UH Cybersecurity Programs Rank Among the Nation’s Best

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs offer Strong Real-World Training

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The University of Houston's cybersecurity programs are ranked among the best in the nation. Photo: Getty Images

Cybersecurity programs at the University of Houston ranked near the top in a new ranking of the nation’s best cybersecurity schools.

The UH College of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems with technical electives in security, and a Master of Science in information system security through its Department of Information and Logistics Technology. Undergraduate and graduate degrees offered by the Department of Computer Science in the UH College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics also cover security issues, and a number of faculty are engaged in cybersecurity-related research. 

UH was ranked No. 13 among Best Cybersecurity Colleges for 2018 by CyberDegrees.org, which launched in 2013 and offers a comprehensive guide to cybersecurity education and careers for students and professionals.

“Cybercrime is more prevalent than ever as hackers find new ways to make money off of stolen information,” said Arthur Conklin, associate professor of Information and Logistics Technology and director of the Center for Information Security Research and Education. “Not every cyberattack can be prevented, so the focus has to be on creating systems that can recover quickly after a breach.”

All of the ranked universities have been designated by the National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. UH received the designation for its academic programs in 2007 and earned the research designation in 2015.

Purdue University was ranked No 1, followed by Georgia Tech at No. 2.

Anthony P. Ambler, dean of the College of Technology, said the ranking recognizes the strong real-world training offered to both undergraduate and graduate students through the programs.

“Our students learn both the critical thinking skills and the practical problem-solving techniques required for the professional world, along with an emphasis on the ethics needed in the field," Ambler said.

CyberDegrees.org said the rankings are intended to serve as a jumping-off point for students researching reputable schools that take cybersecurity seriously.

“The rankings factor in many of the important considerations students should make before choosing a program, including NSA (Center of Academic Excellence) designations and student completions,” said Matt Gardner, website manager for the company. “They also note quality indicators such as subject-matter expertise of faculty, institutional research, partnerships with major companies, student funding and more."