Dr. David Vosen (or Dr. D.Vo, as he prefers to be called) is a Professor of Information Systems and Cybersecurity at Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC). While his Doctor of Computer Science qualifies him to teach and research at the university level, Dr. D.Vo prefers the hands-on work of preparing students for the rigors and realities of working in the trenches in cyber.
“What I like about teaching here is that it’s very hands-on. Our focus is applied,” says Vosen. “When you apply your knowledge, you can be right or wrong—you can make mistakes that have consequences.”
That applied approach is a big reason students consider the cybersecurity program at SFCC. Rather than focusing only on theory, students build real-world skills from day one, working with networks, analyzing systems, and solving problems that mirror what they’ll encounter on the job. “We’re a skills-first institution,” Vosen explains. “We want students grounded in reality; what businesses actually need.”
Why Choose Cybersecurity at SFCC?
SFCC’s program is designed to get students into the workforce quickly while offering ways to level up their skills and qualifications down the road. Students start with foundational courses, then move into specialized areas such as cyber defense, cyber operations, or AI in cybersecurity.
“We try to give students the skills in the first two years so they can get a job,” says Vosen. “Then they can continue their bachelor’s while they’re working and move up in their careers.”
That flexibility matters. Vosen knows firsthand that education doesn’t always happen in a straight line. “I got my bachelor’s, then about 10 years later I got my master’s, and another 10 years later I got my doctorate,” he says. “You don’t have to do it all at once.”
SFCC’s stackable degrees and certificates reflect that reality, giving students multiple entry and exit points depending on their goals.
Is Cybersecurity the Right Fit for You?
Cybersecurity isn’t just for a specific “type” of student, but there are traits that tend to lead to success.
“Attitude matters more than intelligence,” Vosen says. “If you have a growth mindset and you’re willing to keep learning, nothing will stand in your way.”
Curiosity is key. Many successful students enjoy figuring out how things work, and how they break. Vosen describes cybersecurity as an “adversarial mindset,” where students learn to think like both a defender and a hacker.
“You have to ask, ‘How would someone exploit this?’” he explains. “It’s about understanding systems and the people who use them.”
Communication skills also play a major role. “It’s not just technical,” he says. “You have to explain complex ideas in a way that people can understand.”
Career Opportunities in Spokane and Beyond
Students might not immediately think of Spokane as a tech hub, but cybersecurity jobs are everywhere.
“Our graduates work in banks, hospitals, casinos, and government,” Vosen says. “Cybersecurity is part of every industry now.”
Healthcare, in particular, is a growing field. “Hospitals are full of connected devices and sensitive data,” he explains. “That creates a huge need for cybersecurity professionals.”
Graduates also find opportunities in local government and private industry, and some take advantage of federal programs that help pay for education in exchange for public service.
“There’s strong job security in this field,” Vosen says. “Cyber threats aren’t going away, and businesses need people who can protect their systems.”
A Career Built on Learning
If there’s one thing Vosen emphasizes, it’s that cybersecurity is a career for lifelong learners.
“You can’t stop learning in this field,” he says. “Every day there’s something new, and that’s what makes it exciting.”
For students willing to embrace that challenge, SFCC offers a practical, flexible path into one of today’s most in-demand careers—guided by faculty who understand both the classroom and the real world.
Get in touch with Dr. Devo and learn more about SFCC’s Cybersecurity programs