UC Recognized as a Leader in Cybersecurity Education

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated the University of Cincinnati as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) through academic year 2021.

The Center for Cybersecurity, under the School of Information Technology, led the efforts to obtain this prestigious national recognition. In the fall of 2014, UC launched the Cybersecurity track in the bachelor's of science in information technology program. A year later, the Cybersecurity track in the master's of science in informatoin technology program was launched.

"The NSA designation will take our Cybersecurity programs to the next level regionally and nationally," said Chengcheng Li, associate professor of information technology and center director. 

This program grants UC formal designation from the United States government, as well as opportunities for prestige and publicity for its role in securing the nation's information systems.  The five-year designation, approved with the assistance of UC's Office of Information Security, will lead to new opportunities for the School of Information Technology, housed in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services, and other cybersecurity related academic programs across the UC campus.

The University of Cincinnati is now the ninth institution in the nation to host both NSA Centers of Academic Excellence Cyber Op and Cyber Defense.  This designation positions the university as a national leader rank in cybersecurity education. 

Research grant opportunities and NSA capacity buildings will be made available to further promote the program.

According to the NSA, the goal of the program is to reduce vulnerability in national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense, and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise for the nation.

About the University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a top 30 public research university with its highest enrollment in history - more than 44,000 students. U.S. News & World Report ranks 28 of UC's programs in the top 50 in the nation. UC also is the founder of the world's first cooperative education program.

About the NSA

The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) leads the U.S. Government in cryptology that encompasses both Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Information Assurance (IA) products and services, and enables Computer Network Operations (CNO) in order to gain a decisive advantage for the Nation and our allies under all circumstances. Source: http://www.nsa.gov/about/mission/index.shtml