National Security Agency Names University of New Haven a Center of Academic Excellence

— The designation recognizes the University’s undergraduate
cybersecurity and computer science programs that are preparing graduates
for the more than 3.5 million cybersecurity positions that are predicted
to be unfilled by 2021 —

WEST HAVEN, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The University of New Haven announced today that it has been designated
by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National
Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO).
The certification recognizes the University’s bachelor’s degree programs
in cyber
security & networks and computer
science.

The University of New Haven joined Carnegie Mellon and Old Dominion this
year in being named a CAE-CO. The University is the second school in New
England to earn this designation, joining Northeastern University. There
are currently 21 schools in the United States that feature Centers of
Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations supported by the NSA.

“Your participation as a National CAE in Cyber Operations will build the
future workforce that will possess the knowledge and skills related to
specialized intelligence, military, and law enforcement cyber operations
to enhance the national security posture of our nation,” wrote Jason
Smith, program director of the National Center of Academic Excellence in
Cyber Operations for the NSA.

The NSA’s CAE-CO program supports the National Initiative for
Cybersecurity Education and furthers the goal to broaden the pool of
skilled workers capable of supporting a cyber-secure nation. The CAE-CO
program supports deeply technical and interdisciplinary offerings at the
higher education level in computer science, computer engineering, and/or
electrical engineering that feature extensive opportunities for hands-on
applications via labs and exercises.

In reviewing the University’s academic programs, cybersecurity outreach,
faculty accomplishments, grant activities, and research output, the NSA
recognized the University’s ability to effectively prepare students in
areas such as wireless security, systems programming, and digital
forensics.

“It is an honor to receive this designation from the National Security
Agency,” said Ibrahim
Baggili, Elder Family Endowed Chair of Computer Science and
Cybersecurity and founder and director of the University’s Cyber
Forensics Research and Education Group. “This is one of the most
difficult designations to receive, as the University is assessed on its
research, program offerings, multidisciplinary approach, performance in
cyber competitions, and many other factors.

“We received this distinction on our first try, which is uncommon, but
given our strong emphasis on cyber operations, the federal government
took notice of our research, academic rigor, and student
accomplishments,” continued Baggili.

The University’s Cyber
Forensics Research and Education Group, which includes undergraduate
and graduate students studying cybersecurity and computer science, has
received international attention for, among other discoveries,
uncovering vulnerabilities
that were addressed in the messaging application WhatsApp and
identifying vulnerabilities in a popular
virtual reality application.

The University’s programs in cybersecurity and computer science are
preparing graduates for careers in a field in which there has been
significant growth.

Cybersecurity Ventures predicts there will be 3.5 million unfilled
cybersecurity positions by 2021, up from one million in 2014. The
cybersecurity unemployment rate dropped to zero percent in 2016, and has
remained there ever since.

“This prestigious designation from the National Security Agency
recognizes our cybersecurity and computer science programs for being
among the best in the country, and it acknowledges the innovative
learning environment that we create for our students to equip them with
the skills to excel in the careers of the future,” said University of
New Haven President Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D. “It is a testament to our
talented faculty and staff, who are devoted to ensuring that our
students have the best opportunities and educational experiences.”

The NSA will formally honor the University at a ceremony in Las Vegas in
June.

About the University of New Haven

The University of New Haven, founded on the Yale campus in 1920, is a
private, coeducational university situated on the coast of southern New
England. It is a diverse and vibrant community of more than 7,000
students with campuses around the country and around the world.

Within its colleges and schools, students immerse themselves in a
transformative, career-focused education across the liberal arts and
sciences, fine arts, business, engineering, public safety, and public
service. More than 100 academic programs are offered, all grounded in a
long-standing commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary,
project-based learning. www.newhaven.edu.

Contacts

Name: Carolyn Meyer
Email: mediarelations@newhaven.edu
Media
Info: www.newhaven.edu/