ABOUT UAT
University of Advancing Technology is an elite, private college that serves its student body by fostering knowledge creation and academic excellence in an environment that embraces the young technophiles of the world. With three centers of research and a suite of technology-centered undergraduate and graduate degrees, the University is a recognized leader in technology education.
UAT’s (University of Advancing Technology) Summer 2026 continued with summer camp traditions with our first annual STEM camp for high school students at out campus in Tempe, AZ.
The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) welcomed student STEM leaders from across Arizona to campus July 11–12 for the Arizona Chief Science Officers (CSO) Summer Cabinet Meeting, a leadership event that empowers students to shape the future of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in their schools and communities.
The Chief Science Officers program is made up of students in grades 6–12 who are elected by their peers to serve as STEM ambassadors and leaders. Throughout their time as Chief Science Officers, students develop workforce and employability skills, collaborate with STEM professionals, and design action plans that inspire innovation and increase STEM engagement in their schools and local communities.
As part of the Summer Leadership Institute, students gathered at UAT to strengthen their leadership abilities, connect with fellow STEM advocates, and collaborate on initiatives that will positively impact their schools and local communities. The experience also provided opportunities to engage with educators, industry professionals, and higher education partners who share a commitment to expanding STEM education and career pathways.
One of the highlights of the weekend was UAT's annual Bridge Building Challenge, a tradition that has become a favorite activity during the Chief Science Officers Leadership Institute. Working in teams, students designed and constructed handmade bridges under a time limit before putting their engineering skills to the test. The challenge encouraged creativity, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork while demonstrating how engineering principles come to life through hands-on learning.
Chief Science Officers champion STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) by encouraging greater interest and participation among their peers. They serve as a bridge between schools, industry, universities, and community organizations, helping create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that build awareness of STEM careers and develop essential workforce skills.
Working together as a statewide Chief Science Officers Cabinet, these student leaders tackle challenges affecting STEM education and engagement at the local, state, and national levels. Through collaboration, advocacy, and service, they help shape a future where innovation is more accessible and inclusive for all students.
This commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators reflects UAT’s continued dedication to STEM education and community engagement — a mission recently recognized with the Community Partner Award at the 2026 STEMMYs, honoring organizations that make a meaningful impact in advancing STEM opportunities across Arizona
Schedule a tour to see UAT firsthand or if you're ready, apply for admissions here.
Wondering what it's really like to attend University of Advancing Technology (UAT)? We've compiled the most common questions our Admissions Advisors hear from prospective students and families. In this FAQ, UAT Senior Admissions Advisor Dayanara Rubio Sandoval, shares expert answers about academics, campus life, technology degrees, and what to expect as you explore your college options. Whether you're just starting your college search or comparing tech universities, you'll find trusted insights to help you make an informed decision.
Can I take classes online or hybrid?
Yes! You can complete your degree fully online. If you're local to campus, you also have the option to attend online while coming to campus as needed for certain activities, events, or to use campus resources.
How flexible are class schedules?
Our class schedules are designed to be flexible for students balancing work and other responsibilities. While we do our best to accommodate your schedule, course availability each semester may impact the specific days and times your classes are offered.
Can I work while attending UAT?
Absolutely! Many of our students work while earning their degree. Our flexible course formats help students balance school, work, and personal commitments.
Do you support transfer students?
Yes! We welcome transfer students and will evaluate your previously earned college credits to determine what may transfer into your degree program.
Does my UAT degree say "online" if I attend classes online?
No. Your diploma does not indicate whether you completed your degree online or on campus. It reflects the degree you earned, regardless of the course delivery format.
Does UAT provide computers for online students?
No. UAT does not provide computers for online students. Students are responsible for having a computer that meets the technical requirements for their program.
How are classes hands-on if they're online?
Even in the online format, UAT courses are highly hands-on and project-based. Instead of simply reading textbooks or watching lectures, you'll complete real-world assignments, labs, coding projects, designs, simulations, research, and portfolio-building work using industry-standard software and tools. You'll collaborate with classmates, receive feedback from faculty, and build practical skills that prepare you for your future career.
Have more questions? Connect with a UAT Admissions Advisor, schedule a campus tour, and explore the technology degree that's right for you.
UAT’s (University of Advancing Technology) Summer 2026 continued with summer camp traditions with our first annual STEM camp for high school students at out campus in Tempe, AZ.
For one exciting week, the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) welcomed 20 high school students from across the country to campus for the 2026 UAT STEM Camp. From July 6–10, campers immersed themselves in emerging technologies, explored potential career paths, and experienced college life by living in UAT's residence halls throughout the week.
Unlike traditional summer camps, UAT STEM Camp gives students the opportunity to learn by building. Through hands-on projects, collaborative challenges, and guidance from UAT faculty and staff, campers gained practical experience in some of today's most in-demand technology fields.
Throughout the week, campers worked on expanded projects, giving them the opportunity to explore, create, and discover new interests through hands-on learning. Here's a look at what they accomplished with the help of UAT's camp partner, GenTech:
Throughout the week, students explored a variety of STEM disciplines, including:
Campers worked together to solve technical challenges, develop creative solutions, and gain confidence using the same tools and technologies found in university classrooms and today's technology workforce. Whether writing their first lines of code or learning how cybersecurity professionals protect digital systems, every student left with new skills and a deeper understanding of technology.
One of the highlights of UAT STEM Camp is giving students an authentic taste of college life. Throughout the week, campers lived in UAT's residence halls, enjoyed meals together in the UAT Café, and experienced the balance of academics and campus life that defines the university experience.
Learning didn't end when classes wrapped up each day. Campers relaxed together during a movie night in UAT's theater, put their gaming skills to the test in an exciting eSports competition, and cooled off with a snow cone social that gave everyone a chance to unwind, connect, and build lasting friendships.
For many students, it was their first opportunity to live on a college campus. By the end of the week, they left with more than new technical skills—they gained confidence, independence, lifelong friendships, and a firsthand look at what life as a UAT student can be like. The week culminated in a graduation where all campers received a certificate of "campletion" along with custom UAT camp shirts.
The success of this year's UAT STEM Camp reflects the growing enthusiasm among students for immersive technology education. As campers returned home with new skills, new friendships, and greater confidence, many also left inspired to continue exploring careers in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development, and other emerging technologies.
UAT looks forward to welcoming the next generation of innovators back to campus for future STEM camp experiences, where curiosity becomes creativity and ideas becuat amome innovation. Stay tuned for updates for camp in 2027 and potentially Fall 2026.
Schedule a tour to see UAT firsthand or if you're ready, apply for admissions here.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly become one of the most influential technologies of our time. From helping businesses automate tasks to powering creative tools and advancing healthcare, AI is changing the way we live, work and solve complex problems. National AI Appreciation Day is an opportunity to recognize these innovations while celebrating the people developing the next generation of AI technologies.
As University of Advancing Technology (UAT) Professor Tony Hinton explains on UAT's Tech Respect podcast, AI may seem like it appeared overnight, but its roots stretch back decades.
"We thought, 'Oh, this is about to take off.'... Then it really doesn't go anywhere for at least a decade."
While AI experienced several periods of slower progress—often referred to as "AI winters"—today's advancements have brought the technology into the hands of billions of people around the world.
Although artificial intelligence has existed for decades, its widespread adoption accelerated when conversational AI became accessible to the public.
According to Hinton:
"The chat part, where you could have a conversation with it... that was the piece that turned everything around."
The result was one of the fastest-growing technology launches in history. Today, AI is integrated into everyday tools used by students, businesses and professionals across nearly every industry.
