Add Utah Tech University to the growing list of Utah schools expanding its cybersecurity offerings to meet the global demands of digital security.
The St. George-based polytechnic institution has launched a new Bachelor of Science degree in cybersecurity, as well as certificate programs in cybersecurity and cyber supervisory control and data acquisition.
The expanded cyber opportunities are designed to place more Utahns in the growing field of cybersecurity.
Jobs for cybersecurity/information security analysts are projected to grow 33% over the coming decade — much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor.
And it’s a high-paying field. In 2024, the median annual wage for information security analysts was almost $125,000.
“As digital threats are becoming more commonplace, so is the need to respond and mitigate those threats. Also, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is outpacing supply,” said Joe Francom, chair of the Computing Department, in a UT report.
“I am excited to offer students a hands-on, applied focus to learning cybersecurity to help prepare them to thrive in the workforce.”
Given the global demand for cybersecurity specialists in both private and government sectors, it’s little surprise that Utah’s public higher education institutions are hustling to meet the demands.
Several schools are offering degrees and/or certificates in the growing field — including Utah Valley University, Weber State University, Southern Utah University, Utah State University, Western Governors University, Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah.
Cybersecurity — a ‘Talent Ready Utah’ priority
UT’s cybersecurity Bachelor of Science program will offer new coursework in areas such as ethical hacking, cloud security, cyber law and infrastructure defense, according to the university.
The UT program anticipates enrolling 35 students by its third year.
Meanwhile, UT’s Cyber-SCADA certificate will focus on protecting critical infrastructure, such as power plants, water systems, and manufacturing facilities and systems increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
The program, according to the university, will draw on industry input and incorporate hands-on labs using real-world SCADA technologies and tools.
As part of Talent Ready Utah, the state awarded Utah Tech more than $300,000 in initial and ongoing funding for both initiatives. The funding supports faculty hiring, curriculum development, marketing and equipment acquisition to launch the programs.
“The growing demand for cybersecurity talent makes programs like these essential,” Aaron Davis, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, said in the UT release.
“We’re grateful to Talent Ready Utah for funding this high-impact initiative, which allows us to prepare students for critical, high-paying careers that protect infrastructure, businesses and communities.”
Two new faculty members are joining UT’s computing department as part of the cybersecurity expansion.
Utah and the Intermountain West are becoming home to legions of high-paying cybersecurity job opportunities in tech security companies such as South Jordan’s Strider Technologies.
UT’s Cyber-SCADA certificate and cybersecurity degree, according to UT, will offer students stackable credentials, career-focused pathways and access to potential internships and industry collaboration.
UVU’s Center for National Security Studies
Utah higher education’s commitment to cybersecurity education is reflected by Utah Valley University’s Center for National Security Studies.
Established in 2016, the Center for National Security Studies has grown to include several hundred students, offering UVU students hands-on technical training in subjects such as national security, intelligence and emerging platforms such as artificial intelligence.
But the center’s instruction stretches beyond information technology. Degree-seeking students are also educated in cyber ethics, history, civil liberties and international law. They’re also discovering teamwork’s essential role in almost all aspects of national security.
Despite being relatively new, UVU’s Center for National Security Studies has become one of the country’s premier national security programs — vaulting graduates into a wide range of high-demand security careers in the public and private sectors and academia.
Given cybersecurity’s ever-changing profile, the center’s curriculum is always being updated in real time. There are no 20-year-old national security textbooks on the shelves.
The center’s day-to-day challenge is to mold national security students into national security practitioners. Its growing alumni community also offers essential networking and mentoring opportunities.