About Us

Overview

Cybersecurity is increasingly vital as more and more people are connected by the internet, businesses rely more heavily on cloud-based and big-data services and government officials face more web-based attacks related to terrorism, espionage or other areas of national security. The danger is growing exponentially as the world becomes more web-dependent.

Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer-based equipment, information and services from unintended or unauthorized access, change or destruction.

USF offers multiple options designed to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, including several master's programs, graduate certificates, and industry-recognized certifications.

The University of South Florida has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity (CAE IA/Cybersecurity). This academic recognition program is co-sponsored by the National Security Agency and Homeland Security. CAE designations confirm USF’s programs have passed rigorous curriculum and program requirements.

• CAE-CD: The Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation indicates USF is helping reduce threats to the country’s infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense.
  
  Granting the CAE-CD also recognizes USF’s role in providing the nation with a pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals.

• CAE-R: The Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research designation indicates  USF’s programs increase the understanding of robust cyber defense technology, policy, and practices that will enable the United States to prevent and respond to a catastrophic event.
  
  The NCAE grants this designation only to Department of Defense schools, military academies with doctoral programs, and regionally accredited PhD-granting universities.