Cyber programs receive updated NSA designation
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia (UNG) has been designated a National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through 2027. It previously held the title of Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) starting in 2016.
"The renewal of the CAE designation for UNG is a testament to the quality of our cybersecurity program, and especially our faculty," Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of the Mike Cottrell College of Business, said. "We are honored to be part of the elite group of cyber programs that have this important designation."
UNG launched a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity in fall 2018, and the program now has almost 400 students. Thanks to nearly $4 million in Department of Defense (DOD) funds across three years, UNG has also launched an Institute for Cyber Operations that complements academic programs with professional development. Retired Col. Christopher Mitchiner, executive director of the institute, said the NSA designation helps prospective students realize the strength of what UNG offers.
"While you're here, you know you're going to get a quality experience and a breadth of knowledge across every cyber discipline," Mitchiner said. "In today's environment, you're getting a scope of what's going on in the world and the application of what you're seeing into the classroom."
Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and coordinator of student cyber programs, said the latest NSA designation feels like a full-circle moment.
The renewal of the CAE designation for UNG is a testament to the quality of our cybersecurity program, and especially our faculty. We are honored to be part of the elite group of cyber programs that have this important designation.
Dr. Mary Gowan
Mike Cottrell College of Business dean
"This designation makes all of our cybersecurity programs possible. It allows us to apply for scholarships, grants, and NSA programs that benefit our students, faculty, and staff," Payne said. "It's great to see the program continue to grow and build on the successes we've had. Gaining this designation back in 2016 was the first step in everything we've done since then."
UNG's cyber efforts are an important part of addressing the cyber workforce shortage. Nearly 600,000 cyber jobs are open nationwide, with almost 22,000 in Georgia.
"Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure," Karen Leuschner, national CAE program manager for the NSA, wrote in a letter informing UNG of its designation. "The National Cyber Strategy from September 2018 addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America's cyberspace."
Mitchiner said UNG's consistent collaborations with organizations like the NSA, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, FBI, and Secret Service are vital for preparing students.
"They're telling us what the latest trends are so our graduates can have the skillsets the industry is seeking," Mitchiner said.
The model is clearly working as UNG graduates continue to land high-quality jobs and UNG's team has placed in the top three in the NSA Codebreaker Challenge four years in a row.
"These NSA programs have allowed us to offer better training to our students, and they are performing at the top levels nationally, which creates even further visibility and opportunities within the intelligence community," Payne said. "It's a virtuous cycle."
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