Based on the Cyber Coast in Pensacola, Florida, University of West Florida (UWF) is a driver of economic impact in Northwest Florida and beyond. UWF generates approximately $1 billion in total annual sales across the Florida economy. It is ranked No. 2 for performance among public universities in the state by the Florida Board of Governors.
Since May 2016, UWF has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This designation means UWF has been formally recognized by the U.S. Government for their robust cybersecurity-related programs.
The university currently offers programs for a Bachelors and a Masters in cybersecurity. These programs prepare graduates to be leaders in the protection of data assets and analysis of potential threats to system and networks. The curriculum focuses on the techniques, policies, operational procedures, and technologies that secure and defend the availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation of information and information systems.
The university also established its Center for Cybersecurity to propel innovative cybersecurity solutions locally, nationally, and globally, while supporting the region’s workforce and economic development. The Center provides UWF faculty and students opportunities to engage in a variety of cybersecurity research projects including industrial control systems security, critical infrastructure protection, malware analysis, digital forensics, Internet of Things security, and applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning for cybersecurity. Its "Cybersecurity for All ®" program provides organizations with flexible training programs on cutting-edge topics to enhance cybersecurity readiness.