The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will offer a new four-year cybersecurity degree in the Fall 2021 semester.
The bachelor of science in cybersecurity will prepare students for careers protecting the privacy of individuals, the security of society’s infrastructure and national security. The university said graduates will be prepared for positions in high-demand fields, including security architect, digital forensics analyst, security systems administrator, and security analyst.
“The Department of Computer Science has been actively involved in research and teaching in cybersecurity and information assurance for about 10 years,” said Albert Baker, interim chair of the department, in a news release. “The addition of a B.S. in cybersecurity is an exciting evolution of the department's commitment to this aspect of national security. We are coordinating with the Arkansas Department of Education, representatives from Arkansas military contingents, and area industry leaders in the development of this program. Graduates of this program will be protecting all aspects of our digital lives.”
“Cybersecurity is a part of the daily lives of corporations, governments, and, now with many working from home, a part of our home lives,” said Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology. “Our outstanding faculty are able to provide cutting edge classes and equip the cybersecurity professionals of the future.”
Philip Huff, assistant professor of computer science and coordinator of the cybersecurity program, added that studies have shown there will be a need for millions of cybersecurity professionals around the world.
Students in the program will have the opportunity to work in the UA Little Rock Cyber Gym, a state-of-the-art, cloud-based lab that provides a scalable, accessible, and an almost no-cost cybersecurity curriculum for high school students in Arkansas.
In addition, UA Little Rock has partnered with the Forge Institute to create workforce development and research opportunities as well as to provide internship opportunities for college students.
