National Security Agency Names University of New Haven a Center of Academic Excellence

The designation recognizes the University’s undergraduate cybersecurity and computer science programs that are preparing graduates for the more than 3.5 million cybersecurity positions that are predicted to be unfilled by 2021.

May 21, 2019

The University of New Haven announced today that it has been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO). The certification recognizes the University’s bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity & networks and computer science.

 

The University of New Haven joined Carnegie Mellon and Old Dominion this year in being named a CAE-CO. The University is the second school in New England to earn this designation, joining Northeastern University. There are currently 23 schools in the United States that feature Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations supported by the NSA.

"Your participation as a National CAE in Cyber Operations will build the future workforce that will possess the knowledge and skills related to specialized intelligence, military, and law enforcement cyber operations to enhance the national security posture of our nation," wrote Jason Smith, program director of the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations for the NSA.

"This is one of the most difficult designations to receive, as the University is assessed on its research, program offerings, multidisciplinary approach, performance in cyber competitions, and many other factors."Ibrahim (Abe) Baggili, Ph.D.

The NSA's CAE-CO program supports the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education and furthers the goal to broaden the pool of skilled workers capable of supporting a cyber-secure nation. The CAE-CO program supports deeply technical and interdisciplinary offerings at the higher education level in computer science, computer engineering, and/or electrical engineering that feature extensive opportunities for hands-on applications via labs and exercises.

In reviewing the University’s academic programs, cybersecurity outreach, faculty accomplishments, grant activities, and research output, the NSA recognized the University’s ability to effectively prepare students in areas such as wireless security, systems programming, and digital forensics.

"It is an honor to receive this designation from the National Security Agency," said Ibrahim Baggili, Elder Family Endowed Chair of Computer Science and Cybersecurity and founder and director of the University’s Cyber Forensics Research and Education Group. "This is one of the most difficult designations to receive, as the University is assessed on its research, program offerings, multidisciplinary approach, performance in cyber competitions, and many other factors."

"This prestigious designation from the National Security Agency recognizes our cybersecurity and computer science programs for being among the best in the country, and it acknowledges the innovative learning environment that we create for our students."President Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D.

"We received this distinction on our first try, which is uncommon, but given our strong emphasis on cyber operations, the federal government took notice of our research, academic rigor, and student accomplishments," continued Baggili.

The University’s Cyber Forensics Research and Education Group, which includes undergraduate and graduate students studying cybersecurity and computer science, has received international attention for, among other discoveries, uncovering vulnerabilities that were addressed in the messaging application WhatsApp and identifying vulnerabilities in a popular virtual reality application.

The University’s programs in cybersecurity and computer science are preparing graduates for careers in a field in which there has been significant growth.

Cybersecurity Ventures predicts there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021, up from one million in 2014. The cybersecurity unemployment rate dropped to zero percent in 2016, and has remained there ever since.

"This prestigious designation from the National Security Agency recognizes our cybersecurity and computer science programs for being among the best in the country, and it acknowledges the innovative learning environment that we create for our students to equip them with the skills to excel in the careers of the future," said University of New Haven President Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D. "It is a testament to our talented faculty and staff, who are devoted to ensuring that our students have the best opportunities and educational experiences."

The NSA will formally honor the University at a ceremony in Las Vegas in June.