UT System commits to increasing cybersecurity degrees, certificates and credentials

TYLER — University of Texas System Chancellor James B. Milliken and other education and business leaders were invited to the White House Wednesday to meet with President Biden and members of his cabinet and national security team to discuss how the government, education and private sectors can work together to improve the nation’s cybersecurity, that’s according to a news release from the school. At the meeting, Milliken announced UT institutions will expand existing and develop new short-term credentials in cyber-related fields to diversify and strengthen America’s cybersecurity workforce. In support of this effort, UT San Antonio’s Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII) has planned to upskill and reskill over 1 million workers across the nation by offering entry-level cyber educational programs. The programs will not require a traditional bachelor’s degree and will be provided by a consortium of institutions.

According to the White House, about half-a-million cybersecurity jobs are currently unfilled, while organizations and businesses of all sizes increasingly face sophisticated cyber attacks that cost the U.S. billions of dollars each year.

In addition, UT institutions will double the percent of degrees, certificates and short-term credentials awarded to women by 2030, Milliken said. In 2020, about 19% of the cybersecurity degrees awarded by UT institutions were to women. “We need a larger and more diverse cybersecurity talent pool, and we need it as soon as possible,” Milliken said. “The ability to recruit and retain the best talent is key to maintaining and expanding our national competitive advantage in cybersecurity, and we are eager to strengthen our relationships with the K-12, government, nonprofit and private sectors to better respond to workforce needs and dynamics.”