Cyber Defense

cyber defense header graphic

In today’s digital age, cyber security challenges are a daily concern for both public and private sector organizations. The Cyber Defense Concentration at the College of Coastal Georgia offers a unique opportunity to combine your interest in criminal justice with your passion for technology. This program prepares you for a rewarding career in cyber defense, equipping you with the skills to protect critical infrastructure and data from cyber threats.

Why study Cyber Defense at Coastal Georgia?

The Cyber Defense concentration at Coastal is unique because it allows you to combine your interest in criminal justice and investigation with your talent in information technology. Those who work in the field of cyber defense can make an impact by helping keep governments, businesses, and even our nation’s critical infrastructure safe and functioning.

“College students are getting real-world training that can’t be duplicated in a classroom environment,” said Assistant Professor of Cyber Defense, Dr. Nelbert “Doc” St. Clair.

What will I learn?

Coastal Georgia students benefit by participating in a required internship within the information technology field, providing real world experience. As part of the learning process, students enter cybersecurity competitions, also known as CTF (capture the flag). This gamified approach helps students learn at their own pace while competing against other students. Our students also benefit from research initiatives – attending cybersecurity conferences and participating in community service projects.

Coastal Cyber Center

Cybersecurity is a community effort. The Coastal Cyber Center at Coastal Georgia works to strengthen cybersecurity knowledge across the region, supporting students and partnering with local businesses, government, and other organizations to build the skills needed to recognize, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.

Learn More

Coastal Georgia Cyber Students Rank Among Nation’s Best

cyber defense

Cyber Defense students at Coastal made an impressive showing in the Fall 2026 National Cyber League Competition, with 29 students finishing in the top 25% nationally among nearly 6,000 competitors.

One student finished in the top 1% of all competitors.

Read more

Students Earn Highly Recognized Cybersecurity Certifications

Career-ready credentials! Coastal Georgia Cyber Defense students Victoria Stanford and Patrick Adkinson recently earned two industry-recognized certifications.

“These certifications validate the knowledge and skills employers are seeking in today’s cybersecurity professionals,” said Dr. Nelbert “Doc” St. Clair, associate professor of Cyber Defense.

Read more

Cyber Defense Team Excels at 2026 CYBERSEED Competition

Coastal Georgia Cyber Defense students delivered an outstanding performance in the CYBERSEED 2026 Online Competition, with three teams placing among the event’s top competitors.

“I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our students,” said Dr. St Clair.

Read more

What can I do when I graduate?

Data Security
  • Protecting and maintaining the integrity of businesses, customers, and other data
Application Security

  • Ensuring software and other applications cannot be hacked, compromised, accessed or disabled without proper authorization

Network Security
  • Protecting network infrastructure and software from unauthorized access
Operational Security
  • Day-to-day monitoring and security management
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  • Authenticating users and authorizing them to access specific applications, data, and other systems
Privileged Access Management (PAM)
  • Controlling and monitoring privileged access for users, accounts, applications, and other system assets
Vulnerability Management (VM)
  • Proactive identification (such as scanning) and resolution (such as patching, systems hardening, implementing new solutions, etc.) of potential threats and vulnerabilities in the IT ecosystem
Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)
  • This can include mobile device management (MDM) and other processes and technologies for securely enabling a mobile workforce
Security Training
  • Teaching employees and other users to identify and appropriately deal with common security issues like phishing, malware, or social engineering.

Contact Information:

Dr. Nelbert St. Clair

St. Clair, Nelbert

Associate Professor of Cyber Defense

912-280-7757

Education
Doctor of Science in Information Systems & Communications (D.Sc.)

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Dr. St. Clair’s teaching interests focus on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and information technology, with an emphasis on practical applications and workforce readiness. He is passionate about integrating hands-on learning experiences, such as competitions and real-world projects, to prepare students for careers in the evolving tech landscape. His research interests include cybersecurity education, diversity and inclusion in technology fields, and strategies for enhancing digital resilience in underserved communities. Recent scholarly activities including serving as a workshop speaker at the 2nd Annual Digital Literacy Block Party (Charlotte, NC, Sept. 2025), and contributing to student success in the National Cyber League Spring 2025 competition, where all six CCGA teams ranked in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, Dr. St. Clair has supported research on representation of Black cybersecurity professionals, aligning with his long-standing commitment to equity in tech.

View Profile
Give Now