Welcome to the National Security Agency - NSA/CSS

NSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in IA Education (CAE/IAE), IA 2-year Education and Training (CAE/2Y) and IA Research (CAE/R) programs. The goal of these programs is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in IA and producing a growing number of professionals with IA expertise in various disciplines. Designation as a CAE/IAE, CAE2Y or CAE/R is valid for five academic years, after which the school must successfully reapply in order to retain its CAE designation.

Students attending CAE/IAE or CAE/R designated schools are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program. Designation as a National Center does not carry a commitment for funding from NSA or DHS.

CAE/IAEs and CAE/Rs receive formal recognition from the U.S. Government as well as opportunities for prestige and publicity for their role in securing our Nation's information systems.

2012 Centers of Academic Excellence

National Centers of Academic Excellence in IA 2-year (CAE/2Y) Education Criteria for Measurement

Nationally or regionally accredited Community Colleges, Technical Schools, state or federally endorsed IA/Cybersecurity training centers or U.S. Government IA/Cybersecurity training centers are eligible to apply to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in IA 2-year education or training. Applications are assessed against criteria (PDF Attached), which are intended to measure the depth and maturity of programs of instruction in IA/Cybersecurity education and training.

Prerequisite: Prior to submitting an application for the CAE2Y, IA courseware must be certified under the IA Courseware Evaluation Program as meeting the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Training Standards, and the certification must be current. Specifically, certification for CNSS Training Standard 4011 is required, and certification for at least one additional CNSS Training Standard (4012, 4013, 4014, 4015, 4016, or subsequent standards) is required.

National Centers of Academic Excellence in IA Education (CAE/IAE)

Four-year colleges and graduate-level universities are eligible to apply to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in IA Education. Each applicant must pass a rigorous review, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence in IA education. During the application process, applicants are evaluated against stringent CAE/IAE criteria.

National Centers of Academic Excellence in IA Research (CAE/R)

Institutions meeting the Carnegie Foundation's classifications of Research University/Very High (RU/VH), Research University/High (RU/H) and Doctoral Research University (DRU) or the equivalent are eligible to apply for CAE/R. Universities applying for CAE/R must have academic IA/Cybersecurity programs that can support advanced academic research and development capabilities. Applicants are evaluated against stringent CAE/R criteria.

National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE/Cyber Operations)

Four-year colleges and graduate-level universities are eligible to apply to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations. Each applicant institution must pass a rigorous review, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence in Cyber Operations. During the application review process, applicants are evaluated against stringent CAE/Cyber Operations criteria and academic content requirements.

For more information about CAE/Cyber Operations, please visit our website at: CAE/Cyber Operations.

Institutions

CAE/IAE, CAE/2Y and CAE/R Institutions are located throughout the country—many within driving distance of major DoD installations, federal research centers, and other federal agencies. These schools serve as regional centers of IA expertise and have begun to provide more programs aimed at retooling and retaining current federal and state information technology personnel.

2012 Program Results