A person is sitting in front of a computer monitor displaying lines of code or terminal commands. The individual appears to be wearing a cap. The desk has various items including speakers, a phone, and other small objects. — Hands-on training at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology ensures cybersecurity students graduate workforce-ready.

OSU Polytech program trains students in crucial defense industry

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | editor@okstate.edu

In an era of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology’s cybersecurity program through OSU Polytech is empowering students to meet those threats with cyber defense education.

Consistently ranked among the best cybersecurity programs nationwide, OSU Polytech equips students with expertise, hands-on training and real-world experience to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

Students don’t just learn about cybersecurity — they experience it in live, simulated environments that mimic real-world cyber threats. From penetration testing and ethical hacking to malware analysis and cyber incident response, graduates enter the workforce ready to take on the most complex security challenges businesses and government agencies face today.

OSU Polytech faculty and students are also leading innovative industry partnerships, groundbreaking research and cutting-edge capstone projects.

Bringing Cybersecurity Training to Industry

As cyber threats evolve, OSU Polytech is responding by bringing cybersecurity training directly into the workforce.

Cybersecurity lead instructor Brett Weber and interim Information Technologies Director Howard Licht are partnering with Bart Collins, OSU Polytech’s director for partnerships and programs, to provide professional development training for QuikTrip employees.

“This initiative strengthens corporate cybersecurity skills while allowing participants to earn a micro-credential, demonstrating OSU Polytech’s ability to train both for industry and in industry,” Licht said.

Meanwhile, Licht is collaborating with Brandy Russell of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation’s Technology and Analytics Office to develop cybersecurity training for network-connected health care devices. With cyber threats increasingly targeting health care, OSU Polytech is proactively protecting medical technology.

Faculty are also pioneering artificial intelligence education. Information Technologies instructor Daniel Schmidt is working with Russell on an AI-focused micro-credential, while Weber and Licht are developing two AI technical elective courses for the associate degree program.

Discussions are also underway for a future AI-focused bachelor’s degree option, keeping OSU Polytech ahead of industry needs.

A group of five people are gathered around a laptop in an office setting. One person is seated and pointing at the laptop screen, while the others stand around observing. The individuals are wearing casual clothing, including baseball caps and shirts with "OSU" logos. In the background, there is a whiteboard with some writing on it and various electronic equipment on shelves. — Oklahoma State University Polytech students from the Instrumentation and Automation Engineering and Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics programs join forces on a cutting-edge capstone project, integrating AI, robotics and security solutions.

Industry-Driven Innovation in Action

One of OSU Polytech’s most ambitious student projects is a direct response to industry demand for stronger collaboration across disciplines.

In fall 2024, industry partners specifically requested an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together Engineering Technologies and Information Technologies students to develop real-world solutions. Recognizing this need, OSU Polytech responded swiftly, assembling faculty and students to tackle this challenge.

The result is the Pistol Pete AI Capstone Project. This joint effort blends artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering and cybersecurity to create a smart, interactive campus guide — a project that reflects the cross-disciplinary approach that the industry is increasingly adopting to achieve its goals.

Set to be installed in the Engineering and Information Technologies Building lobby on the Okmulgee campus, the AI-powered Pistol Pete will feature voice recognition and response, allowing visitors to ask for directions or campus information in real time. With facial recognition and motion tracking, the robotic Pete will provide a modern, interactive experience that showcases AI-driven technology.

This project is more than just a technical achievement — it represents OSU Polytech’s commitment to aligning education with industry needs. By fostering collaboration between IT, engineering and cybersecurity, students graduate with technical expertise and critical problem-solving skills — making them highly valuable in industries where cross-functional collaboration is key.

National Recognition, Real-World Results

Year after year, OSU Polytech’s cybersecurity program earns national rankings and recognition, cementing its reputation as Oklahoma’s leader in cyber security education.

Employers across industries actively recruit OSU graduates, knowing they bring not just a degree, but real-world experience and technical expertise.

Beyond the classroom, students compete in national cybersecurity competitions, where OSU Polytech consistently performs at a high level. These events test their ability to defend networks, analyze cyber threats and respond to real-time security breaches — all essential skills for today’s workforce.

This commitment to hands-on training, real-world applications and industry-driven education is why OSU Polytech is not only Oklahoma’s top choice for cybersecurity education but also a program with a national reputation for excellence.

“Cybersecurity and technology are evolving at a rapid pace, and OSUIT is not just keeping up — we’re leading the way,” said Dr. Heather Ortiz, interim dean of OSUIT School of Creative and Information Technologies. “By listening to industry, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing hands-on, real-world experience, we ensure our graduates don’t just enter the workforce — they shape its future.”

Photos by: Andrew Nichols

Story by: Lindsay Lynch | STATE Magazine