Augusta University designated as NDS/DHS National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Augusta University has been designated as a NDS/DHS National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security.

The designation, which included designations for seven other institutions, was announced Wednesday, Nov. 2 via an NSA press release.

Joanne Sexton, director of the university’s Cyber Institute, said the designation was a sign that Augusta Univesrity is moving in the right direction in terms of cybersecurity education.

“Our designation recognizes Augusta University’s significant contributions in meeting the national demand for Cyber Education, developing a growing number of professionals with cyber defense expertise, and our contribution to the protection of the national information infrastructure,” she said. “With this designation, Augusta University is recognized among the top 4% U.S. universities teaching cybersecurity across the nation.”

The designation follows the university’s recent Cyber Georgia @ Augusta University conference. Held annually, the two-day event brings together cybersecurity professionals from across the country to discuss cybersecurity education, recruitment and current cyber threats.

Prior to the event, the university and the NSA’s Cryptologic School (NCS) publicly signed an articulation agreement.

The agreement will increase educational opportunities for NCS students by allowing them to earn their undergraduate degrees at Augusta University.

For more information about Augusta University’s Cyber Institute, contact cyber@augusta.edu.