By Alex Greenwood,
                                                									April 11, 2024
                                             
                                             
                                              
                                              
                                             
                                             
                                             The University of Central Missouri has earned two top-10 distinctions in Cybersecurity
                                                Guide's 2024 rankings, being awarded the  and the . These distinctions highlight UCM’s prominence and its success in surpassing many
                                                historically top-tier institutions in the cybersecurity domain.
                                             
                                              
                                             
                                             
                                                
                                                “At the University of Central Missouri, our forward-thinking approach ensures that
                                                   our curriculum not only meets but anticipates the demands of an increasingly digital
                                                   world,” said Dr. Belinda Copus, chair of the UCM Department of Computer Science and
                                                   Cybersecurity. “This recognition by Cybersecurity Guide affirms that we are not just
                                                   keeping pace but setting the standard in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity
                                                   experts."
                                                
                                             
                                              comprehensive evaluation is based on rigorous criteria, including the program's alignment
                                                with the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity, graduation and retention
                                                rates, admission standards and affordability.
                                             
                                              
                                             
                                             The Master of Science in Cybersecurity curriculum at UCM is the result of the collaborative
                                                efforts of faculty members who possess a broad range of expertise in academic research
                                                and industry, covering the full spectrum of career opportunities in cybersecurity.
                                                Most faculty members at UCM have obtained one or more SANS GIAC (SysAdmin, Audit,
                                                Network and Security) (Global Information Assurance Certifications) certifications,
                                                underscoring their expertise and commitment to excellence in the field.
                                             
                                              
                                             
                                             The program is designed to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional
                                                students, offering flexible learning options that include both on-campus and online
                                                formats. Since 2022, the University of Central Missouri's Cybersecurity department
                                                has been acknowledged as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
                                                The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency sponsor this
                                                prestigious designation.
                                             
                                              
                                             
                                             For more information about the University of Central Missouri's cybersecurity programs
                                                and their recent rankings, please visit the UCM Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity webpage.