St. Cloud State University has been re-designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through the academic year 2027.
Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, launched by the NSA, recognizes institutions that pass rigorous curriculum and program requirements.
The CAE-CD designation indicates an institution is “helping to reduce threats to the U.S. infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and by providing the nation with a pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals,” according to a press release from the university.
SCSU offers bachelor’s degrees in information systems and cybersecurity The university also offers a master’s degree in information assurance.
The process for an institution to be given this distinction can be a long two-part process that could total up to two years. According to Dr. Mark Schmidt, SCSU professor of information systems, the first year is related to classes to see if the courses offered fit the standards of CAE. The second year is “more about the institution, research, faculty, programs, etc.”
The CAE designation will allow SCSU to apply for the Cyber Security Program which provides scholarships and stipends. Since 2009, the university earned 12 grants related to cybersecurity from the NSA, Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation totaling more than $4.7 million.
Other distinctions that could be given include Cyber Research and Cyber Operations. The designation lasts five years when given. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a two year period in which designations were not given.
Only six other institutions in Minnesota hold similar designations including Minnesota State institutions Metro State University, Lake Superior College and Century College.
