UWF B.S. in Cybersecurity AI specialization approved as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Artificial Intelligence Program of Study

Newswise — The University of West Florida’s new AI specialization in the B.S. in Cybersecurity program has been validated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Artificial Intelligence Program of Study from the National Security Agency through 2030. UWF was the second university across the country to receive this approval and one of only 6 out of the more than 495 NCAE-designated institutions across the nation to receive the new NSA NCAE Cyber AI program approval this year.

“This is another accolade to be added to the cybersecurity program at UWF,” said Dr. Mohamed Khabou, dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. “Being among the first institutions in the U.S. to receive this approval is a testimony to the quality of the program and the great synergy between the Department of Cybersecurity and Information Technology and the Center for Cybersecurity.”

The NSA NCAE Cyber AI Program of Study validation is a new recognition honoring universities that demonstrate excellence in the integration of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity into their programs. The NSA NCAE Program created the new Cyber AI Program of Study validation to address the rapidly growing national need for qualified cybersecurity and AI professionals. UWF offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity degrees and certificates and is part of the inaugural cohort of institutions nationwide to receive the new Cyber AI Program of Study Approval.

“​AI is rapidly transforming the future of work,” said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president and professor at the UWF Center for Cybersecurity. “Universities must adapt to develop an AI-enabled cybersecurity workforce and prepare skilled professionals who can leverage AI and recognize its benefits and risks. UWF is a leader in developing AI for Cybersecurity programs and honored to be among the first in the country to offer an NCAE-approved Cyber AI specialization.”

To achieve this validation, UWF developed a comprehensive program that aligns with NCAE curricular requirements and prepares graduates for careers in AI and cybersecurity. The University also demonstrated that students can successfully complete the program, underscoring UWF’s commitment to producing highly skilled professionals in these critical fields.

For more information about UWF’s bachelor’s in cybersecurity program, visit uwf.edu/cyberdegree.