Florida’s Cyber Coast®
Defend your Future
At the University of West Florida, we’re building the next generation of cyber defenders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to combat ever-evolving threats. If you're ready to future-proof your career, or safeguard the world's digital infrastructure, there's only one destination: the Cyber Coast™.
Leading in Cybersecurity
The UWF Center for Cybersecurity, a globally recognized National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, is the engine of the Cyber Coast. Together with the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering Department of Cybersecurity and Information Technology, UWF provides critical skills training, offers expert counsel to organizations locally and nationally, and drives innovation through cutting-edge research.
As home to Florida’s first ABET-accredited cybersecurity academic programs and a CAE-CD-designated curriculum, the Department of Cybersecurity and Information Technology delivers a rigorous, industry-aligned education that prepares graduates to protect municipalities and organizations against cybercrime.
Led by world-class experts, our combined efforts aren’t just observing the digital landscape — we are actively shaping its resilience.
Explore the Cyber Coast
The UWF Center for Cybersecurity is a powerhouse of innovation and influence. Recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, the center provides critical skills training, cybersecurity counsel to local and national organizations, and cutting-edge research.
The University of West Florida leads the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program, CyberSkills2Work®, a nationally scalable and sustainable cybersecurity workforce program to rapidly expand the number of qualified cybersecurity professionals.
The Department of Cybersecurity and Information Technology in the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering offers coursework towards academic degrees and certificates using computer programming, database administration and security, and network infrastructure support.
Cybersecurity Professionals Are In Demand
Employment in the field is projected to grow 29% from 2024-20341.
Job Titles
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Forensics Specialist
- Applications Programmer
- Network and System Administrator
- Database Administrator
- Software Consultant
Employers
- Department of Homeland Security
- National Security Agency
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- Northrop Grumman
- Target
- IBM
- Booze Allen Hamilton
1Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Academic Pathways in Cybersecurity
Build the foundation for academic success with UWF Department of Cybersecurity and Information Technology programs taught by expert faculty.
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program provides up-to-date, industry-aligned curriculum and hands-on experience for students.
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree prepares graduates to be leaders in the protection of data assets and analysis of potential threats to systems and networks.
Complete the online Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree program on a schedule that works for you by taking synchronous (real-time) courses.
Pursue the skills needed for a security analyst, security architect, or information security manager career pathway with the Cybersecurity Undergraduate Certificate.
The online Cyber Technologies Undergraduate Certificate will prepare you for the popular industrial CompTIA Security+ certificate.
Learn crucial cybersecurity skills with the online Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate for career success or to smoothly transfer coursework into the Cybersecurity M.S. degree.
ABET Accreditation
The UWF B.S. in Cybersecurity is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.
ABET is the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology and is among the most respected accreditation organizations in the United States.
ABET accreditation is assurance that a program meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
Details about this effort can be found on the Department of Cybersecurity and Information Technology's ABET Accreditation page.
National Leader, Global Impact
The UWF professionals on the Cyber Coast are renowned leaders in cybersecurity innovation and research. Our programs produce skilled employees ready to take on digital frontiers.
Learn More About the Florida Cyber Coast
We are building the next generation of digital defenders here on the Cyber Coast. Learn more about our academic programs, cybersecurity training opportunities and workforce development programs for your organization.