The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a nonprofit private university founded in 1983 in Tempe, Arizona (a suburb of Phoenix). It is dedicated to offering technical education in science and engineering, with a focus on fields such as computer science, game design, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The university operates with an enterprise-centered approach as its core and is open 24/7, allowing students to tackle cutting-edge challenges—including those in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction—while collaborating on development projects. Gain an American university diploma ahead of schedule
A Leader in Technology Education in Arizona
UAT boasts a strong academic reputation and has consistently ranked at the top. In the 2026 Niche rankings, UAT was named the best online degree program in Arizona for Computer Science and Design. In the 2026 edition of *U.S. News & World Report*, UAT ranked 22nd in Arizona and 12th nationally for social mobility. According to College Raptor, UAT is the 36th best university in the Southwestern U.S. and 5th in Arizona.
Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Game Development
Arizona State University’s Tempe campus offers more than 55 degree programs, ranging from associate’s to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, all of which can be completed online. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, digital marketing, and game design are popular majors at Tempe. The programs in Game Art and Animation, Game Design, and Cybersecurity are particularly strong, having produced numerous professionals for Arizona. Game Design also offers a master’s program, and other undergraduate programs provide graduate tracks to help students continue their studies.
Why Is It So Popular?
The core reason UAT is so highly regarded is its access to top-tier tech jobs. For years, Niche has ranked it as Arizona’s best high school for Computer Science and Design. In the 2026 U.S. News rankings, it placed 12th nationally for social mobility.
UAT students are tech enthusiasts, and their instructors are engineers from the front lines—hackers, gamers, software engineers, and game developers. The portfolio of projects students complete from freshman to senior year is so impressive that graduates are in high demand at companies like Blizzard, EA, and Bethesda.
Three Pathways to Earning a UAT Degree Early
UAT operates on a three-term academic calendar (fall, spring, and summer), giving students one full additional term per year compared to traditional universities, naturally accelerating their graduation timeline. Building on this foundation, students can further speed up their progress through the following methods:
- Transferring college credits before enrollment: By taking AP courses and earning qualifying scores during high school, students can waive foundational courses upon enrollment. UAT recognizes AP credits, allowing students to enter with one year’s worth of college credits.
- Taking Extra Courses Each Semester: Taking one additional credit each semester helps ensure a smooth graduation. However, taking extra courses isn’t recommended every semester, as it requires a solid GPA (3.0+). Taking too many extra courses can negatively impact your grades and credit load, making it counterproductive.
- Summer Session: The summer term is not a vacation but an opportunity to continue your studies. Continuing your studies during the summer requires even more self-discipline than taking a break, so you must have a solid plan in place.
