SUU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Information Assurance Earns State Endorsement Pathway for Utah Educators
Published: August 13, 2026 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Southern Utah University (SUU) is strengthening the state's tech pipeline through a new agreement with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) that streamlines how high school teachers earn professional cybersecurity credentials.
Effective immediately, Utah-licensed educators who complete SUU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity Information Assurance (MS-CSIA) will automatically meet the requirements for the CTE Cybersecurity Professional Endorsement. Previously, teachers were required to navigate a complex six-criterion checklist outlined by the state. This new pathway allows educators to earn their advanced degree while simultaneously qualifying to lead cybersecurity programs in Utah's high schools.
"This is a significant milestone for our community and our state," said Dr. Shalini Kesar, MS-CSIA Director and Professor of Cybersecurity at SUU. "By aligning our graduate coursework with state requirements, we are removing barriers for teachers and creating a robust pipeline for cybersecurity and AI education. This effort started years ago by listening to our students' frustrations and working to turn those challenges into opportunities that put SUU on the radar as a leader in workforce development."
With only 11 educators in the state currently holding a professional cybersecurity endorsement, the need for qualified instructors is critical. By simplifying this process, SUU is directly addressing the cybersecurity skills gap and ensuring Utah students have access to high-quality training in this emerging field.
"I am pleased to recognize Southern Utah University's Master's Degree in Cybersecurity as an approved program to obtain the Utah Cybersecurity Endorsement," said Kristina Yamada, CTE Education Specialist from Utah State Board of Education. "This partnership expands opportunities for educators while strengthening cybersecurity education for students across Utah."
This agreement reinforces SUU's commitment to providing a practical, value-minded education that benefits both the individual student and the broader regional economy. By empowering teachers, SUU is ensuring that the next generation of Utah's workforce is prepared for the challenges of a digital future.
"Our goal is to be a supportive guide for those who are building Utah's future," explained Dr. Kesar. "By becoming a 'pilot' for this kind of collaboration, SUU is proving that a resourceful, community-focused approach can solve real-world workforce shortages."
Learn how SUU's online Master of Science in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance (CSIA) program is providing T-Birds with a valuable resource in the tech world.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu