20 Years of SANS.edu | SANS Technology Institute

A Legacy in Cybersecurity Education

Since its founding in 2005, the SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu) has been at the forefront of cybersecurity education, carrying forward the SANS Institute’s longstanding commitment to excellence in training, research, and innovation.

For two decades, we have empowered students, career changers, and industry professionals alike with rigorous, hands-on learning experiences designed to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the cybersecurity landscape. Our journey began with a mission: to create a graduate-level education that equips students not only with cutting-edge technical skills but also with the leadership acumen to excel in high-stakes security roles. Today, our expanded programs reach students at every stage of their careers—from undergraduates taking their first steps into the field to advanced practitioners pursuing specialized expertise.

Numbers at a Glance

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our students, faculty, and alumni. Here’s to 20 years of excellence and the many milestones yet to come. Together, we are building a safer digital world.

Undergraduate and graduate programs offered

2100+

Students enrolled in our cybersecurity programs

2000+

Alumni in the SANS.edu Alumni Association

100%

Percentage of faculty who are working professionals in cybersecurity

20 Years of SANS.edu - Graduation Speaker

Highlights of Our Journey

Graduate-Level Excellence: From our inception, we’ve set the standard for rigorous, hands-on cybersecurity education, shaping thousands of professionals who protect organizations and nations alike.
Cutting-Edge Research and Labs: Our students and faculty conduct cybersecurity research that directly impacts the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in threat detection, incident response, and cybersecurity resilience.
Broadening Access: With the introduction of undergraduate programs, we now support those new to the field and career changers, making cybersecurity education accessible to a diverse pool of students worldwide.

Success Stories

Twenty years is just the beginning. Our community of students and alumni will continue to shape the future of cybersecurity with the expertise and passion that defines SANS.

Loveona Jones

Loveona Jones completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity during her senior year at a different college. Learn how she got her start in cybersecurity and won prestigious internships with the U.S. Department of State and a Fortune 500 company.

Cody Williams

Cody Williams completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity in just under a year and landed his first cybersecurity job before completing the program. See why Cody thinks there’s a place for everybody in cybersecurity, particularly for those who fear having a boring desk job.

Cathy Sowa

Cathy Sowa made a mid-career change to cybersecurity. Discover how this former middle school teacher and adjunct professor gained the skills and confidence to enter the cybersecurity field.

Will Green

Will Green's talent for cybersecurity capture the flag (CTF) competitions earned him a place on the US Cyber Team. Discover his tips for aspiring CTF competitors and cybersecurity professionals.

Kaela Manger

Kaela Manger chose the bachelor’s degree program at SANS.edu to gain skills that would enhance her value as an information security professional and to secure highly valued GIAC certifications.

Jesse LaGrew

Between completing his bachelor’s degree at SANS.edu and starting the SANS master's degree program, Jesse LaGrew was named Chief Information Security Officer of his organization and helped the SANS.edu Sentinels win the National Cyber League competition.

Shawna Turner

Shawna Turner earned a master's from SANS.edu while working full time at Nike, so online course options and the ability to adjust her schedule to her life needs were critical to her success. Discover how this former theater tech transformed herself into a cybersecurity subject matter expert.

Karim Lalji

Karim Lalji, Senior Manager and North America Penetration Testing Lead for Accenture, considered other cybersecurity master's programs, but found them too theoretical. He chose SANS.edu because it was the “gold standard,” but was still blown away by the depth of knowledge provided. Learn more about Karim’s story.

Richard “Rick” Halsell Jr.

Richard “Rick” Halsell Jr. defended the Army against network breaches and today is Principal Security Program Manager at Microsoft. Learn about his career journey and see why this master's degree holder chose to pursue two graduate certificates at SANS.edu.

Internet Storm Center: Defending the Digital Frontier

In the realm of cybersecurity, where threats loom large and vulnerabilities abound, the Internet Storm Center stands as a steadfast sentinel, a testament to the power of collaboration, vigilance, and community-driven defense in safeguarding our digital future.

Learn More

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity

From certificates and degree programs to unique, hands-on learning experiences, discover how SANS.edu can support your journey to a rewarding career in cybersecurity.

Explore Academic Programs