Many people interact with AI every day without even realizing it. Examples include:
As AI becomes more common, it's also important to understand what it can—and cannot—do.
One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that it will suddenly replace every job.
Hinton offers a more balanced perspective:
"AI is not going to hire you or fire you. AI really doesn't care either way."
Instead, he believes AI is transforming the workforce by increasing demand for technical talent.
"It's just going to be more technical, not less technical. So your technical skills are going to be more valuable than ever."
Rather than replacing people, AI is creating opportunities for those who understand how to build, manage and improve intelligent systems.
Using AI tools is only one part of becoming AI-literate. Understanding how AI works behind the scenes is what prepares future technology leaders.
As Hinton explains about his approach to teaching:
"We learn to build our own models. We learn to use open-source models... We focus on full control."
By learning how AI models are created, customized and deployed, students gain practical skills that extend beyond simply writing prompts.
Looking ahead, Hinton is especially excited about the rise of Agentic AI—systems that can independently complete tasks, conduct research and interact with other software tools.
While these advancements create exciting possibilities, they also introduce new challenges surrounding cybersecurity, privacy and responsible AI development.
As with any transformative technology, innovation must be paired with thoughtful design and ethical decision-making.
National AI Appreciation Day is about more than celebrating technology—it's about recognizing the innovators, researchers, educators and students shaping its future.
Artificial intelligence will continue to evolve, opening doors to new careers, solving complex problems and changing the way industries operate. By learning how AI works and developing the technical skills to build the next generation of intelligent systems, today's students can help define what comes next.
As Professor Hinton puts it:
"The more technical you get, the safer your job is."
There's never been a better time to appreciate AI—and to be part of creating its future.
Curious about the future of Artificial Intelligence? Explore how UAT's AI-focused degree programs prepare students to build, innovate and lead in tomorrow's technology-driven world.
UAT’s (University of Advancing Technology) Summer 2026 camps kicked off with the Future Innovators camp welcoming a group of young K-8 learners.
Now entering its second inaugural year, the Future Innovators Day Camp is a highly selective, cohort experience designed for K–8 students who are ready to explore technology in a hands-on, age-appropriate way.
This flexible, day-only camp allows UAT faculty and mentors to tailor activities based on participant age groups, ensuring every student is challenged, supported, and inspired throughout the week.
What Students Will Explore
Throughout the week, campers experienced a different area of technology each day, giving them the opportunity to explore, create, and discover new interests through hands-on learning. Here's a look at what they accomplished with the help of UAT's camp partner, GenTech:
With small group sizes, students receive personalized attention while developing confidence, curiosity, and foundational STEM skills — all inside a university environment built for innovation. Not only did the campers get a taste of their future college experience, they embarked on some wind down time playing videos games, air hockey, basketball and even an art exercise.
This is more than a camp — it’s a preview of what’s possible.
The excitement of Future Innovators 2026 may be over, but we're already looking ahead to an even bigger experience in 2027. If you have a student in grades K–8 who loves to build, create, explore, and discover new technology, UAT's Future Innovators Camp is the perfect place to spark that passion.
Interested in Future Innovators 2027? Stay tuned for registration details and be among the first to secure your camper's spot for next summer.
Already graduated? Learn more about how you can join UAT, schedule a tour or visit University of Advancing Technology.
Go to college, sit through the lectures, take the tests and trust that it all clicks into place somewhere down the line. It's the path most people are handed, and for plenty of careers, it works exactly as advertised.
Teach yourself everything online at 2 a.m. with seventeen tabs open, three half-finished tutorials and one mild identity crisis. Also a respectable effort. Also, as anyone who has tried it knows, a good way to end up further from the answer than when you started.
Build it.
Break it.
Fix it.
Prove what you can do.
At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), Plan C is not the fallback you reach for when the other two let you down. It is the whole point.
Students here do not just read about technology and hope the knowledge holds until it is needed. They work with it, test it, get it wrong, and make it better, because in technology, understanding something in theory and being able to build it are two very different skills.
Only one of them shows up in a portfolio.
Technology does not sit still.
Tools get replaced. Software updates. Platforms rise and fade. The framework everyone swears by this year can be quietly outdated the next.
A student who only memorizes today's steps is holding a map to a city that is already being rebuilt.
What holds its value is the ability to think through a problem, adapt when things change, and keep going when the first attempt does not work. That is the real skill underneath any specific tool.
It is also the difference employers can see.
Anyone can list the courses they took. Far fewer can point to something they built, explain the decisions behind it, and walk through what they would do differently next time. That kind of proof is hard to fake and hard to ignore.
The traditional path often tells students to pick a major, take the classes, collect the degree, and then figure out how to prove themselves after graduation.
For technology students, that order can be risky.
The issue is not the degree — it is waiting too long to build the proof behind it. A transcript shows what someone studied.
A transcript shows what someone studied. Project work shows what they can actually do when a problem does not behave the way the textbook promised. The students who are best prepared are often the ones who start building that proof long before they need it.
Self-teaching matters. Tutorials, forums, and documentation are useful, and the instinct to figure something out independently is valuable in any technology field.
But learning tech entirely alone gets messy quickly.
One tutorial is three versions out of date. The next assumes you already understand ten things nobody explained. The interface on your screen looks nothing like the one in the video, and now you are debugging your morale as well as the code.
Brilliant. Very relaxing.
What is often missing is structure and feedback.
Students need room to attempt something, get it wrong, understand why it went wrong, and try again with better information. At UAT, that loop is built into how learning happens. Failure is not treated as the end of the work. It is treated as data.
Students experiment, break things, iterate, and build the kind of technical confidence that only comes from getting stuck and working their way out.
This is where UAT moves from describing technology to doing the work.
Students are pushed beyond simply completing assignments. They build things that work, test ideas, solve problems, and learn to explain the choices they made along the way.
One example is the Student Innovation Project, known on campus as SIP.
SIP is not a final paper with a nice cover page. Every year it produces dozens of working prototypes — from a game that simulates the autism experience to a robotic butterfly built to comfort hospice patients. Students identify a real problem, develop an original idea to address it, and build something that has to survive contact with reality, not just sound good in a proposal.
A concept can be talked up in a sentence. A prototype either works or it does not. Figuring out why is where the learning happens.
It is one thing to say you understand a system. It is another to have built one, watched it fail, found out why, fixed it, and explained the whole process with confidence.
The strongest proof a student can offer usually starts with three words:
I made this.
Not just "I took the class," but:
Here is what I built.
Here is what I learned.
Here is how I solved the problem when it did not cooperate.
That sentence carries weight in a portfolio, in an interview, and in a student's own confidence.
Technical confidence does not come from pretending the work is easy. It comes from doing hard things, getting stuck, and discovering you can figure them out anyway.
That belief has to be earned one project at a time.
Students should also leave with projects, prototypes, feedback, hands-on experience, and proof of what they can do. That is what turns learning into readiness.
That is Plan C.
Hands-on technology education is a learning approach where students apply what they are studying by building, testing, and improving real projects. The goal is skills students can demonstrate, not just describe.
UAT is built around technology-centered, project-based learning. Students learn by doing the work, getting feedback from faculty who know the field, and producing projects that show what they are capable of.
The Student Innovation Project, or SIP, is a UAT experience where students identify a real problem, develop an original idea to solve it, and build a working prototype.
Technology changes constantly, and memorized steps can age quickly. Project-based learning helps students build durable skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, communication, and technical execution.
