the Technology Interface Journal/Spring 2009 Hembroff, Cai, and Miller selected paper from the Proceedings of the 2008 IAJC-IJME Conference Volume 9 No. 2 ISSN# 1523-9926 http://technologyinterface.nmsu.edu/Spring09/ Filling the Void in Computer Education: Establishing and Developing a Responsive Computer Network Engineering and Security Program Guy C. Hembroff, Yu Cai, Danny L. Miller Michigan Tech University hembroff@mtu.edu , cai@mtu.edu , danny@mtu.edu Abstract This paper presents the restructuring and reorganization of the Computer Network System Administration (CNSA) program at Michigan Technological University to offer a revolutionary program designed to optimize learning and successfully prepare students for industry. Established in 2003, the CNSA program has effectively redeveloped its curriculum to fill a critical void in computer/network education that computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, and management information systems programs have not provided, by offering advanced courses in the critical areas of network/systems engineering, security engineering, network/systems administration and technical operations management. The program has developed an intensive lab component for 20 of its 21 courses (computer/cyber-ethics being exempt from a lab) that requires students to dynamically solve challenging problems that affect industry. Course recitations include projects associated with industry and often require students to present technical solutions with sound financial explanations to industry personnel affiliated with the project and also to students’ peers. Senior-design projects have also been formatted for students to conduct significant research, submit a professional paper containing their findings and recommendations, and provide oral defense of project. The objective of the revised program is to prepare students to respond successfully to evolving technical advancements, have experience in solving industry-related problems, demonstrate financial expertise regarding technical projects, and develop skills in the ability to articulate and present their ideas to both technical or non technical individuals. The reasoning behind the creation of the CNSA program, accomplishments, deployments and assessments are discussed in this paper. Introduction The computer world is constantly changing. In fact, one can assume that change is the only constant that can be ensured surrounding this area. As a result, traditional areas and practices