Center of Academic Excellence
Center of Academic Excellence – Cyber Defense
As cybersecurity issues become more prevalent and cyberattacks against both personal and professional targets continue to rise, there is a greater demand for cybersecurity professionals to serve as the first line of defense.
The Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation distinguishes institutions dedicated to protecting our national infrastructure. By prioritizing advanced research and higher education in cyber defense, CAE-CD schools provide a steady pipeline of skilled professionals to the workforce. This prestigious status is available to accredited U.S. colleges at all levels, with a rigorous re-evaluation required every five years to ensure continued excellence.
Colleges and universities that receive the CAE designation get a stamp of approval for their cybersecurity programs from the U.S. Government. Schools with CAE designation go through intensive assessments to determine their capabilities, ensuring that students are receiving top-notch training designed to make them leaders in a variety of cybersecurity fields and provide extensive knowledge on how to address the threats we’re facing today.
Highline College earned its initial designation in 2013 from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
What Do Schools Need To Do To Become CAE-CD Designated?
Because the CAE is deeply dedicated to supporting the best of the best cybersecurity specialists in the field, designations can be hard to come by. Colleges and universities obtain their CAE-CD designation by meeting the following criteria:
- Helping to develop both faculty and research leaders in the field
- Gaining recognition from the U.S. Government for their curricula and cyber defense programs
- Networking with other researchers, advocates, teachers, and cybersecurity professionals to make advancements in the field
- Offering degree programs designed to support future cybersecurity professionals with top-level knowledge and skills
- Offering curricula featuring specific Knowledge Units that correspond with the cybersecurity language NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, which is used nationwide and includes Data Analysis, Cyber Defense, IT Systems and more
- Participating in research exchanges with the government, acting as a facilitator or source
- Maintaining a center for information assurance and cyber defense education and research
- Working with federal agencies such as DHS, NSA, and others by offering academic insights into cybersecurity issues and programs
- Maintaining knowledge of grants and scholarships offered by the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program and the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program
Why Does CAE-CD Designation Matter?
Choosing the right school for your cybersecurity degree is the first major step in your career. To set yourself up for success, you should look for programs with the CAE-CD (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense) designation.
Here’s why this designation matters for your future:
A career-ready seal of approval: When you choose a CAE-CD school, you aren't just getting a degree; you’re getting
an education vetted by the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security. It’s a "stamp
of approval" that ensures your curriculum meets the highest national standards.
Stand Out to Employers: Hiring managers recognize that CAE-CD graduates have mastered the specific concepts
the Department of Defense considers essential. This makes you a highly desirable candidate
right out of the gate, especially for high-level government and private-sector roles.
Real-World Collaboration: You’ll have unique opportunities to participate in academic collaborations and research
studies alongside government entities, giving you hands-on experience before you even
graduate.
Career Security: With the demand for cybersecurity specialists in overdrive, this designation gives
you a competitive edge in a field full of opportunities.
Not every cybersecurity program is created equal. Before you enroll, research your school’s accreditation to ensure they hold the CAE-CD designation. It’s the best way to ensure your hard work translates into a powerful, industry-recognized career.
Our validated programs include:
Computing Department
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Questions? Contact Us.
Computing Department
206-592-3436
cis@highline.edu
Building 29
Department Directory