Messiah receives prestigious designation as National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Messiah University’s cybersecurity education program announced its recent designation as a National Center of

Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD). This designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity-related degrees including majors, minors and/or certificates at the associate, bachelor’s and graduate degree levels. To qualify for this designation, Messiah met high academic standards for cybersecurity curriculum; demonstrated significant community outreach and integration of cybersecurity practice across academic disciplines; established a dedicated center for cybersecurity; and actively engaged in finding solutions to current cybersecurity challenges.

“This designation signifies Messiah’s excellence in cybersecurity education,” said Lynn Bigelow, director of cybersecurity education at Messiah. “It opens doors for our students and faculty, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of safeguarding digital infrastructure and information.”

This achievement provides the program with increased opportunities such as participation and contribution to the broader CAE community; collaboration with other institutions in pedagogy and technical expertise; student scholarships; and full-time employment for students with various agencies across the Department of Defense. This designation can draw in an influx of students who want a top-quality education in cybersecurity.

— Staff report