U of A Bachelor’s in Cyber Operations Earns #1 Ranking Among 400 Cybersecurity Degrees

 
The University of Arizona’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations has been named the nation’s #1 cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program for 2026 by Programs.com, ranked first among 400 undergraduate cybersecurity programs nationwide.

For the College of Information Science, the distinction affirms what students, faculty and industry partners already know: Arizona’s BAS in Cyber Operations is built for the real world.

“Being named the nation’s top cybersecurity bachelor’s program reflects the extraordinary work of our faculty and the dedication of our students,” says Interim Dean Catherine Brooks. “The BAS in Cyber Operations embodies what the College of Information Science does best: pairing rigorous academic preparation with hands-on, operational experience that prepares graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving cyber landscape.”

Programs.com—an organization that provides cybersecurity education and career resources for prospective students—uses a weighted methodology emphasizing four primary criteria: academic quality, affordability, hands-on practice and curriculum relevance. Accessibility factors, including online flexibility and barriers to entry, were also considered. The ranking therefore prioritizes programs that are rigorous, practical and career-ready.

Built for Practice, Not Just Theory

In its review of the Bachelor’s in Cyber Operations, Programs.com highlighted what sets the College of Information Science program apart: the degree’s applied focus.

“The University of Arizona truly stands out for its extremely hands-on cybersecurity education. This is why they offer a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) rather than a typical BS. It’s also why it has earned the rarest CAE designation, the CAE-CO (Cyber Operations). Choosing from tracks in defense and forensics, cyber law and policy, and cyber engineering, you’ll be equipped with the technical expertise to go out and succeed in the real world of cybersecurity.”

That emphasis on application is intentional. The BAS in Cyber Operations is designed to immerse students in technical labs, operational environments and scenario-based exercises that mirror the demands of modern cybersecurity roles. Rather than centering on theory alone, the program prepares graduates to step directly into positions focused on threat detection, cyber defense, digital forensics, cyber engineering and policy.

By tailoring their studies through specialized emphases in Cyber Engineering, Cyber Law and Policy, and Defense and Forensics, students are exposed to technical depth with strategic awareness, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of today’s cyber landscape.

“Cybersecurity is central to the stability of our digital society,” says Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Practice Michael McKisson. “This recognition affirms our commitment to delivering applied, forward-looking education that equips students not only to enter the workforce, but to strengthen and defend the systems our communities depend on.”

An Important National Designation

The program’s elite standing is reinforced by its designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) under the National Security Agency. The U of A also holds designations in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) and Research (CAE-R), making it one of only 11 institutions that hold all three designations.

The CAE-CO designation itself recognizes institutions that meet rigorous standards for preparing students in deeply technical, operations-focused cybersecurity. It signals to employers and federal partners alike that graduates are trained at the highest levels of cyber operations competency.

Flexible Pathways, Career-Ready Outcomes

Offered both on campus and online, the program reflects the college’s broader commitment to accessibility and workforce alignment. Programs.com notes that while out-of-state, in-person tuition may present financial considerations for some students, the online format offers a flexible pathway to the same career-ready training.

That dual-delivery model allows students to gain hands-on experience without sacrificing rigor. Online learners engage in the same applied labs and practical exercises that define the program’s reputation.

Leading in a High-Stakes Field

Cybersecurity is no longer a niche discipline. It underpins national security, financial systems, healthcare infrastructure and the digital lives of billions. As threats grow more sophisticated, so too must the education that prepares the next generation of cyber professionals.

By earning the #1 ranking in the nation, the University of Arizona’s BAS in Cyber Operations demonstrates the essential components of an interdisciplinary information science education: applied, immersive learning; industry-aligned curriculum; and technical excellence with real-world impact.

For students seeking a degree that moves beyond theory and into operational readiness, the message is clear: at Arizona, cyber education isn’t just about understanding systems. It’s about defending them.
  

Learn more about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations.