For over 50 years at UCF, we have strived to produce the science and engineering talent required to meet the technological needs of the United States. UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is committed to providing educational opportunities that promote the innovation and real-world experience our students need to contribute significantly to the advancement of state-of-the-art in Cyber Defense knowledge.
Central Florida is designated by the state as the National Center for modeling and simulation. The National Center for Simulation, is headquartered in the Central Florida Research Park, at UCF’s Vicinity. The Central Florida Research Park is home to the world’s largest cluster for computer simulation and modeling. NCS is part of the “Team Orlando” partnership between military organizations, the modeling and simulation industry, and academic institutions working together to leverage resources and contribute to the overall security of the United States. UCF’s Research Park also houses the Institute for Simulation and Training, an internationally recognized research institute that focuses on advancing human-centered modeling and simulation technology and increasing our understanding of simulation’s role in training and education. UCF has established an Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE), housed in the College of Sciences (Political Science Department). The Center is funded by a grant from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The IC CAE’s main goal is to prepare students, by enhancing critical skills and knowledge deemed essential by the intelligence community, for careers in national security and intelligence.
At UCF, we have a strong history of producing graduates who have a distinct focus on technology and national cybersecurity. Besides the program of study for this CAE-CD designation, Department of Computer Science also provides Master’s Degree in Cyber Security and Privacy and Master’s Degree in Digital Forensics. In addition, we have established two graduate certificates focusing on other aspects of cybersecurity: Cyber Risk Management Graduate Certificate administered by Department of Management, and Modeling and Simulation of Behavioral Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate administered by School of Modeling Simulation and Training. UCF Cyber Defense team has consistently won national championship in the well-known National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2021, respectively. We strongly believe the work that our faculty and administration are doing has consistently impacted the advancement of cybersecurity and cyber defense education by promoting cyber competitions; providing state-of-the-art laboratory environments; delivering world-class cyber education; enabling industry collaboration and community outreach; and by creating an overall culture of winning together.
The establishment of UCF’s Cybersecurity Center since 2016, under the auspices of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, will strengthen the above educational and research activities in our institution, related to cyber, and further contribute to the continued excellent training of the future US cyber workforce.