Yes. Students build work they can put in a portfolio and discuss in interviews as evidence of what they can do.
Your future in tech should come with more than a list of classes. It should come with projects, prototypes, feedback, and proof of what you can actually do.
At UAT, students build, test, and prove their skills through hands-on, project-based technology education.
Explore UAT Degree Programs →
Navigating college can come with a lot of questions — and that’s where Student Services comes in. The team at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is committed to helping students succeed academically, personally, and professionally throughout their time at UAT. In this Q&A blog, we asked Ashley Fuentes, Assistant Director of Student Services, about the resources they offer, the challenges students commonly face, and their best advice for making the most of the college experience.
How diverse is the campus?
UAT develops technologists capable of creating valued solutions by creating opportunities that train, promote, and nurture working in diverse high-performance teams. Learning at UAT focuses on establishing trust while leveraging the unique attributes, abilities, differences, and perspectives of all participants. This approach cultivates respect, inclusion, dignity, and equity, valuing each team member’s unique contribution to the team and stimulates teams to work in harmony toward common goals and outcomes.
Can I work while attending?
Of course! We encourage students who have a job to notify their professors as well as their advisors so that we can support in building a schedule that is conducive to a student’s work schedule. We celebrate a work/life balance and understand that could mean competing priorities. With the right time management strategy, there should be no issue in balancing work and school.
What support exists for students?
UAT offers a variety of support options. Student’s have access to free tutoring, specific to various subject matters, program support specialists that support the faculty, as well as accessible and available faculty members. In addition, each student is assigned a specific Student Services Advisor to meet with regularly for discussion on time management, faculty communication and to celebrate the student progression. Finally, active UAT students have access to free 24-hour telephonic counseling services, which allow them to meet with licensed professional counselors for any mental health needs.
What tutoring resources are available?
We have free tutoring available for active students in a variety of subjects. The tutors are active UAT students who have been through the courses, know the faculty and can provide guidance and advice on the best way to navigate course work.
What happens if I struggle academically?
We know that education can be a journey and the courses are not meant to be easy so academic struggles may happen, but we offer many ways to get help for any challenges. The tutors and faculty should always be the first line of defense. If need be, students can re-take courses or even work with their Student Services Advisor for support options like alternative courses to meet the same requirements. Every situation is different and every student is unique so while there is no “one size fits all” approach, communication is key to finding success and UAT will always offer a helping hand.
Interested in joining the UAT community? Learn more about becoming a student at University of Advancing Technology.
Innovation drives progress across every industry. From artificial intelligence and advanced robotics to smart infrastructure and digital platforms, organizations rely on forward-thinking professionals who can identify emerging technologies and turn ideas into practical solutions. The Technology Innovation Master’s Degree at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) prepares students to explore new technologies, develop innovative solutions and guide organizations through technological change. This graduate degree blends creativity, technical knowledge and strategic thinking to help professionals identify opportunities for innovation in an increasingly digital world. Students gain the tools needed to evaluate emerging technologies, develop new concepts and transform ideas into solutions that solve real-world challenges.
Technology evolves rapidly, and organizations that fail to innovate risk falling behind. The ability to identify disruptive technologies and understand their potential applications has become a valuable skill across industries.
UAT’s Technology Innovation Master’s degree focuses on helping students analyze emerging technologies and understand how they can be applied to real-world problems. Through research, collaboration and applied projects, students explore how technological breakthroughs can shape the future of business, communication and global infrastructure.
Areas of study may include:
These topics help students understand how innovative technologies move from concept to implementation.
Innovation is more than creativity—it requires the ability to transform concepts into functional technologies and scalable solutions. Professionals working in innovation-focused roles must evaluate feasibility, design prototypes and guide ideas through development.
In UAT’s graduate program, students learn how to move ideas through the innovation lifecycle. They explore methods for evaluating opportunities, designing solutions and developing strategic plans for implementation.
Graduate students develop the ability to:
This process-focused approach helps students understand how innovation moves from early experimentation to real-world impact.
Innovation thrives when creative thinking meets technical expertise. UAT’s Technology Innovation Master’s degree encourages students to explore interdisciplinary ideas and develop forward-looking technology solutions.
Through hands-on projects, research and collaborative problem solving, students examine real-world challenges and explore how emerging technologies can address them. These experiences help students build the confidence to experiment with new ideas, test solutions and refine concepts that could shape the future of technology.
Students gain experience working through the innovation process while developing the strategic mindset needed to guide organizations through technological change.
Organizations across industries need professionals who can anticipate technological change and guide innovation initiatives. A master’s degree in technology innovation prepares graduates to work in roles focused on research, strategy and emerging technology development.
Common career paths include:
Professionals in these roles help organizations evaluate new technologies, develop forward-thinking strategies and create solutions that address future challenges.
What is a Technology Innovation Master’s degree?
A Technology Innovation Master’s degree focuses on identifying emerging technologies, developing innovative solutions and guiding organizations through technological change.
Who should pursue a Technology Innovation Master’s degree?
This degree is ideal for professionals in technology, engineering, business or entrepreneurship who want to work in innovation, research or emerging technology strategy.
What skills are learned in a technology innovation program?
Students develop skills in emerging technology analysis, innovation strategy, creative problem solving, technology development and digital transformation planning.
How does technology innovation impact businesses?
Technology innovation helps organizations stay competitive by identifying new opportunities, improving processes and creating products or services that solve evolving challenges.
What careers involve technology innovation?
Careers include innovation strategist, emerging technology analyst, product manager, digital transformation leader and research and development manager.
Explore emerging technologies and turn ideas into impact with UAT’s Technology Innovation Master’s Degree. Apply now or learn more about the program today.
The video game industry continues to expand rapidly, creating new opportunities for professionals who understand both the creative and technical sides of game development. While many professionals begin their careers working on specific areas of development—such as programming, art or design—the industry also needs leaders who can guide projects from concept to launch. The Game Production and Management Master’s Degree at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) prepares students to lead development teams, manage production pipelines and oversee the creation of complex game projects. This graduate degree focuses on the organizational, technical and leadership skills required to guide game development across multidisciplinary teams. By combining project management strategies with game industry knowledge, students learn how to turn creative concepts into finished, playable experiences.
Successful games require more than creativity and technical skill. Behind every game is a structured development process involving producers, project managers and team leaders who keep production on track.
UAT’s Game Production and Management Master’s degree explores how game projects move from early concepts to final release. Students learn about production planning, resource management, development pipelines and studio operations.
Areas of study may include:
These topics help students understand how successful game studios organize development teams and deliver complex projects on schedule.
Game development is one of the most collaborative fields in technology. Artists, programmers, designers, writers and audio engineers must work together to create cohesive interactive experiences.
Professionals working in game production roles help coordinate these teams, manage communication and ensure that development milestones are met. UAT’s master’s program prepares students to take on these leadership responsibilities.
Students develop skills in managing multidisciplinary teams, balancing creative goals with technical constraints and maintaining production timelines throughout the development cycle. By learning how different development disciplines interact, graduates gain the ability to guide projects effectively from pre-production through launch.
Managing a game project requires strong organizational skills and a deep understanding of the game development process. At UAT, graduate students explore real-world production challenges while learning how to manage complex development environments.
Through applied coursework and project-based learning, students analyze production pipelines, development tools and collaboration strategies used by modern game studios. They also learn how to navigate common production challenges such as shifting timelines, scope changes and coordination across multiple development disciplines.
This practical experience helps students understand the realities of managing game development teams while maintaining the creative vision of a project.
