The Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center
TxCR works in conjunction with the Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center to offer and manage programs, classes, awards, and certifications. Program access is overseen by the Center and may be subject to enrollment or eligibility requirements.
Industry Academies
Funded by the Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center and facilitated through the Texas A&M Cybersecurity Club, these academies provide hands-on learning opportunities led by student activity groups. Each academy offers guided instruction, curated resources, and, when available, certification exam vouchers to help students earn industry-recognized credentials and gain foundational technical experience.
Red Hat Academy: Fundamentals of Linux Administration
Learn the essentials of Linux system administration through Red Hat's industry-aligned curriculum. Students gain experience with command-line tools, system configuration, and basic shell scripting—skills foundational to any cybersecurity or IT role.
Cisco Networking Academy: Fundamentals of Networking
Explore the core concepts of networking including routing, switching, and IP addressing. This academy provides a practical introduction to the hardware and software that form the backbone of digital communication systems.
Palo Alto Cybersecurity Academy: Fundamentals of Network Security
Develop a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, including network defense, firewall configuration, and security monitoring using Palo Alto Networks technologies. This academy prepares students for real-world defensive operations.
AWS Academy: Fundamentals of Cloud
Gain hands-on experience with core AWS services and cloud concepts including compute, storage, and networking. Students learn the fundamentals of cloud infrastructure and scalable architectures used across industry environments.
Online Courses
Our online courses allow students to explore cybersecurity fundamentals and advanced topics at their own pace. These courses are designed to complement academy learning, reinforce key technical skills, and prepare participants for globally recognized certifications.
CompTIA Security+
Covers essential cybersecurity concepts including network threats, risk management, and security architecture. Ideal for students beginning their cybersecurity journey.
CompTIA CySA+
Focuses on threat detection, data analysis, and incident response. Perfect for those looking to strengthen their defensive security and analytical skills.
CompTIA Network+
Teaches core networking principles such as configuration, troubleshooting, and network infrastructure management. Recommended for students seeking a strong technical foundation.
CompTIA PenTest+
Builds proficiency in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. TxCR team members gain hands-on experience identifying and mitigating security weaknesses across systems and networks.
Hosted Courses
Cybersecurity courses taught by faculty, preparing students for careers in security operations, research, and leadership, supported by TxCR Infrastructure.
Unix System Administration Practices (ITSV 303)
Hands-on exploration of Unix-based operating systems with emphasis on command-line proficiency, shell scripting, file system management, and system configuration. Students gain practical experience managing and securing Unix environments used across enterprise and research settings.
Computer and Network Security (CSCE 465)
Explore the architecture, protocols, and mechanisms used to secure computer networks. Students learn how to identify vulnerabilities, design secure communication systems, and implement cryptographic protections across distributed environments.
Special Topics in Cybersecurity (CSCE 489 SPTP)
Advanced cybersecurity topics including offensive security techniques, threat modeling, and real-world attack simulations. Students engage in hands-on labs focused on penetration testing, exploit development, and red team methodologies within controlled environments.
Advanced Network Systems and Security (ESET 415)
Covers enterprise network architecture, advanced routing and switching, network segmentation, and defense-in-depth strategies. Students design and implement secure network infrastructures that support organizational security objectives.
Cybersecurity Policy, Issues and Operations (PSAA 608/CYBR 661)
Examines the intersection of cybersecurity technology, governance, and national security policy. Students analyze risk frameworks, regulatory compliance, and operational decision-making for protecting critical infrastructure and information systems.
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity (CYBR 201/CSCE 201)
An introduction to core cybersecurity concepts spanning threat analysis, risk management, and ethical considerations. The course emphasizes security principles, policies, and the interdisciplinary nature of protecting information systems.
Student Recognition
Annual awards presented by the Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center recognize exceptional leadership, innovation, and technical excellence across the university's cybersecurity community. These honors celebrate students who have made significant contributions through the Cybersecurity Club, Women in Cybersecurity, and Cybersecurity Center programs.
Will Tatum '24
Alexander Eade '25
James Pate Technical Excellence Award
Presented to the most technically exceptional student contributing to Texas A&M's cybersecurity programs. This award honors those who demonstrate deep technical expertise, innovation, and a commitment to advancing security research and education.
Jonathan Saenz Leadership Award
Awarded to the student who demonstrates outstanding leadership, mentorship, and commitment to advancing cybersecurity initiatives on campus. This honor recognizes individuals who exemplify collaboration, initiative, and service across the Texas A&M cybersecurity ecosystem.
Dakota Linnabery '24
Noah Mustoe '25
Leadership & Development Programs
Beyond courses and certifications, the Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center offers professional development pathways that prepare students for leadership and advanced research in cybersecurity. These programs connect academic excellence with experiential learning, mentorship, and national-level engagement.
Cyber Leader Development Program (CLDP)
A multi-year leadership initiative that combines military-style discipline, professional ethics, and technical skill development. Participants engage in mentorship, service projects, and applied cybersecurity training to prepare for leadership roles in both government and private sectors.
VICEROY Program
The Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) program provides defense-focused cybersecurity education and workforce training. Students gain hands-on experience with tools and frameworks used in national security, preparing them for careers in defense and research agencies.
Graduate Cybersecurity Programs
The Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center supports graduate-level education through interdisciplinary master's and doctoral programs. Students work with faculty across engineering, computer science, and policy disciplines to conduct advanced research that strengthens national cyber resilience.
Building Together
Community Operations encompasses student-led initiatives that document, support, and grow the Texas Cyber Range ecosystem. From blog posts to contributor programs, these efforts showcase the collaborative spirit that drives innovation at TxCR.
The Ranger Post
TxCR's OFFICIAL BLOG
Exploring the Future of Cybersecurity
The Ranger Post is TxCR's storytelling hub, a publication where engineering meets reflection. It's built to document the ongoing evolution of the Texas Cyber Range through the voices of the team members who power it. Every article captures a snapshot of what it's like to build, secure, and innovate inside one of the most advanced academic cyber environments in the country.
Here, technical deep dives meet personal insight. Posts range from walkthroughs of new automation tools and VM deployments to reflections on leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Together, they form a living archive of TxCR's progress, a place to learn from experiments, celebrate milestones, and share knowledge with the broader cybersecurity community.
Student Projects
Deep dives into innovative tools, automations, and systems developed by TxCR engineers.
Competition Highlights
Recaps and insights from Capture the Flag challenges, red-blue exercises, and cybersecurity competitions.
Technical Tutorials
Hands-on guides and walkthroughs explaining tools, configurations, and development workflows used across TxCR.
Research & Reflections
Experiments, findings, and personal insights from both student and faculty-led research initiatives.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
From certifications to leadership programs, the Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center offers pathways that help you grow as a cybersecurity professional. TxCR exists to power those opportunities--providing the infrastructure, virtual environments, and hands-on platforms that make learning and research possible.