UA Little Rock’s cybersecurity program on list of best in the country
June 16-22, 2025
By Angelita Faller
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is continuing to gain a reputation as a leader in cybersecurity education by being highlighted on lists recognizing the most affordable and the best cybersecurity programs in the country.
UA Little Rock was named 13th on the list of Top 25 Best Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Programs for 2025 and was ranked 24th on the list of Top 25 Most Affordable Bachelor’s Programs for 2025. UA Little Rock is the only university from Arkansas to be named on these lists.
“This recognition highlights the excellence of our cybersecurity program and the dedication of our faculty to providing a high-quality education that is both accessible and impactful,” said Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, interim chair of the Department of Computer Science at UA Little Rock. “As cybersecurity threats continue to grow, our program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to address real-world challenges and become leaders in this critical field. We’re proud to be a top choice for students seeking an affordable and exceptional education in cybersecurity.”
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity equips students with the skills to protect sensitive data and thwart cyberattacks, making them invaluable assets in today’s tech-driven landscape.
UA Little Rock launched its bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity in 2022 and currently has about 100 students in the program who are training to take on high-demand industry careers. There are more than 3,050 job openings in cybersecurity in Arkansas, according to CyberSeek.org.
“This recognition is a great milestone, but it’s just the beginning,” said Dr. Philip Huff, assistant professor of cybersecurity at UA Little Rock. “With our first cohort graduating in May, we’re seeing a growing impact on Arkansas’s cybersecurity workforce. Little Rock offers the ideal mix of high-caliber students, industry engagement, military connections, urban diversity, and expert faculty. Beyond our bachelor’s program, we offer certificates in eight specializations to ensure rapid alignment with workforce demands and job placement. UA Little Rock is leading the way in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
The rankings are completed by Cybersecurity Guide, a cybersecurity education website whose mission is to connect tomorrow’s cybersecurity workforce with today’s best educational and professional training options. The rankings are based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics and College Navigator as well as tuition and credit information from university websites.
UA Little Rock received a $750,000 grant in December 2024 through Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education’s HIRED Grant Program to help build the cybersecurity workforce in Arkansas.
To learn more about UA Little Rock’s cybersecurity programs visit their website at ualr.edu.
Photo caption:
UA Little Rock cybersecurity faculty include Dr. Philip Huff, bottom left,
Bill Cox, top left, Dr. Sandra Leiterman, center left, Rebecca Passmore, center right, and Phuong Tran, right.
Photo credit:
Photo by Benjamin Krain.
