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National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

Many schools offer programs in cybersecurity, but not all programs are created equal. Utica University is proud to be registered as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) university, setting it apart from the competition. The NCAE-C program is managed by the National Security Agency and works with partners like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide schools with one of three designations.1

On this page you’ll learn more about what an NCAE-C designated school is, the three different designation types, what requirements a school must meet to qualify, and the NCAE-C benefits to Utica students.

What are National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C)

The National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program exists to provide useful designations to academic institutions like Utica University. These designations prove that the schools meet the characteristics and standards set by the National Security Agency (NSA).

According to the NSA’s website, the program’s goal is to manage a collaboration with schools that:1

  • 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.
  • Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic disciplines.
Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity badge

NCAE-C Designation Types

The NCAE-C provides three unique designations for partner schools to choose from. Each provides unique benefits and establishes that an institution has met a set of high standards.1

Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)

A designation for regionally accredited universities offering cybersecurity programs

Cyber Research (CAE-R)

A designation for certain schools that have been rated by the Carnegie Foundation Basic Classification system

Cyber Operations (CAE-CO)

A designation that focuses specifically on schools with computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering programs

Requirements to Become a NCAE-C

In order to obtain the NCAE-C status, a school or institution must meet the individual requirements for the specific designation of their choice. For example, according to the CAE in Cybersecurity website, the CAE-CD is open to:2

Four-year colleges

Graduate-level universities

Two-year community colleges

State or federally endorsed cybersecurity training centers

Technical schools

U.S. government cybersecurity training centers

To apply, an institution must first fill out an application and be approved.

National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Benefits to Students

As a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, Utica offers a variety of special benefits to students. This designation proves our programs meet the NSA’s standards and that our online courses can help prepare students for cybersecurity careers that matter.

This designation ensures Utica’s programs are held up to the latest standards in cybersecurity.

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Sources:

  1. National Security Agency/Central Security Service. “National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.” Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://nsa.gov/.
  2. CAE in Cybersecurity Community. “Application Checklist.” Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://nsa.gov/.