As the gaming industry grows, so does the demand for experienced professionals who can lead development teams and manage large-scale projects. A master’s degree in game production and management can help professionals transition into leadership roles within game studios or interactive media companies.
Common career paths include:
Professionals in these roles help guide development teams, coordinate production timelines and ensure that games are delivered on schedule and within scope.
What is a Game Production and Management Master’s degree?
A Game Production and Management Master’s degree focuses on the leadership, project management and organizational skills needed to guide video game development teams and oversee production pipelines.
Who should pursue a Game Production and Management Master’s degree?
This degree is ideal for game developers, designers, artists or technical professionals who want to move into production, leadership or studio management roles within the gaming industry.
What skills do game producers need?
Game producers need strong communication, project management and leadership skills, as well as an understanding of development pipelines, team collaboration and production scheduling.
How does game production differ from game design?
Game design focuses on gameplay mechanics, storytelling and player experience, while game production focuses on managing development teams, timelines, budgets and the overall production process.
Can a master’s degree help advance a career in the gaming industry?
Yes. A graduate degree can help professionals develop leadership and management skills that are valuable for producer, director and studio leadership roles.
The gaming industry needs professionals who can bring creative ideas to life while managing the complex process of building modern games. The Game Production and Management Master’s Degree at University of Advancing Technology prepares students to lead development teams, manage production pipelines and guide successful game projects.
Apply now or learn more about UAT’s Game Production and Management Master’s Degree and take the next step toward leadership in the gaming industry.
Last week, University of Advancing Technology (UAT) once again partnered with the FBI Phoenix Field Office this summer to host the FBI Cyber Academy, marking the second consecutive year the university has welcomed Arizona high school students for an immersive cybersecurity and digital forensics experience.
Held on UAT’s Tempe campus, the weeklong academy gave students a rare behind-the-scenes look into the world of cybercrime investigations and federal law enforcement. Participants worked directly with FBI special agents, cyber specialists, intelligence analysts, and evidence technicians while learning how digital investigations unfold in real-world cases.
Unlike a traditional summer camp, the FBI Cyber Academy placed students in the role of investigators from day one. Teams analyzed digital evidence, tracked online activity, conducted mock interviews, and reconstructed a criminal case using forensic techniques and investigative tools commonly used in cybersecurity and law enforcement fields. The experience culminated in a courtroom-style presentation before a real U.S. Attorney, where students argued whether their findings supported an indictment.
Students also lived on campus inFounder’s Hall during the academy, allowing them to experience college life while building teamwork and leadership skills alongside peers from across Arizona. UAT faculty and student mentors played a key role throughout the week, helping guide participants through technical exercises and demonstrating how cybersecurity education translates into real career opportunities.
The continued partnership between the FBI and UAT reflects Arizona’s growing emphasis on cybersecurity workforce development and hands-on STEM education. Following the success of the inaugural academy last year, the program has continued to expand opportunities for students interested in cyber defense, ethical hacking, and digital forensics careers.
As a designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, UAT has continued to strengthen its reputation as one of Arizona’s leading cybersecurity universities. The institution also supports academy graduates through the FBI Phoenix Cyber Academy Scholarship, helping students continue their education in cybersecurity and related technology fields.
The program’s impact and growing importance in Arizona’s cybersecurity ecosystem were recently highlighted by 12News, which featured the FBI Cyber Academy hosted on campus for the second consecutive year. The coverage spotlighted how students engaged directly with FBI professionals, worked through a mock criminal investigation, and presented their findings in a simulated courtroom—underscoring the academy’s role in building real-world cyber skills through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. See more below:
UAT is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA).—giving you a proven foundation to build your career.
👉 Check out our Cyber Security degrees. Apply now or schedule a campus tour to see where your cyber journey begins.
Software powers nearly every modern technology—from mobile apps and cloud platforms to artificial intelligence systems and enterprise infrastructure. As the complexity of software systems continues to grow, organizations need experienced developers who can design scalable solutions, manage development teams and build reliable applications. The Software Engineering Master’s Degree at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) prepares professionals to move beyond entry-level development and into advanced engineering, architecture and leadership roles. This graduate program focuses on building deeper expertise in software design, system architecture and modern development practices. By combining technical mastery with real-world development challenges, students learn how to create robust, scalable software systems that power the digital economy.
Modern software development requires more than just writing code. Engineers must design systems that are scalable, secure, maintainable and capable of supporting millions of users and connected devices.
UAT’s Software Engineering Master’s degree helps students expand their technical capabilities while exploring the engineering principles behind large-scale software systems. Students learn how to analyze complex software challenges, build efficient architectures and implement development strategies used by modern technology organizations.
Areas of study may include:
These topics help graduate students develop the technical depth required to design and manage sophisticated software systems.
Many software developers begin their careers focused on coding and application development. As their experience grows, opportunities often emerge to lead development teams, design system architectures or oversee large software projects.
A master’s degree in software engineering helps professionals expand their expertise beyond coding into areas like technical leadership, architecture design and development strategy.
Graduate students learn how to:
These leadership-focused skills help developers grow into roles that influence how software systems are built and managed.
Software engineering requires practical experience and strong problem-solving abilities. UAT’s graduate degrees emphasize applied learning so students can work through real-world development challenges. Through advanced coursework and hands-on projects, students explore scalable software architecture, cloud and distributed systems development, secure coding practices and application security, as well as modern DevOps and continuous integration workflows. This practical experience helps students understand how modern development teams collaborate, test, deploy and maintain complex software systems, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to real-world engineering environments.
Software engineering remains one of the most in-demand technology careers worldwide. Organizations across industries rely on skilled engineers to design, build and maintain the software systems that drive modern business.
A master’s degree can help professionals qualify for advanced technical or leadership roles in software development.
Common career paths include:
These roles allow professionals to guide software development projects, design system architecture and influence how technology solutions are built.
What is a Software Engineering Master’s degree?
A Software Engineering Master’s degree focuses on advanced software design, architecture, development processes and engineering practices used to build complex software systems.
Who should pursue a Software Engineering Master’s degree?
This degree is ideal for software developers, programmers and IT professionals who want to deepen their development expertise or move into advanced engineering roles.
What skills are taught in a software engineering graduate program?
Students learn advanced programming concepts, software architecture, secure coding practices, DevOps workflows, testing strategies and system design principles.
Is a master’s degree helpful for software developers?
A master’s degree can help developers qualify for senior engineering roles, architecture positions and leadership opportunities in software development teams.
What industries hire software engineering graduates?
Software engineers work in nearly every industry including technology, finance, healthcare, gaming, cybersecurity, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
As technology continues to evolve, organizations need highly skilled engineers who can design reliable, scalable and secure software systems. The Software Engineering Master’s Degree at University of Advancing Technology helps professionals expand their development expertise while preparing for advanced engineering and leadership roles.
Apply now or learn more about UAT’s Software Engineering Master’s Degree and start building the future of software today.
Each year on June 23, International Women in Engineering Day celebrates the women who are driving innovation and shaping the future through technology. At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), we're proud to recognize Advancing Computer Science (ACS) Professor Rae Crusoe for her dedication to educating and inspiring the next generation of tech professionals.
Crusoe's passion for technology began more than 20 years ago while studying Computer Information Systems. After volunteering to reverse engineer a Perl-based website, she taught herself how to build websites and databases through independent research and hands-on experimentation. She later earned a Master's degree in Information Management and went on to build a successful career developing and maintaining ASP.NET websites across the banking, financial services, economic and nonprofit sectors.
