The University of Phoenix has unveiled a new cybersecurity pathway designed for working professionals seeking targeted, career-focused training. This pathway features a series of skills-based micro-credentials that allow learners to demonstrate tangible cybersecurity competencies rather than just course completion. Each credential corresponds to EC-Council’s recognized domains, helping participants showcase verified capabilities in the field.

Through its partnership with EC-Council, the University aligns digital badge outcomes with industry-standard competencies, supporting learners in preparing for EC-Council certification exams. While the pathway offers education and skill validation, official certifications remain the purview of EC-Council and require separate exam completion and eligibility criteria.

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“By earning validated cybersecurity skills as they progress, working adults can clearly track and communicate their achievements,” said J.L. Graff, Ed.D., Associate Dean of Information Technology at University of Phoenix. “This pathway transforms coursework into credentials that employers can trust as evidence of real-world ability.”

Wesley Alvarez, Director of Academics at EC-Council, added, “This initiative provides learners with a structured path to align their studies with industry-recognized certifications, serving as a credible indicator of skill readiness for employers evaluating early-career or transitioning cybersecurity talent.”

The pathway is designed with flexibility in mind. Learners can earn stackable badges that track progress through sequential courses, reflecting both knowledge and applied skills. This approach complements the University’s career-oriented methodology, which emphasizes concise, practical courses tied directly to workplace competencies.

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The Ethical Hacker Cybersecurity Pathway is accessible to qualified learners who complete the designated pathway components. Key benefits include:

  • Skills-focused validation: Micro-credentials confirm relevant cybersecurity capabilities aligned with EC-Council domains.
  • Stackable progress tracking: Learners can document their advancement throughout the pathway.
  • Employer-ready signaling: Credentials can be shared with supervisors or hiring managers to highlight verified skills.

The University of Phoenix has earned ongoing recognition for excellence in cybersecurity education, including five consecutive years in the EC-Council Academia Circle of Excellence and the 2024 EC-Council Academic Partner of the Year Award. Its College of Business and Information Technology provides students access to faculty with an average of 33.2 years of professional experience, including directors, IT administrators, executives, and industry leaders.

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