

Key step in becoming a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSC) program has received Program of Study (POS) validation from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), officially recognizing UVU’s graduate cybersecurity program as meeting national standards for excellence in cyber defense education. The validation is effective through 2030.
“This validation marks an important milestone for our university and our students,” said Dr. Basil Hamdan, Director of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program. “It affirms that UVU’s curriculum, faculty expertise, and student outcomes meet the highest standards set by the NSA and the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. It also positions our program for research and educational collaborations available only to NSA-validated institutions.”
The NSA validation also represents a key step in UVU’s pursuit of full designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), a distinction that highlights institutions dedicated to advancing cybersecurity education and research. UVU’s CAE-CD designation application is underway, with completion expected in 2026.
About the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Program
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSC) program prepares students to advance or launch careers in cybersecurity through a curriculum that combines technical depth with strategic and managerial insight. This two-year, part-time program emphasizes hands-on learning using real-world tools and case-based projects that mirror current cyber defense practices. Students gain the knowledge and experience to pursue leadership and technical roles in both industry and government.
The program is currently offered via livestream and will transition fully online in Fall 2026, expanding access to students and working professionals across the country.
Learn more: Master of Science in Cybersecurity | Utah Valley University
Program Contact:
Julie Marr
Program Advisor
[email protected] | (801) 863-6521