Today, she brings that real-world experience into the classroom, helping students develop the technical skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity needed to succeed in today's technology-driven world. Through hands-on projects and practical learning experiences, she encourages students to tackle complex challenges with confidence.
"She can masterfully explain aspects of the subject and does so with apparent ease." said a student in one of Professor Crusoe's Spring 2026 classes.
International Women in Engineering Day also highlights the value of diverse perspectives in engineering and technology. As an educator and mentor, Crusoe serves as a role model for students pursuing careers in STEM, demonstrating the impact women continue to make across the industry.
Throughout her career, she has taught courses covering topics such as JavaScript, Python, databases, e-commerce, web analytics and Photoshop, helping students build both technical expertise and confidence in their abilities.
When asked, one student in her CSC211 class said "Professor Crusoe is incredibly intelligent and clearly a subject matter expert in MySQL. She is also very kind, thoughtful, and genuinely listens to her students. Her combination of expertise and compassion makes her an exceptional educator."
At UAT, students learn from faculty who bring industry knowledge and passion into the classroom. Crusoe's commitment to student success helps prepare graduates to innovate, lead and make meaningful contributions to the technology field.
This International Women in Engineering Day, we celebrate Professor Rae Crusoe and her contributions to the UAT community, as well as the countless women helping shape the future of engineering and technology.
Ready to build the future through technology? Explore UAT's degree offerings and discover where your passion for innovation can take you.
Technology is at the center of nearly every modern organization, and the need for leaders who understand both technology and business strategy continues to grow. The Technology Leadership Master’s Degree at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is designed for professionals who want to move beyond technical roles and into positions where they can guide innovation, manage teams and shape the future of technology within organizations.
This graduate degree helps students develop the strategic thinking, leadership skills and technological expertise needed to oversee complex technology initiatives. By combining leadership theory with practical application, students learn how to manage innovation, guide digital transformation and lead technical teams in a rapidly evolving industry.
Technology leaders must do more than understand systems and infrastructure—they must also make strategic decisions that impact business growth, operational efficiency and long-term innovation.
UAT’s Technology Leadership Master’s degree focuses on developing professionals who can bridge the gap between technology teams and executive leadership. Students gain the tools needed to evaluate new technologies, implement organizational strategies and manage large-scale technical initiatives.
Key areas of study often include:
By combining technical awareness with leadership development, students are prepared to guide organizations through technological change.
Many professionals begin their careers in technical fields such as IT, cybersecurity, software development or network engineering. As their careers progress, they often find themselves leading projects, mentoring teams or contributing to strategic planning.
A Technology Leadership Master’s degree helps professionals transition into these larger leadership roles by strengthening decision-making, management and innovation skills.
Graduate students learn how to:
These skills help professionals become influential leaders capable of shaping the direction of technology within their organizations.
Technology leadership requires both strategic thinking and practical execution. UAT’s graduate degree emphasizes real-world problem solving and applied learning so students can immediately apply leadership strategies within their careers.
Students gain experience analyzing case studies, developing strategic plans and evaluating real-world technology challenges faced by modern organizations.
These competencies help graduates guide organizations through complex digital transformations and technological innovation.
As organizations become more reliant on digital systems, the demand for leaders who understand technology strategy continues to grow. A master’s degree in Technology Leadership helps professionals prepare for high-level roles where they can guide innovation and oversee technical teams.
Potential career paths include:
Professionals in these roles help organizations adopt new technologies, improve operational efficiency and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
What is a Technology Leadership Master’s degree?
A Technology Leadership Master’s degree focuses on preparing professionals to lead technology teams, manage innovation and align technology strategies with business goals.
Who should pursue a Technology Leadership Master’s degree?
This degree is ideal for professionals working in IT, cybersecurity, software development or other technical fields who want to move into leadership or management roles.
What skills do technology leaders need?
Technology leaders need a combination of technical knowledge, leadership ability, strategic thinking, project management skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas across organizations.
Can a Technology Leadership degree help with career advancement?
Yes. Many professionals pursue a master’s degree in technology leadership to qualify for higher-level positions such as IT director, CTO or technology program manager.
How does technology leadership impact organizations?
Technology leaders help organizations adopt new technologies, improve operational efficiency, guide digital transformation and ensure technology investments align with long-term business strategies.
Technology is shaping every industry, and organizations need leaders who understand how to guide innovation and manage complex digital systems. The Technology Leadership Master’s Degree at University of Advancing Technology prepares professionals to lead technology initiatives, manage teams and drive strategic innovation.
Apply now or learn more about UAT’s Technology Leadership Master’s Degree and start leading the future of technology today.
Cybersecurity threats are evolving faster than ever. From ransomware attacks and data breaches to global infrastructure threats, organizations across every industry need highly trained professionals capable of defending digital systems and critical data. The Cyber Security Master’s Degree at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) prepares students to move beyond entry-level cybersecurity roles and into leadership, strategy and advanced technical defense positions.
Cyber threats today are more sophisticated, automated and persistent than ever before. Organizations must defend against advanced persistent threats, zero-day vulnerabilities and large-scale cybercrime networks.
A master’s degree allows cybersecurity professionals to deepen their technical expertise while gaining a strategic understanding of how cybersecurity fits into broader business and infrastructure operations. At UAT, students also benefit from hands-on experience in the university’s state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC) on campus. This advanced facility simulates real-world cyber defense environments, allowing students to monitor networks, analyze threats and practice incident response using the same tools and workflows used by professional cybersecurity teams.
Students pursuing UAT’s Cyber Security Master’s Degree explore areas such as:
This combination of skills helps graduates analyze threats, implement security frameworks and lead proactive defense strategies.
Many cybersecurity professionals begin their careers in technical roles, but organizations increasingly need leaders who understand both the technical and strategic sides of cybersecurity.
UAT’s Cyber Security Master’s Degree prepares students to transition into leadership-focused roles by developing expertise in areas like cybersecurity governance, risk management and security policy development.
Graduate-level cybersecurity education helps professionals learn how to:
By combining technical mastery with leadership training, graduates are prepared to influence cybersecurity decisions at the organizational level.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing technology fields, and demand for experienced professionals continues to rise globally. A master’s degree helps professionals qualify for more advanced and specialized roles.
Common career paths for cybersecurity master’s graduates include:
Organizations across industries — including finance, healthcare, defense, technology and government — rely on cybersecurity experts to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern — it is a global security priority. Cyber attacks can disrupt financial systems, infrastructure, healthcare networks and national defense.
As technology continues to expand through cloud computing, artificial intelligence and connected devices, the need for advanced cybersecurity professionals will only increase.
A graduate degree allows professionals to stay ahead of emerging threats, develop innovative defense strategies and contribute to protecting the digital systems that modern society relies on every day.
What can you do with a Cyber Security Master’s degree?
Graduates can pursue advanced roles such as cybersecurity architect, cyber threat analyst, digital forensics investigator, security consultant or cybersecurity leadership positions like CISO.
Is a master’s degree in cybersecurity worth it?
A master’s degree can help professionals move into leadership roles, specialize in advanced cybersecurity areas and increase career opportunities in a high-demand field.
What skills are taught in a cybersecurity master’s program?
Students typically learn advanced threat analysis, ethical hacking, incident response, digital forensics, network security architecture and cybersecurity risk management.
How long does it take to complete a Cyber Security Master’s degree?
Most programs can be completed in about 1–2 years depending on enrollment format and prior experience.
Who should pursue a cybersecurity master’s degree?
