I love the way of life in Colorado.

I love the way of life in Colorado. Riley | Denver, CO

RILEY, WE Love LIFE IN COLORADO, TOO.

That’s why we’re protecting all Coloradans’ way of life (and the nation’s) by training the next generation of Army Cyber Rangers.

Campus Location

Colorado Springs Colorado Springs
ROTC Cadets receive training through UCCS to become Cyber Rangers
External Link CU Campuses Collaborate to Train the Next Generation of Cyber Rangers Learn More About Cyber Security at UCCS

With a $2 million grant from the VICEROY program, UCCS, CU Boulder, and CU Denver are collaborating to establish a CU-wide virtual center aimed at training ROTC Cadets as Cyber Rangers for next-generation cyber operations.  

Led by Dr. Shouhuai Xu, Gallogly Chair Professor in Cybersecurity at UCCS, the project will leverage the CU Cyber Range—a cyber environment partially funded by a CU Next project—where students can engage in realistic cyber-attacks and defenses. The initiative will integrate innovative courses, as well as existing degree and certificate programs, to advance and modernize cyber operations education and training. Each year 40 fellows will be recruited to the program from ROTC cadet and civilian applicants across the three CU campuses.  

Program Details

Funded by the Griffiss Institute, the Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) Program aims to enhance students' job-ready cybersecurity skills. The program aligns with VICEROY’s mission to complement traditional curricula with hands-on, experimental learning, preparing students for careers in the Armed Services, Department of Defense, and the Defense Industrial Base.

Fellowship and Research Opportunities

Fellows in the program will participate in tailored cyber operations research projects to further strengthen their skills and have the chance to complete summer internships arranged by the Griffiss Institute. “This project allows us to tailor research projects to match the cadets’ or students’ career goals, interests, and skillsets, providing advanced training in problem-solving and critical cyber operational capabilities,” said Xu.

The team aims to promote diversity by recruiting fellows from underrepresented groups and strengthen collaborations with the Department of Defense, including Space Force, USCYBERCOM, USSPACECOM, and the Air Force Research Lab. “We will leverage this project to become a national leader in training Cyber Rangers or elite cyber operators,” said Xu.

Learn more about Cybersecurity Programs at UCCS.