Learners

At IMPACT, we understand that as a working professional, your time is valuable. Our structured, self-paced learning activities are designed for busy adults and delivered asynchronously online, meaning you can get the training you need at times that are most convenient to you. Our competency-based training approach teaches specific, job-related skills that will prepare you to get ahead in your field. The innovative competency-based education model allows you to receive credits based on skills developed by your previous work experience.

A New Way to Learn

Job-Ready

Job Ready

Teaches job-related skills tailored to meet the needs of business and industry.

Infographic-Icon-New

Convenience

Structured, self-paced learning activities delivered asynchronously online.

Accelerated-Pace

Accelerated Pace

Competency-based education model allows learners to receive skill-based credits for quicker certification.

Collaboration-3

Collaboration

Collaborative environment encourages networking with experts and other learners.

What is IMPACT?

54054141

Radford University is delivering Innovative Mobile Personalized Accelerated Competency Training (IMPACT): a competency-based education (CBE) workforce development program.

IMPACT is a first-of-its-kind program among four-year public institutions in Virginia. With the launch of IMPACT, Radford University boldly stepped forward as a key partner in the rapidly developing Virginia workforce in cybersecurity, geospatial intelligence, education and future high demand areas.

Presently, IMPACT offers a cybersecurity certificate program delivered online in an asynchronous, self-paced manner. The program is available at a fixed cost, regardless of the timeframe in which it is completed. Working professionals who successfully complete the cybersecurity program earn 18 credit hours and will be prepared for professional certification exams.

Improve Your Skills and Enhance Your Career

482550134

Prepare for Professional Certification Exams*

  • CISSP
  • SANS GCIH*
  • SANS GPEN*
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CISCO CCENT

*Although our IMPACT training will help prepare you for professional certification exams, additional preparation will be necessary due to the complexity and proprietary nature of the respective exam content.

What is Competency-Based Education?

171581402

IMPACT is aligned with the competency-based education (CBE) approach, which focuses on teaching specific job-related skills that are needed to perform a critical task in the workplace.

This non-traditional teaching approach decouples learning from time-based models, such as three-hour credit courses and 14-week semesters, and enables IMPACT to empower working adults in Virginia with career-advancing skills.

The CBE approach uses an online platform to deliver asynchronous, self-paced learning modules aligned with workplace competencies.

Learn from Skilled Faculty

foyheadshot

Andrew Foy, Ph.D.

  • B.S. in geography; M.S. in geography; Ph.D. in geospatial and environmental analysis
  • Specialities: Uncertainity in GIS, spatial statistics, biogeography, WebGIS/GIS programing and GIS applications for natural resources
Lee-Hwajung

Hwajung Lee, Sc.D.

  • B.S. in computer science; M.S. in computer and communication networks; Sc.D. in computer networks and communications security
  • Specialities: Computer networks and network security
Pittges-Jeff

Jeff Pittges, Ph.D.

  • B.S. in math and computer science; M.S. in computer science; Ph.D. in computer science
  • Specialities: Data warehousing, data mining, data security, web services and computer science education
Uppuluri-Prem

Prem Uppuluri, Ph.D.

  • BEngg in computer science and engineering; M.S. in computer science; Ph.D. in computer science
  • Specialities: Computer security and operating systems
Brooke-Blanks

Brooke Blanks, Ph.D.

Anthony-Dove

Anthony Dove, Ph.D.

  • B.S., University of Richmond; M.Ed., University of Virginia; Ph.D., North Carolina State University.

IMPACT Innovations

  1. Summit highlights cybersecurity careers for rural students »

    11/21/2023

    Radford University hosted the Classroom to Career Cybersecurity Summit 2023 Nov. 9 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia. The daylong event was designed to strengthen the coordination among regional businesses and governments, K-12 schools and workforce development agencies to prepare rural students for the changing needs of the current workforce.

  2. City of Radford and Radford University to Partner on Initiatives »

    2/1/2023

    In a joint work session Monday, Jan. 30, leadership from the City of Radford and Radford University discussed areas of potential partnership and pathways for mutual success.

  3. Highlanders in the News: Week of July 11 »

    7/15/2022

    This week in Highlanders in the News: Matthew Dunleavy, executive director of the Vinod Chachra IMPACT lab, talks about new cybersecurity learning options funded by a recent $1.2 million grant, and the campus’ new Esports center lands with a virtual splash.

  • 1