Adelphi, Md. (March 13, 2024)—The National Security Agency (NSA) Program Management Office has validated University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) as a National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) for its cybersecurity programming. The prestigious validation of UMGC’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology runs through the 2029 academic year.
The M.S. in Cybersecurity Technology becomes UMGC’s second degree program to receive the coveted recognition. In 2022, UMGC’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy also was recognized as a validated program of study with the NSA and Department of Homeland Security.
“Continued recognition of our areas of study through the National Centers of Academic Excellence process validates the high quality of our cybersecurity-related programs,” said Helen Barker, department chair of cybersecurity at UMGC. “We are very excited to add the M.S. in Cybersecurity Technology to the list of designated programs.”
The announcement places UMGC among a select group of two-year, four-year, and graduate-level institutions nationwide to receive the CAE distinction. Since April 2002, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the NSA have consistently designated UMGC as a leader in cybersecurity education.
“NSA’s program of study validation process encompasses a rigorous review of our program,” said Dr. Loyce Pailen, senior director of the Center for Security Studies at UMGC. “Our dedicated faculty team—including Dr. Patrick Appiah-Kubi, program director and associate professor of Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity Technology; Dr. Lawrence Awuah, collegiate professor of Cybersecurity Technology; and Eser Valencia, academic program coordinator—provided months of support, which was invaluable to our success.”
The CAE designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions that offer cybersecurity-related programming, including degrees, majors, minors, and certificates at the associate, bachelor and graduate levels. An applicant institution must show significant community involvement, academic activities and institutional practices in cybersecurity, as well as have one or more programs of study under consideration that meet the CAE requirements.
“The M.S. Cybersecurity Technology Program of Study will help expand the nation’s cybersecurity talent pool with candidates versed in next-generation technologies and help increase our capacity to protect and defend cybersecurity infrastructure,” said Renae Weathers, program manager for the NCAE-C Program.
About UMGC
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid, courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.
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