University of Phoenix has introduced a new cybersecurity digital badge pathway aimed at working adults seeking practical cybersecurity training. The pathway consists of a series of skills-based micro-credentials that recognize the completion of specific University of Phoenix courses. These badges verify skills aligned with EC-Council competency domains, allowing learners to demonstrate their abilities beyond simply listing courses taken.
The initiative is part of the university’s educational alliance with EC-Council. Digital badge outcomes are mapped to EC-Council’s competency areas to help prepare learners for industry-recognized certification exams. However, the university clarified that professional certifications are only awarded by EC-Council, and candidates must meet the council’s separate exam and eligibility requirements.
“Earning validated cybersecurity skills as they learn, helps working adults visualize and highlight their progress,” said J.L. Graff, Ed.D., Associate Dean of Information Technology at University of Phoenix. “This pathway turns coursework into a shareable, verifiable credential that signals real-world capability.”
Wesley Alvarez, Director of Academics at EC-Council, commented, “This collaboration gives learners a clear path to align their coursework with EC-Council industry recognized certification. It’s a meaningful indicator of skill readiness for employers evaluating early-career and career-transition cybersecurity talent.”
The pathway is designed to be flexible and relevant, with stackable badges that enable learners to earn and share proof of progress as they move through the program. The experience is intended to complement the university’s career-focused approach to learning and assessment, featuring short courses that are mapped to skills needed in the field.
The cybersecurity Ethical Hacker Pathway is available for eligible learners who complete the required components.
University of Phoenix has been recognized for its cybersecurity programs, having received the EC-Council’s Academia Circle of Excellence Award for five consecutive years and the 2024 Academic Partner of the Year Award from EC-Council. The College of Business and Information Technology provides students with access to faculty who have an average of 33.2 years of professional experience, including directors, presidents, IT/system administrators, and c-suite officers.
More information about University of Phoenix’s College of Business and Information Technology cybersecurity programs can be found on their website.