Professionals with backgrounds in IT, network engineering, cybersecurity or computer science who want to advance their expertise and move into higher-level security roles.
Cyber threats aren’t slowing down — and organizations need leaders who can defend against them. The Cyber Security Master’s Degree at University of Advancing Technology helps professionals build advanced technical knowledge, strategic security insight and leadership skills for today’s digital battlefield.
Apply now or learn more about UAT’s Cyber Security Master’s Degree and start advancing your cybersecurity career today
On National Higher Education Day, we celebrate the transformative power of education and the people dedicated to helping students grow, innovate, and succeed. In a recent episode of Tech Respect, University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) Curriculum Integrity and Senior Professor Dapzury Valenzuela shared her journey into higher education, her passion for lifelong learning, and why preparing students for the future means teaching far more than technical skills.
As professor of UAT’s Student Innovation Project (SIP), Valenzuela focuses on helping students navigate uncertainty. In a world shaped by rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, automation, and emerging technologies, predicting the future is nearly impossible. Rather than teaching students to follow a fixed roadmap, UAT encourages them to become comfortable with ambiguity, think creatively, and develop solutions to problems that may not even exist yet.
"The future is changing faster than ever," Valenzuela explained. "Our goal is to prepare students for the unknown."
Through hands-on projects, collaboration, and innovation-driven experiences, students learn how to adapt, experiment, and problem-solve in environments where there are no clear answers.
Valenzuela’s path into higher education began more than 20 years ago while working full-time as a graphic designer in Arizona. What started as an opportunity to teach a single college course quickly became a passion.
Inspired by her mother, a lifelong educator, she discovered the fulfillment that comes from helping others learn and grow. But instead of choosing between education and industry, she embraced both. For more than two decades, Valenzuela has balanced teaching with professional work in design, marketing, and business. This dual perspective allows her to bring current industry trends, employer expectations, and real-world projects directly into the classroom. By remaining active in the workforce, she ensures students gain practical insights that prepare them for careers beyond graduation.
While technology continues to evolve, Valenzuela believes the most valuable skills remain surprisingly human.
Employers consistently seek candidates who are:
Technical skills can often be taught on the job. Soft skills, however, help employees navigate challenges, work effectively with others, and contribute to organizational success.
"Programs change. Software changes. Technology changes," she noted. "But adaptability and a growth mindset remain essential."
As conversations continue about the value of college in today's digital world, Valenzuela remains a strong advocate for higher education. She acknowledges that students now have unprecedented access to information through the internet and AI-powered tools. However, she argues that college offers something far more valuable than information alone.
Higher education provides structure, mentorship, collaboration, networking opportunities, and real-world experiences that help students transform knowledge into action. For many students, college becomes the environment where they learn how to think critically, challenge assumptions, defend ideas, and work alongside people with different perspectives.
"Higher education teaches you how to solve problems," Valenzuela said. "It's about being willing to step into the unknown and apply what you learn to make a difference."
Valenzuela doesn't just teach lifelong learning—she lives it.
Currently pursuing a PhD in Management with a specialization in Organizational Design and Innovation, she continues to expand her own knowledge while helping students do the same. Her decision to pursue a doctorate stemmed from a desire to research a topic she is passionate about and contribute solutions to larger societal challenges. For Valenzuela, education is not simply about accumulating credentials. It is about using knowledge to strengthen communities, solve problems, and create positive change.
One of the most important lessons Valenzuela shared is that success doesn't happen in isolation. Whether students are in college or already established in their careers, relationships matter. Networking, collaboration, and community involvement often create opportunities that technical expertise alone cannot.
She encourages students to remain engaged with their peers, mentors, and professional communities long after graduation.
"The people who continue building relationships and contributing to their communities are often the ones who thrive."
When asked to describe higher education in a single word, Valenzuela chose: ever evolving.
The phrase perfectly captures the role of institutions like UAT. As technology advances and industries transform, higher education must continuously adapt to meet new challenges and prepare students for opportunities that have yet to emerge.
At its best, college is not simply about teaching students what to think. It's about teaching them how to think, how to innovate, and how to confidently tackle problems that don't yet have solutions.
And in an ever-changing world, that may be the most valuable education of all.
Want to hear the full conversation? Listen to Dapzury Valenzuela’s National Higher Education Day interview on Tech Respect, a UAT Productions podcast, available on all major platforms. Ready to explore how higher education continues to shape careers, innovation and opportunity, discover how UAT can help you take the next step toward your future. Learn More today!
University of Advancing Technology (UAT) was proudly represented at the annual Governance of Emerging Technologies and Science (GETS) Conference, hosted by the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.
The prestigious event brought together global regulators, legal scholars, and technology experts to address a critical question: How do we govern innovations that are evolving faster than our legal frameworks?
Representing UAT, Professor Rawad Habib had the privilege of delivering two distinct talks focusing on the intersection of data security, decentralization, and regulatory compliance.
On Thursday, May 21, I joined Session 3.6 on Cyber Security to address the intricate legal and technical challenges of managing information across international lines.
Cross-Border Data Governance: Managing Privacy, Security, and Regulation in a Global Digital World
In this session, Rawad Habib, Professor of Blockchain, explored how traditional, localized data regulations clash with our boundaryless, decentralized digital ecosystem. The presentation analyzed the friction between data sovereignty laws (like the EU's GDPR) and global cloud architectures, offering technological frameworks that allow enterprises to maintain strict security without stifling cross-border innovation.
It was an honor to share the session stage with an incredible cohort of cyber security and legal minds:
On Friday, May 22, the conversation shifted from macro governance down to specific, cutting-edge cryptographic tools during Session 4.6 on Blockchain and Financial Technology.
Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Privacy Regulation: Using Cryptography to Balance Compliance and Trust
For the second presentation, Rawad Habib, Professor of Blockchain, focused on a massive bottleneck in the blockchain space: the tension between user privacy and regulatory compliance (like Anti-Money Laundering laws). The talk demonstrated how Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs)—cryptographic protocols that allow one party to prove to another that a statement is true without revealing any actual underlying data—can bridge this gap. By utilizing ZKPs, systems can prove compliance to regulators while keeping consumer identity entirely private.
The panel provided a brilliant, multi-dimensional view of blockchain architectures and financial technology governance, alongside co-presenters:
Bringing the Leading Edge Back to the UAT Classroom
Participating in conferences like GETS highlights exactly why UAT's curriculum remains uniquely forward-looking. The legal, ethical, and structural questions being debated by the world’s leading scholars are the exact challenges our students learn to code around every single day.
Whether we are implementing smart contracts in Solidity or architecting distributed systems, understanding the global compliance landscape ensures that our graduates aren't just building tech—they are building the sustainable infrastructure of tomorrow.
Interested in exploring these topics further? Check out UAT’s degree offerings to see how we tackle tomorrow's technology governance challenges today.
June is National Adopt-A-Cat Month, a time when animal welfare organizations encourage people to support cats and kittens looking for homes. At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), one cat has already found his place — and, in typical UAT fashion, made himself part of the operating system.
His name is Max.Around campus, Max is known as UAT’s Senior Purrformance Analyst. It is a title that sounds made up because, technically, it is. But anyone who has spent time on campus knows Max’s role is real. He appears on tours. He shows up in student spaces. He interrupts serious conversations with absolutely no apology. He claims warm laptops, important paperwork and, occasionally, the full attention of everyone within scratching distance.
For a university known for cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, game design and digital arts, Max may seem like an unexpected campus figure.
But that is exactly why he works.
At UAT, serious technology and campus personality are not opposites. They live in the same place.
