prepare to launch a high-paying cybersecurity career at any age with just four hands-on courses.

Transfer your college credits to SANS.edu and become one of the most job-ready candidates in cybersecurity.

Advance your InfoSec career through technically focused sets of courses that sharpen job-specific skills.

Take your InfoSec career to the highest levels—developing both hands-on technical skills and the ability to lead.