Oklahoma State University Polytech & QuikTrip

Building Tomorrow's Workforce Together

Program Overview

About Our Partnership

Oklahoma State University Polytech and QuikTrip have joined forces to create a unique educational partnership that bridges the gap between academic excellence and industry needs. This collaboration focuses on developing skilled professionals ready to excel in the convenience store and retail management industry.

Through this partnership, students gain hands-on experience, industry insights, and direct pathways to rewarding careers at one of the region's leading convenience store chains.

Foundations of Information Security

Course Description

This 16-hour course offers an introduction to information security, enhancing awareness of cyber threats that impact individuals, businesses, and governments. Students will explore the magnitude of these threats through statistics and real-world examples, understand basic computer operations and vulnerabilities, and learn about social engineering tactics and physical security challenges, including emerging threats like deepfakes.

The course emphasizes the importance of the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) triad, and provides insights into mitigation strategies through policies, laws, and best practices. Additionally, it encourages students to consider continuous learning opportunities to stay updated in this ever-evolving field.

Meet Your Instructor

Brett Weber, Cyber Security Instructor

Brett Weber

Cyber Security Instructor, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Brett is a highly experienced professional with over 27 years of combined work experience, including 22 years in Information Technology and over 15 years in Higher Education. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Computer Science from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and cum laude with an M.S. in Computer Science/Cyber Security from the University of Tulsa.

Known for his outstanding communication skills, conflict resolution expertise (certified Mediator by the State of Oklahoma), and ability to lead and mentor teams, Brett's career includes significant roles such as Systems Analyst at the U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City, IT Manager at the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Executive Investigator at the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission, and Dean/Executive Director at Butler Community College's IT Center of Excellence and Advanced Technology Center.

Sample Lesson

Course Curriculum

Core Security Concepts

  • CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
  • Threats and Vulnerabilities
  • Risk Management Fundamentals
  • Security Policies and Governance

Threats & Attack Vectors

  • Malware Types (Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Ransomware)
  • Phishing and Social Engineering
  • Zero-day Exploits
  • Physical Security Threats

Security Technologies

  • Authentication and Access Control
  • Encryption and Cryptography Basics
  • Network Security Fundamentals
  • Firewalls, IDS, and IPS

Incident Response & Forensics

  • Incident Response Stages
  • Digital Forensics Basics
  • Chain of Custody
  • Legal Considerations

Compliance & Privacy

  • Security Frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST)
  • Data Protection Strategies
  • Privacy Laws (GDPR, HIPAA)
  • Security Awareness Training

Emerging Trends

  • Cloud Security Basics
  • Mobile Device Security
  • AI in Cybersecurity
  • Ethical Hacking Introduction

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Articulate the fundamental principles of information security, focusing on the CIA Triad—Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability
  • Identify common threats and vulnerabilities in information systems and understand basic risk management strategies
  • Implement basic security practices, such as strong authentication methods, access controls, and understand the basics of encryption
  • Describe the basics of incident response and digital forensics, including the steps involved and the importance of evidence handling
  • Understand the role of security policies and user education in maintaining organizational security and ensuring compliance

Sample Employee Recruitment Survey

This survey demonstrates how QuikTrip might assess employee readiness and interest for information security training. It serves as a template for recruitment and needs assessment in corporate training programs.

📋 Example assessment tool for corporate training programs • View as a demonstration of recruitment methodology

Strategic Partnership

A Historic First for OSUIT

OSU Polytech and OSUIT are proud to announce a groundbreaking strategic partnership with QuikTrip Corporation—marking the first corporate partnership of its kind in OSUIT history. This initiative provides QuikTrip employees with a 10% tuition discount on select, fully online degree programs, demonstrating our mutual commitment to workforce development and educational excellence.

About OSU Polytech

Oklahoma State University is the state leader in polytech education. Through OSU Polytech, we bring practical, applied learning through innovative STEM-based, industry-aligned academic programs, flexible learning opportunities and real-world learning experience.

OSU Polytech coordinates workforce-driven technical academic programs delivered through OSU's campuses in Oklahoma City, Okmulgee, Stillwater and Tulsa, engaging industry partners across critical sectors including Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Healthcare, and Aerospace.

About OSUIT

Founded in 1946, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is a recognized leader in applied technology education, known for world-class teaching facilities, industry partnerships, and a nearly 90% career placement rate.

