UIC Business and Zscaler Partner to Advance Cybersecurity Education
Building Career-Ready Cybersecurity Talent
Building Career-Ready Cybersecurity Talent
UIC Business is proud to announce a growing partnership with Zscaler, the global leader in Zero Trust security, that is redefining how students prepare for cybersecurity careers. Through Zscaler’s Cyber Academy, UIC students are gaining hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications, and direct exposure to enterprise-level security practices. Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, requiring professionals who can do more than understand theoretical models—they must apply real-world skills with confidence and technical depth. The Zscaler–UIC collaboration delivers precisely this blend of learning and practice.
Through this partnership, students benefit from:
- Certification vouchers at little to no cost, enabling them to pursue industry-recognized credentials.
- Zero Trust training, including the Zero Trust Certified Associate (ZTCA) and Zero Trust Certified Deployment Administrator (ZTDA) pathways.
- Hands-on labs and real-world scenarios using Zscaler’s enterprise platform.
- Internship opportunities with Zscaler and its partner network.
These opportunities empower students to build competencies that align with employer expectations and position them for success in a rapidly expanding cybersecurity field.
Integrating Zero Trust Training Into the Classroom
A cornerstone of the collaboration is the integration of Zscaler’s training modules into the IDS course Enterprise Information, Infrastructure Planning & Security, taught by Adjunct Lecturer Mustafa Mohammed (MBA, MS). Students work directly within Zscaler’s environment, completing guided labs and scenario-based exercises that simulate challenges faced by security teams worldwide.
Incorporating Zero Trust concepts into the curriculum provides students with direct exposure to a security framework that organizations worldwide are rapidly adopting. By navigating real Zscaler environments, students learn how modern enterprises protect users, applications, and data, gaining skills that translate immediately to internship and job opportunities.
“Students don’t just learn cybersecurity—they practice it.”
—Adjunct Lecturer Mustafa Mohammed
This embedded learning model ensures students move beyond conceptual understanding—gaining the applied skills required to contribute meaningfully in professional cybersecurity roles.
Student Success & Our Shared Vision for the Future
The first UIC Business cohort to complete Zscaler’s Zero Trust training has set a powerful example of how industry-integrated learning elevates student preparation. This fall, the group earned their ZTCA and ZTDA certifications—a significant step toward becoming future-ready cybersecurity professionals. Congratulations to the inaugural cohort, whose dedication and accomplishments lay a strong foundation for those who will follow.
As members of Zscaler’s academic alliance team note, “Together, we’re bridging academia and industry to create future-ready cybersecurity professionals.”
The milestone is supported by the dedication of the Zscaler Cyber Academy, including Abhir Naik, Global Head of Academic Alliances, and Veronica Sande, Senior Academic Alliance Program Specialist. UIC Business also extends appreciation to Professor Ali Tafti, head of the Department of Information and Decision Sciences, for his guidance and leadership in supporting this collaboration.
This achievement highlights the importance of combining industry expertise with academic innovation. UIC Business looks forward to expanding this partnership with Zscaler, creating new pathways for students to earn high-impact credentials, build career-ready skills, and contribute to securing the digital world.