AGS At-a-Glance: Cybersecurity

With over 25 years of expertise spanning both corporate and academic sectors, Laurel Schneider leads the charge as Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity at Montreat College.

“My background includes roles as Vice President of IT and Fractional CISO, making me uniquely qualified to teach this critical field,” she explains. “Cybersecurity has been my passion long before it became mainstream.”

After dedicating years to corporate success, Schneider sought purpose beyond the boardroom, returning to academia over a decade ago. Since 2016, she has balanced full-time teaching with consulting, joining Montreat College in 2017 as an adjunct before becoming a full-time faculty member and Department Chair for Business and Technology.

“Teaching corporate trainers remains my favorite role—I love empowering others with knowledge,” she shares. “Finding the right academic home was essential, and Montreat fits perfectly.”

Montreat College delivers associate and bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity through fully online programs, equipping students for one of America's fastest-growing industries.

A Rapidly Expanding Field
Over 700,000 cybersecurity positions currently await in the U.S., with employment projected to surge 32% by 2032—far outpacing general tech growth. Annual openings for security analysts reach 16,800, supported by median salaries of $112,000 annually.

An Ethical Approach to Cybersecurity
Recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA, Montreat integrates faith-based perspectives into its curriculum, covering programming, penetration testing, and ethical decision-making rooted in moral principles.

“Our faith-driven framework sets us apart,” Schneider notes. “It fosters critical discussions about professional boundaries and integrity in cybersecurity practice.”

A Personal Connection
Montreat’s intimate class sizes enable meaningful student relationships, contrasting sharply with large-scale educational models. As Schneider observes, “Every student matters here—they’re not just faces in a crowd.”

Hands-On Experience
Students engage in practical labs and culminate their studies with a real-world cyber capstone project, ensuring readiness for immediate industry impact.

“We equip learners with actual tools used by professionals,” Schneider emphasizes. “Our goal is to graduate job-ready analysts who can contribute immediately.”

Flexibility
Designed for modern lifestyles, the program accommodates diverse schedules, allowing students to learn at their own pace without sacrificing quality.

“Having navigated online education as both student and instructor, I understand the demands of balancing family, work, and academics. Our flexibility empowers success,” Schneider reflects.

Good News
Montreat prepares future cybersecurity leaders to combat evolving threats through a blend of technical mastery and unwavering ethics.

“The field evolves daily, but our graduates emerge prepared to safeguard organizations and individuals alike,” Schneider concludes with optimism. “Training the next generation ensures continued protection for our digital world.”