Yavapai College Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Yavapai College has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program managed by the National Security Agency’s National Cryptologic School.

The designation recognizes Yavapai College for meeting rigorous national standards in cybersecurity education. It affirms that the college’s associate’s degree and certificates provide students with the knowledge, technical competencies and practical experience needed to help protect information systems and critical infrastructure. Yavapai College joins an elite group of 450 institutions nationwide that hold the Cyber Defense designation.

“This designation is a significant achievement for Yavapai College and an important investment in the future of our students and community,” Yavapai College Administrator on Duty, Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Doug Berry said. “Cybersecurity affects nearly every sector of the economy. Recognition as a National Center of Academic Excellence demonstrates that Yavapai College’s programs are preparing graduates to meet that challenge with the skills, judgment and ethical foundation employers require.”

The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program was established by the National Security Agency in 1999 to strengthen higher education in cybersecurity and expand the nation’s pipeline of qualified professionals. The program works with community colleges, universities and other federal partners to establish curriculum standards, strengthen student and faculty competencies, encourage community outreach and address challenges facing cybersecurity education.

To earn the CAE-CD designation, an institution must be regionally accredited and offer an eligible cybersecurity degree or certificate at the associate, bachelor’s or graduate level. It must also demonstrate that its program meets demanding requirements that include:

• Validation of a defined cybersecurity Program of Study;
• Alignment of curriculum with nationally recognized cybersecurity knowledge and competency standards;
• Qualified faculty and continuing faculty development;
• Institutional support for cybersecurity education;
• Opportunities for practical and experiential learning;
• Cybersecurity outreach, collaboration and professional development; and
• An ongoing commitment to assessment and continuous program improvement.
• The designation is granted for a limited period, and institutions must seek redesignation to demonstrate that their programs continue to satisfy current national standards.

For students, the designation provides independent recognition of the quality and relevance of the college’s cybersecurity curriculum. Students at designated institutions may also gain access to networking, career-development, scholarship and competition opportunities associated with the national CAE community.

The designation does not constitute individual certification or a guarantee of employment, but it signals to students and employers that the institution has undergone a rigorous federal review of its cybersecurity education program.

“Earning this designation required extensive collaboration among our faculty, staff, students and industry partners,” Yavapai College Computer Science Chair Dr. Michael Holmes said. “It reflects the strength of our curriculum and our commitment to preparing students for cybersecurity careers in business, government, education, health care and other critical fields.”

Yavapai College offers an Associate’s Degree in Computer Networking and Cybersecurity and several cybersecurity related certificates. Students receive instruction in areas such as network defense, digital forensics, secure systems, penetration testing, risk management, and other applicable subjects.

_____

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.