The University of West Florida has added a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity this fall, enhancing its nationally designated program, making it the first university in Florida to offer a a with a Center for Academic Excellence designation from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
UWF previously offered a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Sciences with a specialization in Cybersecurity. In its first year in 2015, 21 students pursued the cybersecurity specialization. Now, approximately 180 students have declared cybersecurity as their major, making it one of the fastest growing programs at UWF.
“This is another significant step taken by the college in its role as a leader in cybersecurity education,” said Dr. Jaromy Kuhl, interim dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. “To offer a B.S. in Cybersecurity, especially one with the Center for Academic Excellence designation, ensures we will produce talented cybersecurity professionals to fill the critical workforce shortage.â€
The bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity, housed in the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, will emphasize secure computer programming and foundational knowledge, skills and abilities for cybersecurity. The program will create new synergies for students and faculty across UWF to engage in research and prepare students to become future cybersecurity leaders. Faculty and students from various departments will be able to collaborate on joint projects to solve complex security problems that leverage individual expertise.
“UWF’s bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity addresses the nation’s growing need for graduates with cybersecurity skills that can build secure systems, protect data assets and defend against network and system attack,†said Dr. Thomas Reichherzer, chair of the Department of Computer Science. “The degree program will allow students to launch their careers as cyber professionals.â€
For more information, visit uwf.edu/cyberdegree.