Daniel Coughenor prepares to receive his Cybersecurity certificate during ACM’s 2023 commencement ceremony. Coughenour was congratulated on earning his certificate ahead of his high school diploma by Dr. Derek Jones, Professor of Computer Technology, and James House, Associate Professor and Division Chair, Computer Technology.
Music, Video Games and CyberSecurity are the Perfect MIX for ACM Student
EVERETT, Pa. (July 13, 2023) – Daniel Coughenour’s passions are music and video games. So, it was a harmonious and strategic move that he pursue a Cybersecurity certificate from Allegany College of Maryland’s P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) Pennsylvania, a program for qualified high school juniors and seniors through the Bedford County Campus and Somerset Education Site.
“In video games, you have to outsmart your opponent,” Coughenour said. “Cybersecurity is all about protecting data loss.”
As for the musical component, Coughenour, a disciplined French horn player who has performed with the Johnstown Symphony, used his same musical practice skills to obtain his certificate in only two years.
P-TECH students who graduate high school and complete the 31-credit certificate program can choose to enter the workforce or continue on to earn a two-year, associate of applied science degree in Computer Technology - Area of Concentration in Cybersecurity or a different area of concentration within ACM's Computer Technology program. Upon certificate completion, students will be prepared to sit for their Cisco and CompTIA industry certification exams.
Coughenour graduated from Hope for Hyndman Charter School this past May, the same month he received his Cybersecurity certificate from ACM. He is currently majoring in Music at Frostburg State University with the goal of becoming an audio design engineer of music in video games. His ACM Cybersecurity certificate will assist him in his pursuit of his career goals.
The P-TECH Pennsylvania program can be completed fully online but students may elect to take classes in-person. Coughenhour preferred the in-person sessions to avoid those at-home distractions, like video games.
And if Coughenour changes his mind about a career in audio design, he has a very strong Plan B.
“I always have [my Cybersecurity certificate] to fall back on,” he added.
Now that’s a strategic move.
To learn more about ACM’s P-TECH Pennsylvania program visit www.allegany.edu/ptechpa
