WAU Meets the Evolving Needs of Learners and the Workforce

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University is adapting its education programs to align with today’s workforce demands, university officials said.

The university now offers a range of noncredit courses that include Cybersecurity Certification Preparation, Cultural Competency, Effective Communication in the Workplace and Hospitality Management. These programs aim to boost workforce readiness, close skill gaps and forge stronger community partnerships while generating additional revenue.

The cybersecurity training addresses critical IT workforce shortages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer systems administrator jobs are expected to grow 2% between 2022 and 2032, with about 19,800 annual openings. Meanwhile, the demand for information security analysts is projected to rise 31.5% over the next decade.

In partnership with CompTIA, a globally recognized IT certification provider, WAU’s online cybersecurity program covers IT fundamentals, cyber threat management, encryption, cloud security and incident response, with hands-on experience in cyber labs.

The university also provides in-person workforce training. Approximately 150 employees from the Center for Social Change in Elkridge, Md., participated in courses on cultural competency and effective workplace communication last year. The sessions met Code of Maryland Regulations requirements.

WAU’s partnership with Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of Washington, D.C., features a seven-week hospitality management program. Participants in the program develop skills in communication, leadership, conflict resolution, budgeting and emotional intelligence.

In addition, WAU is among the institutions approved by the Maryland State Department of Education to offer a school counselor renewal course titled Navigating Mental Health and Other Challenges in School Settings.

For more than 120 years, WAU has been committed to lifelong learning and workforce development. The university’s innovative training programs are designed to help individuals enhance their skills, advance their careers and contribute to the global economy.

For additional information on WAU’s workforce development programs, contact the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at 301-891-4092 or email sgps@wau.edu.