UMO & WCC Establish Transfer Pathway for Cybersecurity Students
March 11, 2026
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive and Wayne Community College have formalized a new partnership that will provide a seamless transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
Under the agreement, students who complete an Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity at Wayne Community College will be able to transfer directly into the University of Mount Olive to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science. The pathway will take effect beginning in the fall of 2026.
Leaders from both institutions gathered recently to sign the agreement, marking another step in the ongoing collaboration between the two Wayne County institutions to expand educational access and strengthen workforce development in eastern North Carolina.
The new transfer pathway is designed to make it easier for students to continue their studies locally while building on the technical skills they developed at Wayne Community College. At the University of Mount Olive, students may complete the bachelor’s degree either through a traditional campus experience or fully online.
University of Mount Olive President Dr. H. Edward Croom said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for high demand careers in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to providing meaningful educational opportunities for students in our region,” said Croom. “By creating a clear pathway from Wayne Community College to the University of Mount Olive, we are helping students continue their academic journey while preparing them for careers that are essential to protecting the digital infrastructure that businesses and organizations rely on every day.”
Both institutions emphasize hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in cybersecurity. Students gain practical knowledge in identifying threats, protecting networks, and implementing strategies to secure information systems.
“It is a privilege to join forces and create a clear pathway for our students at WCC to continue their education at UMO,” said WCC President Patty Pfeiffer. “We look forward to strengthening this partnership as we continue to work together to educate students in Wayne County.”
Wayne Community College’s cybersecurity program has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The college also recently opened a cybersecurity laboratory designed to give students hands-on experience with real-world cyber defense strategies.
At the University of Mount Olive, the Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science program prepares students for industry recognized certifications and includes opportunities for internships and experiential learning. Students may choose between an applied cybersecurity track or a software engineering track, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career interests.
“This partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between our two institutions and reflects a shared focus on providing accessible, high quality educational opportunities that support the workforce needs of the region,” concluded Dr. Burt Lewis, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
About the University of Mount Olive
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.
