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University of Phoenix and EC-Council Launch Cybersecurity Pathway for Working Professionals
New skills-based program offers stackable credentials aligned with industry-recognized EC-Council competencies, bridging the gap between education and in-demand cybersecurity roles.
University of Phoenix has unveiled a new cybersecurity pathway designed to equip working adults with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. The program, developed in collaboration with EC-Council, focuses on skills-based learning and offers stackable digital badges that validate competencies aligned with EC-Council certification domains.
The pathway addresses a critical need for skilled cybersecurity professionals,offering a flexible and verifiable way for individuals to demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers. According to a senior official at University of Phoenix, “Earning validated cybersecurity skills as they learn helps working adults visualize and highlight their progress. This pathway turns coursework into a shareable,verifiable credential that signals real-world capability.”
The collaboration with EC-Council ensures that the program’s outcomes are mapped to industry-recognized standards, supporting planning for professional certification exams. While University of Phoenix provides the educational foundation and skills verification, the certifications themselves are awarded directly by EC-Council upon successful completion of their separate exam and eligibility requirements.
The program’s structure emphasizes practical application and relevance. Stackable badges allow learners to document their progress and share their achievements as they advance through the pathway. This approach complements the University’s existing career-focused learning model, which features short, manageable courses mapped to specific, in-demand skills. The initial offering focuses on the Ethical Hacker Pathway, with additional pathways planned for the future.
Key benefits for Working Adults
- Skills-first validation: Earn micro-credentials verifying career-relevant cybersecurity capabilities aligned to EC-council domains.
- Stackable progress: Document momentum throughout a sequenced learning pathway.
- Employer-ready signaling: Share credentials with managers to showcase industry-aligned skills.
University of Phoenix has a demonstrated history of excellence in cybersecurity education, having received the EC-Council’s Academia Circle of Excellence Award for five consecutive years, culminating in the 2024 Academic Partner of the Year Award.The University’s College of Business and Information Technology boasts a faculty with an average of 33.2 years of professional experience,including a notable number of leaders in the field – 313 directors,172 presidents,69 IT/System Administrators,and 94 C-suite officers.
“This collaboration gives learners a clear path to align their coursework with EC-Council industry recognized certification,” stated a representative from EC-Council. “It’s a meaningful indicator of skill readiness for employers evaluating early-career and career-transition cybersecurity talent.”
EC-Council itself is a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity education and certification, trusted by organizations including seven of the Fortune 10, 47 of the Fortune 100, the Department of Defense, and NATO. the company’s programs have reached 140 countries, setting a high standard for cybersecurity training.
University of Phoenix continues to innovate in higher education, focusing on providing flexible and relevant learning opportunities for working adults. The university’s commitment extends beyond coursework with a “Career Services for Life®” commitment to support students’ long-term career aspirations.
