UTSA cyber security programs ranked No. 1 in nation by security pros

(Feb. 21, 2014) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio cyber security program has been ranked the best in the nation, according to a national survey of certified information technology security professionals. The Ponemon Institute conducted the survey for Hewlett-Packard.
>> Learn more about the ranking in Computerworld.
"UTSA's success in cyber security is based on the exceptional faculty that have built a world class education and research program," said George Perry, dean of the UTSA College of Sciences. "Their efforts are leading the way for excellence as UTSA positions itself to become a Tier One research institution."
UTSA is a recognized leader in the field of infrastructure assurance and security by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The university is one of 58 U.S. institutions to hold the Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research (CAE-R) designation. The CAE-R program in information assurance aims to increase the understanding of robust technologies, policies and practices through research to enable the United States to effectively prevent or respond to a catastrophic cyber event.
UTSA also is a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAE). The CAE program reduces vulnerability in the U.S. information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in information assurance and by supporting a growing number of professionals with information assurance expertise.
Security is one of UTSA's five core research strengths. The university offers top-tier academic programs in security through the College of Sciences, College of Business and College of Engineering to meet the public and private sectors' need for new and highly qualified cyber security professionals.
UTSA also is home to the Institute for Cyber Security, Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security and Center for Education and Research in Information and Infrastructure Assurance and Security. The centers and institutes are focused on solving global security challenges in today's increasingly technological world. They also give UTSA students the opportunity to conduct research alongside some of the nation's most respected faculty members in security.
"Several years ago, UTSA made a strategic decision to invest in the area of cyber security and hire experts in the field from around the nation to conduct research and teach our students," said Mauli Agrawal, UTSA interim vice president for research. "The latest ranking and recognition are yet another validation of the success of this approach."
Hewlett-Packard's ranking was derived from a survey that asked 2,000 certified IT professionals to rank the top five strongest colleges and universities in security from a list of 403 educational institutions. Respondents rated each school's program according to their perceptions of the school's academic rigor, faculty quality, professional reputation and other qualifications.
UTSA is an emerging Tier One research institution specializing in health, energy, security, sustainability, and human and social development. Additionally, it is one of eight U.S. universities ranked among the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old by Times Higher Education.
Events
This spring UTSA is hosting a 30-second film festival on TikTok! Your mission? Create a 30-second video that highlights how you relax with Adobe Creative Cloud. This is your chance to take a break from the world around you make something fun. The top three videos will receive prizes that will help you on your creative journey and the top ten winners will receive free Adobe swag!
Virtual EventAs part of the annual Campus Race to Zero Waste, the Office of Facilities will provide sensitive document shredding services for our UTSA community. You can bring work-related or personal documents. All we ask is for you to shred away to help recycle!
Parking Lot UTSA Student Union and Ximenes Avenue GaradeIn many courses, faculty broach relevant but difficult topics surrounding race, ethnicity, civil rights, and much more with sensitivity and caring—-but this may be especially difficult in an online classroom. In this session, Dr. Shelley Howell will discuss how faculty can create an inclusive classroom environment digitally to allow for conducive conversations for all parties.
Virtual EventGreat discussions continue this spring with Mary McNaughton-Cassill, Professor of Psychology and Donna Edmondson, University Ombuds. They are providing five 30-minute interactive webinars. Topics include bridge building, stigmas, team building, staying engaged at work and our shared experiences.
Virtual EventThe Black Student Union of UTSA presents a panel discussion on Black women in history and the impact of prominent Black women in the Roadrunner Community.
Virtual EventJoin this workshop to explore how this instructor designed and delivered an exemplary course with an innovative design and a student-centered approach. This workshop is focused on the use of virtual labs and interactive content using interactive tools such as PlayPosit and Softchalk for an enhanced learning experience in large classes (more than 400 students).
Virtual EventGreat discussions continue this spring with Mary McNaughton-Cassill, Professor of Psychology and Donna Edmondson, University Ombuds. They are providing five 30-minute interactive webinars. Topics include bridge building, stigmas, team building, staying engaged at work and our shared experiences.
Virtual Event