Max is not new to UAT. Students have been writing about him, photographing him and talking about him for years. Long before he became part of UAT’s official website personality, he was already part of the student experience.
In a student blog, UAT student Hakim Ottey wrote that Maxwell “acts like a middleman for interactions between UAT students.” That may be the most accurate description of Max’s role on campus. He is not just a cat people notice. He is a reason people stop, gather and talk.
That matters.
College is not just about choosing a degree program. It is about finding a place where students can build confidence, meet people, try ideas, fail safely and feel like they belong. Sometimes that connection starts in a classroom. Sometimes it starts in a lab. And sometimes, apparently, it starts because a cat wandered by and everyone forgot to be awkward for five minutes.
Max has a talent for that.
UAT students spend their time building, testing and solving. They work on complex systems, creative projects, technical challenges and emerging technologies that do not always come with clean instructions.
That kind of environment takes focus. It also takes community.
Many UAT students are builders, gamers, coders, artists, engineers and problem-solvers. Some are naturally outgoing. Many are quieter, more observant or more comfortable connecting through shared interests than small talk. Max gives students an easy bridge.
Two students who may not know each other can suddenly have a conversation because Max is doing something ridiculous, dramatic or deeply cat-like. A student walking across campus can pause to pet him. A group can gather because someone spotted him in the quad. A photo can turn into a Discord thread, a joke, a drawing or a conversation that would not have happened otherwise.
That is not fluff.
That is campus culture.
Hakim also described Maxwell as a comforting presence for students dealing with stress, transition and homesickness, writing that he “has been a very nice therapy pet for the students here at UAT.” Max is not a formal therapy animal, of course. He is a cat, which means his schedule is mysterious and his compliance department is nonexistent. But students clearly experience him as something comforting: a familiar presence in a high-energy academic environment.
And in college, familiar matters.
Prospective students and families often arrive at UAT ready to ask serious questions: What are the degree programs like? How hands-on are the classes? What projects do students build? What careers can this lead to?
Those questions matter. UAT is built around advancing technology, and students come here because they want to do more than sit through lectures about the future. They want to build it.
But choosing a university is not only logical. It is emotional, too.
Students want to know what it feels like to be here.
That is where Max comes in.
Robert Walker, UAT’s Director of Community Initiatives, has seen the pattern play out on campus tours: “Almost every tour group asks about Max. Students stop to take photos, parents smile, and suddenly the campus feels less intimidating. For a technology university, that kind of connection matters.”
It does matter.
On campus tours, Max has become one of those unexpected moments people remember. Visitors see the labs, the projects, the technology and the student work — and then they see the cat. Phones come out. People smile. The campus feels a little more human.
For many students, especially those entering a high-tech academic environment, the question is not only, “Can this university teach me?”
It is also, “Can I see myself here?”
Max helps answer that in a way no brochure can.
UAT is a university where students study cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, game design, network engineering and digital arts. It is also a place where a campus cat can become a minor celebrity with an unofficial job title.
That combination says something important about the university.
Technology does not advance in sterile rooms with no personality. It advances when curious people are willing to experiment, collaborate, question, build, break, rethink and try again. That takes skill. It also takes an environment where students feel comfortable enough to be themselves.
Max fits because UAT is not trying to be a traditional university with a thin layer of tech language on top. UAT is built for students who are curious, creative and a little unconventional.
The same campus that makes space for cyber labs, robotics builds, game development sprints and AI projects also makes space for a cat who has somehow appointed himself quality control for morale.
That is not a contradiction.
That is UAT.
In technology, curiosity is not a personality quirk. It is a professional skill.
The best technologists do not just memorize tools. They ask better questions. They test ideas. They notice patterns. They adapt when something unexpected happens. They keep learning because the field keeps changing.
Max may not know any of this. He knows where the warm keyboards are, which humans give the best scratches and how to place himself directly in the center of whatever is happening.
But in his own strange way, he reflects something true about UAT.
This is a place where curiosity is part of the daily rhythm. Students do not just study technology from a distance. They build, test, troubleshoot and improve. They learn to work with people, systems, tools and, apparently, the occasional feline interruption.
At UAT, weird is not a liability.
It is often the signal that something interesting is happening.
National Adopt-A-Cat Month is about helping cats find homes, especially during a time of year when shelters often see more cats and kittens needing care. It is also a reminder that belonging is powerful — for animals, for people and for communities.
At UAT, Max has become a small but meaningful symbol of that idea.
He reminds students to pause. He gives them something to talk about. He helps make the campus feel warmer, stranger and more memorable. He is part morale officer, part tour celebrity, part student-life legend and part living proof that UAT culture has a heartbeat under all that technology.
As Hakim put it simply in his student blog: “Without him, I do not think this campus would be what it is today.”
That may sound like a lot to say about one orange cat.
But anyone who has met Max probably understands.
Max may be small, orange and entirely convinced he runs the place — but he represents something much bigger about UAT.
This is a university built for students who are curious, creative and ready to build what comes next. It is also a place where students can find their people, feel at home and discover that serious technology does not have to come without personality.
During National Adopt-A-Cat Month, Max reminds us that belonging matters. For cats. For students. For anyone looking for the right place to land.
The best way to understand UAT is to experience it in person.
Come see the labs. Meet the students. Explore the projects. Get a feel for the community. And if Max decides to make an appearance, consider it a bonus from the Senior Purrformance Analyst himself.
Schedule a Campus Tour and see why UAT feels different.
Yes. Max is a familiar part of campus life at University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona.
Max is known as UAT’s Senior Purrformance Analyst, a humorous title that reflects his unofficial role as campus personality, morale booster and occasional productivity interrupter.
Sometimes. Max keeps his own schedule, but many campus visitors have spotted him during tours.
Max has become a shared point of connection for students. He gives students something to talk about, helps make campus feel welcoming and adds personality to UAT’s hands-on technology environment.
National Adopt-A-Cat Month is observed each June and encourages people to adopt cats, foster animals, donate supplies or otherwise support shelters during kitten season.
UAT is known for hands-on technology degree programs in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, game development, network engineering and digital arts.
University of Advancing Technology is located in Tempe, Arizona.
Great games aren’t just imagined — they’re engineered. The Game Programming degree at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) focuses on the architecture, performance, and technical systems that power modern interactive entertainment. Located in Tempe, UAT provides a development-focused environment where students learn to think like software engineers while building real-time games.
Game programmers solve complex technical challenges: rendering thousands of objects in milliseconds, optimizing memory usage, designing Artificial Intelligence (AI) behaviors, synchronizing multiplayer sessions, and ensuring smooth gameplay across hardware platforms. This degree is built for students who want to understand how things work at a systems level — and then improve them.
Unlike programs that focus primarily on design concepts or asset creation, UAT’s Game Programming curriculum emphasizes computer science principles applied directly to game development. Students build strong foundations in data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, and software architecture before applying them to interactive systems.
As they progress, students tackle real-time graphics programming, AI, physics simulation, networking, and engine-level problem solving. Performance optimization and debugging are treated as core competencies, not afterthoughts. Students learn how to write efficient code, profile systems, and refine performance — skills that separate hobbyists from professional developers.
Modern games are built by teams, and programmers must communicate clearly across disciplines. At UAT, students collaborate with designers and artists in structured development cycles, contributing technical solutions to fully playable projects. They learn version control workflows, sprint planning, technical documentation, and iterative testing — all essential components of professional studio production.
This hands-on approach ensures students graduate having built real systems under production-style constraints, not just completed isolated programming exercises.
