ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Education (NCAE-C) program focuses on 

educating a diverse cybersecurity workforce to meet the needs of the Nation. The National Security Agency 

(NSA) designates regionally accredited institutions that meet academic and institutional requirements 

established in collaboration with federal partners and participating institutions in three designations: 

 WHY BECOME A NCAE-C?

• Receive national recognition for the institution’s cybersecurity program and curricula

• Ensure student confidence in degree programs as a top choice to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in cybersecurity workforce

• Serve as a source and facilitator for government-academic researcher exchanges

• Join the CAE community of cybersecurity professionals, educators, researchers and advocates to 

grow the cyber field and develop a collaborative network with top schools

• Qualify to compete for students scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense 

Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP) and CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program managed by 

National Science Foundation 

Visit www.nsa.gov/resources/educators for more information 

about academic and institutional requirements for designation 

The CAE-Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation is focused on a cybersecurity workforce to 

meet the needs of the government, industry and academia. This designation is available to 

programs of study resulting in Associates, Bachelors or Graduate degrees or certificates

The CAE-Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) designation focuses on specialized cyber operations 

skills to enhance the national security posture of the Nation. The designation is available to 

four-year and graduate programs of study based in computer science, electrical engineering 

or computer engineering, have a technically-deep degree program, or a collaboration between 

two or more of these departments 

The CAE-Research (CAE-R) designation recognizes programs that integrate cyber research 

into curriculum, and facilitate government-academic research exchanges. CAE-R institutions 

must hold a Carnegie R1 or R2 rating. 
2023 CAE-C’s by the numbers:

There are 408 NCAE-C designated institutions In 48 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico as of May12, 2022.

* Institutions may hold multiple CAE-C designations

For more information or details on the program visit:

www.nsa.gov/resources/educators/centers-academic-excellence

Questions? Email caepmo@nsa.gov

The NCAE-C program office regularly collaborates with federal agencies such as National Institute of Standards and Technology 

(NIST), National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense Office of the 

Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and others to actively engage in solutions to 

challenges in cybersecurity education, de-conflict investments and opportunities and ensure harmony of strategic objectives. 

The National Security Agency ‘s federal partners are the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA). 

372 78 20

NCAE-C National Centers 

CAE-C National Center: 

California State University, San Bernardino, CA

Candidates National Center: 

Whatcom Community College, WA 

Career Preparation National Center:

Norwich University, VT

Education Pathways National Center: 

Moraine Valley Community College, IL