News Summary
The University of New Orleans has received a $105,804 grant to develop an advanced cybersecurity certificate program aimed at training future cybersecurity professionals. Spearheaded by computer science professor James Wagner, the program includes pilot courses on web security and network penetration testing, held in a secure cyber range. The initiative supports students and professionals looking to enhance their cybersecurity skills, aligning with existing academic offerings and contributing to workforce development in Louisiana.
New Orleans – The University of New Orleans (UNO) has secured a $105,804 grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents to develop an advanced cybersecurity certificate program. The funding, effective until June 30, 2026, will allow the university to design cutting-edge training courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of cybersecurity professionals.
This initiative is spearheaded by James Wagner, a professor of computer science who serves as the principal investigator for the project. The grant will facilitate the formation of two pilot courses: one focused on web security and the other on network penetration testing. Each course will be implemented in a one-week format consisting of 40 hours of comprehensive instruction.
The program aims to offer specialized professional training in a format that aligns with UNO’s existing academic cyber curriculum. Participants will include both traditional students pursuing degrees and working professionals seeking to enhance their skills in cybersecurity.
Training will take place in a dedicated “cyber range”, a secure, private cloud environment designed to provide advanced hands-on instruction. This setting will allow participants to gain practical experience, a crucial aspect of learning in the cybersecurity field. During the initial phase, the program is expected to support a cohort of 20 students.
Feedback from previous students indicates that they prefer a paced learning environment, which is more conducive to skill acquisition than traditional lecture formats. Following the pilot courses, a second phase is planned to introduce additional advanced topics, including malware reverse engineering, digital forensics and incident response, and SCADA security.
The program is designed with financial sustainability in mind, anticipating the generation of revenue through professional fees, even with relatively small class sizes. This innovative educational path connects seamlessly with UNO’s existing undergraduate and graduate offerings in computer science and cybersecurity, enabling students to progress towards a master’s degree in cybersecurity and operations.
The University of New Orleans, founded in 1958, is a public research institution that serves as a cornerstone of higher education in Louisiana. Currently, over 7,000 students are enrolled across various undergraduate and graduate disciplines. Recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral University with High Research Activity, UNO contributes over $470 million annually to the Louisiana economy and remains a vital source of skilled graduates entering the workforce.
With its campus located along the picturesque shores of Lake Pontchartrain, UNO serves not only as an academic hub but also as a cultural resource for the community. The establishment of the advanced cybersecurity certificate program further underscores the university’s commitment to equipping students and the workforce with the necessary tools to navigate the growing field of cybersecurity.
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- Wikipedia: Cybersecurity
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cyberattack
- New Orleans City Business: Rule of 1 Percent Cybersecurity IT
- Google Search: Cybersecurity Trends
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
