Cybersecurity program completes first step

03/09/2023

For the second time in the program’s history, our Cybersecurity program has earned designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through academic year 2028 by the National Security Agency (NSA).

CAE-CD designation reflects the college’s ability to meet the increasing demands of contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure and addressing the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills by promoting higher education and research in addition to providing the workforce with a pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals.

CAE-CD designation is the first in a two-step designation process for the college’s Cybersecurity program. CCRI is also in the process of earning its National Center of Academic Excellent Two-Year Education designation, which focuses on the college’s internal and external outreach – from other college departments to statewide outreach – in regard to Cybersecurity and limiting cyber threats. Two-Year Education designation is expected to be announced in June.

The college earned both designations in 2018. All institutions or programs must apply for reevaluation every five academic years to maintain designation. According to the NSA, “a highly-skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.”

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