Capitol Technology University (Capitol Tech), based in Laurel, Maryland, has a long-standing history of preparing students, particularly veterans, for successful careers in STEM fields. Under the leadership of Dr. Brad Sims, the university’s president, Capitol Tech has remained true to its mission of providing specialized education that leads directly to career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and evolving technologies.
Dr. Sims, who has been with Capitol Tech for nearly eight years, began his career in construction project management before transitioning into higher education. His experience across state and private nonprofit universities uniquely positions him to lead Capitol Technology University, a school that has evolved significantly since its founding in 1927. What began as a small radio technology training program for veterans has now expanded into a university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, all focused exclusively on STEM disciplines.
Serving Veterans & Shaping Careers
Capitol Tech’s roots in serving veterans remain strong today. With over 1,000 students, the school has embraced its identity as a Yellow Ribbon institution, providing extensive support to veteran students. One shining example of this support is Dr. William Butler, Vice President for Cyber Science, Outreach and Partnerships. A retired Marine colonel, Dr. Butler completed Capitol Tech’s cybersecurity program before becoming a faculty member. His career has progressed within the institution, where he now leads efforts in one of the nation’s most in-demand fields: cybersecurity.
Capitol Tech has a long-standing relationship with the National Security Agency (NSA), participating in programs such as the Cyber Security Engineering Development Program initiative, which allows employees to take graduate-level courses in cybersecurity. Dr. Sims highlights how Dr. Butler and other veterans have benefited from Capitol Tech’s offerings and contributed to the university’s growth, helping build programs that meet the needs of the modern workforce.
Cybersecurity & Beyond
Capitol Tech’s focus on STEM education is highly tailored to the needs of today’s job market, and the university’s commitment to ensuring students are prepared for their careers is clear from day one. Capitol Tech encourages students to pursue internships, and its location between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore provides ample opportunities for students to gain experience with government agencies, subcontractors and other major employers in the region.
Capitol Tech’s programs, including those in electrical engineering, mechatronics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cyberpsychology and forensic cyberpsychology, are designed with industry collaboration. The school employs faculty members who are active professionals in their fields, ensuring that course content remains relevant and applicable to the demands of the marketplace. The university also boasts impressive guarantees for its graduates. If a student with a bachelor’s degree doesn’t secure a job within 90 days, they can return to Capitol Tech to for up to 36 undergraduate credits at no additional cost. If an employed graduate’s income is under $60,000 per year, Capitol Tech offers a loan repayment plan that provides quarterly reimbursement of loan repayments until their income meets this minimum.
Success Stories
Veteran students like Ed Sealing exemplify the university’s ability to launch successful careers. After serving in the Army for eight years, Sealing earned a degree in cybersecurity from Capitol Tech. He went on to found Sealing Technologies, a cybersecurity company that has hired numerous Capitol Tech graduates and has now been acquired by Parsons Corporation. Sealing recently donated $3 million to Capitol Tech for the development of The Capitol Artificial Intelligence Learning and Innovation Environment in support of degree programs in construction management and computer science, particularly with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI). As the first university in Maryland to offer a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree in AI, Capitol Tech continues to push the boundaries of STEM education where demand continues to grow.
Preparing for the Future
In addition to providing education that leads to high-paying jobs, Capitol Tech works to make higher education accessible to working professionals, many of whom are veterans. With select bachelor’s degrees as well as many master’s and doctoral programs available online, Capitol Tech enables students to pursue their degrees while continuing to work full-time.
Capitol Tech continues to honor the legacy of its founder, Navy veteran Eugene Retsky, by remaining dedicated to helping students, particularly veterans, build valuable relationships and walk out the door equipped for success in the modern workforce. Visit Capitol Tech University today.
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