UO’s cybersecurity program is making strides

Author:

Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points.

http://www.public-domain-image.com The University of Oregon launched the Center for Big Learning on campus, giving UO access to a broad network across the country of computer science research institutions and increasing research opportunities for graduate students at UO. The Center for Big Learning is located on the third floor of Deschutes Hall …

In September 2025, the cybersecurity program at the University of Oregon once again became a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research. This designation is awarded by the National Security Agency to universities that go above and beyond in their research.
Once awarded, the designation lasts for five years and must then be renewed. The CAE-R allows for more recognition of individual programs, chances for funding by NSA and creates a community of all designated schools for collaboration.
On the West Coast, there are currently six other schools besides UO with this designation. The only schools outside of Oregon are the University of California, Santa Cruz, the Naval Postgraduate School, Washington and Washington State.
However, Oregon has the most number of designated schools, with Oregon State University, Portland State University and now UO.
Department of Computer Science Reza Rejaie said that UO has been working closely with OSU and PSU for years. One product of their collaboration is the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, which Rejaie is an associate director of.OCCOE was created through the passing of HB 2049 in the Oregon legislature in June 2023. Since its creation, the center has aimed to “address cybersecurity problems across the state,” according to Rejaie. It also works to provide awareness and educational training to public and private sectors in Oregon.
Beyond its collaborative work, UO boasts a unique program through its academic and outreach initiatives.
The Bachelor of Science degree in cybersecurity was launched in 2023, and in Fall 2026 there will be a master’s program. The master’s program was officially approved by the Board of Trustees last month and will accept applications until May 1.
Rejaie stresses the importance of a solid first class, expressing a desire for “quality over quantity.” With this in mind, he expects the program will be roughly eight to 10 individuals who will participate in one year of classes and then a nine month co-op.
Students in both programs work closely with regional and national industry partners, which can aid with post-graduation job searching.
Rejaie said, “We have created some really unique experimental learning programs in our department,” which helps to set UO apart.
The Cyber Risk Clinic and Teaching Security Operations Center are two examples of programs championed for this cause. The Cyber Risk Clinic helps to provide risk assessments and supports security programs for public sector organizations and communities across Oregon. This gives much needed support to clients in identifying and combating threats. Through these services, students in the program can obtain hands-on experience in the field.
TSOC provides similar services as the Cyber Risk Clinic, however its clientele is targeted at counties, cities and schools. Instead of just helping to identify security risks and provide education, TSOC helps students learn to respond to incidents and monitor systems in real time.
Beyond the offerings for university students, department faculty have worked together to create connections in the local community and across the state.
Dan Carrere, an associate teaching professor in the cybersecurity department, helps to lead both of the primary community outreach programs.One is the Nurturing Inclusive Cybersecurity Education program, which Carrere will instruct to high school teachers for the second time this summer.
NICE provides training for high school teachers, in-school field trips for their students, customized campus tours for aspiring UO students and cybersecurity competitions across Oregon. On-site outreach is provided by Kenneth Nnadi, the program director of NICE.
Carrere will also serve for the third time as an instructor this year for the Cybersecurity Summer Camp offered by UO. The camp will take place July 20 to 24 and is free to all high school students.
Alongside outreach, Carrere explained that the “practitioner approach” of the cybersecurity program is incredibly vital.
The cybersecurity industry is seeing a positive job outlook, with approximately “three million open jobs currently,” according to Carrere. This can be explained in part by the increase of computing devices and embedded systems in society.
Carrere said that after 25 years teaching, and an additional 10 years in the industry, there has been a lot of growth. However, he explained, “There is still a lot of work (to be done), and a need for people.”
With the addition of the master’s program in fall 2026, the cybersecurity program at UO will now be larger than ever. Alongside the CAE-R designation, the program will be continuing important research and development in the upcoming academic year.