NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, based in Maryland. This designation will be maintained through 2029.

Dr. Joni Adkins, director of Northwest’s School of Computer Science and Information Systems, stated, “Gaining the designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense is the result of relevant curriculum, talented faculty and efforts to share cybersecurity knowledge.” She added that students would benefit from a robust cybersecurity curriculum, federal scholarship eligibility, connections within the cybersecurity community, and internship opportunities. Faculty members will also have access to professional development opportunities. Dr. Adkins expressed hope that this designation would help grow their undergraduate cybersecurity major to meet industry demands for security professionals.

Institutions awarded the CAE designation must meet rigorous requirements set by the National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA grants these designations to institutions dedicated to reducing threats to national infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense while providing a pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals.

All regionally accredited two-year, four-year, and graduate-level institutions in the United States are eligible to apply for this designation. Institutions must reapply every five academic years for re-evaluation.

Northwest’s cybersecurity program offers students opportunities to engage in various cybersecurity activities within a profession-based learning environment. These projects aim to prepare students for future roles where they will protect companies from risks and threats.

For more information about Northwest’s Center for Cybersecurity and related degree programs, visit .