Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)

The University of South Alabama School of Computing has been re-designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As noted on nsa.gov, the “NCAE-C program aims to create and manage a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:

  • Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence,
  • Includes competency development among students and faculty,
  • Values community outreach and leadership in professional development,
  • Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic disciplines,
  • Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.”

The designation was first awarded to the University of South Alabama in 2011 as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Systems Security Education.  The University of South Alabama was re-designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) in 2022. CAE-CD designated institutions focus on preparing graduates to help reduce threats to our national infrastructure through higher education and research in cyber defense. The NCAE designation allows institutions to be able to compete for grants including the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Scholarship for Service program.  This prestigious national designation covers the academic years 2022-2027.

Students wishing to complete the approved cybersecurity program must declare as a BS in Information Technology major with Networking concentration. Information regarding the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree program is posted at USA ITE Program Objectives and Outcomes and ITE Program Requirements.

 

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