In programming roles, employers evaluate both problem-solving ability and code quality. Throughout the Game Programming degree at the University of Advancing Technology, students build a portfolio that includes playable games, system prototypes, AI implementations, and performance-optimized features. Projects are documented to demonstrate design decisions, debugging processes, and scalability considerations.
UAT’s Career Services team supports students with technical résumé development, GitHub and code portfolio guidance, mock interviews, and career preparation tailored to software engineering and game development roles. Graduates leave prepared to explain not just what they built — but how and why they built it that way.
Graduates are prepared for roles including gameplay programmer, AI programmer, graphics programmer, engine developer, and network programmer. The rigorous technical foundation also supports careers beyond entertainment, including simulation engineering, interactive visualization, virtual reality systems development, and broader software engineering fields.
What degree is awarded?
Students earn a Bachelor of Science in Game Programming from the University of Advancing Technology.
Is this program more technical than Game Design?
Yes. This degree focuses on programming, software architecture, systems development, and performance engineering rather than gameplay concept development.
Do I need previous coding experience?
No prior experience is required, though strong interest in programming and problem-solving is recommended.
Will I build complete games?
Yes. Students contribute to fully playable projects while also developing deep technical systems and prototypes.
Where is UAT located?
UAT is located in Tempe, Arizona, within the Phoenix metropolitan technology corridor.
If you’re ready to move beyond playing games and start engineering the systems that power them, apply to the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona or learn more about the Game Programming degree and begin building your future in interactive technology.
During University of Advancing Technology’s (UAT) 2026 Commencement Ceremony, UAT proudly honored Chairman Emeritus Jay Lohman with the Lifetime Impact Award, recognizing decades of dedication, leadership and meaningful contributions to the university’s continued success.
The UAT Lifetime Impact Award is reserved for individuals whose service and vision have made a profound difference over time. Jay Lohman’s enduring support, passion for education and belief in the next generation of innovators make him a truly deserving recipient. UAT founder's Dominic & Ann Pistillo expressed immense gratitude when asked about how Jay has impacted UAT through the years, saying "Rarely in life can you find a man who is so intelligent and wise, but at the same time also loving and giving. Jay Lohman is that exceptional man. Jay is a wise, clever, knowledgeable, and gifted man who is also kind, thoughtful and caring. His open mind, creativity and thirst for constant learning makes him a role model that I look up to and strive to emulate every day. So, thank you Jay for all you mean to our family."
For more than two decades, Jay Lohman has played a transformative role in shaping the future of UAT. Serving on the university’s Board of Directors since 2005 and as Chairman beginning in 2013, his steady leadership helped guide the institution through years of growth, innovation and continued excellence in technology education. When asked about Jay, current Chairman of UAT's Board Jason Konesco said "His expertise in his field and work/life experience overall have greatly advanced UAT's mission over the years as a board member/chair. As much as I've admired his contributions to the board, I must say I most admire Jay because of his character - he is a great listener with a compassionate ear, a person who deeply cares about the conversation at hand and seeks clarity in such, a man of incredible integrity and ultimately someone I genuinely enjoy being around."
Beyond titles and accomplishments, Lohman’s greatest impact has been his investment in people. Known for his generosity, humility and mentorship, he has consistently encouraged students, faculty and fellow leaders to think boldly and lead with integrity. UAT Provost Dr. Dave Bolman highlighted Jay's impact on UAT's senior leadership, stating "a challenge of senior leadership can be having someone to turn to, and each of us from Dominic, to Jason, to myself, to Karla and Valerie have had moments when we could call Jay, he would listen and give us supporting and measured guidance... with a tip of the hat."
As the Class of 2026 celebrated the beginning of their next chapter, UAT is proud to honor a leader whose dedication helped shape the university’s path forward. Jay Lohman’s lasting impact on the university serves as a reminder of the power of leadership, innovation and investing in future generations. His legacy will continue to inspire students to think boldly, pursue their passions and create meaningful change through technology for years to come.
Jay Lohman’s legacy reflects UAT’s commitment to leadership, innovation and student success. Learn more about becoming part of the UAT community.
Leadership is often measured by more than achievements or accolades. It is reflected in the way someone impacts the people around them, lifts others up and creates lasting change through service, mentorship and character. For University of Advancing Technology (UAT) student Aaron Hurst, receiving the Brooke Cayce Legacy Leadership Award represents exactly that kind of responsibility.
“The Brooke Cayce Legacy Leadership Award goes beyond academic achievement; it speaks to something larger and more enduring: character,” Hurst shared. “The Marine Corps built the foundation of who I am, and every day I look for opportunities to elevate the confidence, skill and sense of purpose in the people around me.”
While honored by the recognition, Hurst admitted the award came as a surprise. After learning more about Brooke Cayce’s story and legacy at UAT, the meaning behind the recognition became even more significant. “I researched Brooke’s story, and I gained a deeper respect for what this award means to the university and to the Cayce family,” he said. “I am humbled by her story and honored to be asked to carry her legacy forward.”
That commitment to leadership can already be seen throughout campus. As UAT’s Programming Tutor, Hurst’s involvement with students extends far beyond helping solve coding problems. Instead, he focuses on helping students think critically, ask better questions and develop confidence in their own abilities. “My involvement is daily,” he explained. “I work with students not just to solve problems, but to think more deeply and develop the critical mindset that drives a purpose-driven life beyond the degree.”
Throughout his time at UAT, several faculty members have made a lasting impact on his educational journey. Professors Tony Hinton, Rae Crusoe and Rawad Habib stood out for both their knowledge and the care they show students inside and outside the classroom. “I have gained more knowledge in computer science under their instruction than at any previous institution, and that is not a small statement,” Hurst said.
He also spoke highly of Dr. Matthew Prater, whose dedication to both students and family left a strong impression. “He elevates the people around him because that is who he is,” Hurst shared. “Frankly, he should be the one answering these questions. He is exactly what leadership at UAT looks like.”
When reflecting on memorable moments at UAT, Hurst didn’t point to awards, projects or competitions. Instead, he highlighted the people who shaped his experience.
He recalled working with fellow students like Anique Daugaard, whose determination as an online student, wife and mother continues to inspire him, and Makayla Barclay, whose relentless curiosity pushed conversations beyond finding answers and into truly understanding technology. He also reflected on Camden Copeland’s growth from needing help with assignments to independently building and presenting a final project. “Watching that shift happen in real time was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had at UAT,” he said.
Perhaps most impactful were Michael Garcia and Joe Haskins, fellow students and veterans who welcomed him into collaborative projects early in his UAT experience.“They taught me, challenged me and met me exactly where I was in my education,” Hurst shared. “The best leadership rarely announces itself.”
Before arriving at UAT, Hurst admitted he carried doubts after a difficult experience at another university. He questioned whether he belonged and whether he would truly grow in the field he was passionate about. That perspective quickly changed.“I was dead wrong,” he said. “I have learned more about programming, computer science, AI and robotics here than anywhere I have ever been.”
That growth inspired him to expand his academic path, adding Robotics Engineering and Artificial Intelligence to his studies and pursuing a triple degree including Advancing Computer Science. After graduation, he plans to continue into UAT’s Master’s degree in Technology Innovation.
“This place changed the trajectory of what I believe is possible,” Hurst said. “I intend to honor that.”
The Brooke Cayce Legacy Leadership Award recognizes students who embody leadership through service, integrity and impact on others. Through mentorship, perseverance and a commitment to elevating those around him, Aaron Hurst is continuing that legacy in meaningful ways every day.
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