OSUIT offers 38 academic degree programs consistent with emerging market trends, partnering with global corporations to develop academic coursework and practical training environments using industry-caliber equipment for seamless classroom-to-career transitions.

Eligible Online Degree Programs

Associate Degrees

Bachelor of Technology - Information Technologies

  • Cyber Incident Response Option
  • Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Option
  • Network Infrastructure Option
  • Software Development Option

Bachelor of Technology

Partnership Benefits

For QuikTrip Employees

  • 10% tuition discount on eligible programs
  • Flexible online learning format
  • Multiple start dates throughout the year
  • Dedicated admissions counselor support
  • Career advancement opportunities

For QuikTrip Corporation

  • Talent development with advanced skills
  • Cost savings on tuition assistance
  • Enhanced employer reputation
  • Increased employee retention
  • Workforce competitiveness

For OSUIT

  • Historic first corporate partnership
  • Expanded university community
  • Industry-aligned program validation
  • Enhanced placement opportunities
  • Strengthened industry relationships

How It Works

1

Verify Eligibility

Current full-time or part-time QuikTrip employees submit employment verification from HR.

2

Apply & Enroll

Work with dedicated admissions counselor to apply for chosen program and complete online orientation.

3

Receive Discount

10% tuition reduction applied throughout program with satisfactory academic progress.

Ready to Get Started?

QuikTrip employees can take the next step in their career development through this exclusive educational partnership.

Learn More About Enrollment

Information Technology Internship Program

Building Tomorrow's IT Leaders

The internship collaboration between QuikTrip Corporation and OSUIT provides students with invaluable real-world experience while offering QuikTrip access to fresh talent equipped with the latest knowledge and skills in the IT field. As internships are embedded as degree requirements in virtually all OSUIT degree programs, this partnership creates a mutually beneficial talent pipeline.

Program Structure

OSUIT internships are comprehensive work experiences for students enrolled in technical disciplines. These semester-long positions combine practical corporate experience with academic requirements.

  • Full semester duration (Fall, Spring, or Summer terms)
  • Students become employees of QuikTrip
  • Academic credit earned toward degree
  • Weekly assignments and reflective reports
  • Comprehensive final presentation required
  • Employer evaluation of skills and performance

Fields of Focus

Internship opportunities align with QuikTrip's IT initiatives and student specializations:

  • Software Development
  • Network Administration
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cyber Incident Response
  • Database Management
  • IT Infrastructure
  • System Administration
  • Business Intelligence & Analytics

Program Benefits

For QuikTrip

  • Access to emerging talent with latest tech skills
  • Cost-effective project resources
  • Fresh perspectives and innovation
  • Pre-qualified recruitment pipeline
  • Reduced hiring time and costs
  • Enhanced corporate social responsibility

For Students

  • Real-world corporate experience
  • Competitive compensation
  • Academic credit toward degree
  • Professional skill development
  • Networking opportunities
  • Potential full-time employment

University Support

  • Candidate screening and selection
  • Pre-internship training workshops
  • Faculty advisor support
  • Performance evaluation systems
  • Ongoing communication facilitation
  • Legal compliance assistance

Candidate Qualifications

Academic Requirements

  • Enrolled in IT or related degree program
  • Strong academic standing (GPA criteria established)
  • Relevant coursework completed
  • Faculty recommendations

Technical Skills

  • Programming language proficiency
  • Database knowledge
  • Network fundamentals
  • Security awareness

Professional Attributes

  • Strong communication skills
  • Team collaboration ability
  • Problem-solving mindset
  • Professional work ethic

Complete Internship Information

📄

IT Internship Information Packet

Download our comprehensive guide containing detailed information about the internship application process, requirements, expectations, and procedures for students and employers.

📥 Download PDF Guide

Program Coordinator

Mark Pranger, MBA

Internship Coordinator
Information Technologies, OSUIT

Contact through OSUIT IT Department

Contact Us

Partnership Programs

Bart Collins, Ph.D.

Director, Polytech Partnerships and Programs

Email: bart.collins@okstate.edu
Phone: (765) 714-0611

Workforce Programs

Brandon Dinsmore

Workforce Programs Specialist, WFED, OSUIT

Email: brandon.dinsmore@okstate.edu
Phone: (918) 293-4983