National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

The University of Arizona is designated by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program managed by the National Security Agency (NSA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies. The NCAE-C program was established to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce and expand high-quality cybersecurity education nationwide. 

The NCAE-C program creates and manages a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:

• Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence.
• Includes competency development among students and faculty.
• Values community outreach and leadership in professional development.
• Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution and across academic disciplines.
• Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.

Institutions that earn the NCAE-C designation demonstrate excellence in areas such as:

• High-quality, outcomes-driven cybersecurity curriculum.
• Hands-on, experiential learning and applied practice.
• Faculty expertise and ongoing professional engagement.
• Student learning, mentoring, and career preparation.
• Partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations.
• Commitment to public service, research, and national workforce needs.

The NCAE-C program recognizes institutions across multiple areas of cybersecurity specialization, including:

• Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) – Programs with deep technical and hands-on preparation in offensive and defensive cyber operations
• Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) – Programs focused on cybersecurity fundamentals, policy, governance, and applied security practices
• Cyber Research (CAE-R) – Institutions that demonstrate strength in cybersecurity research and innovation
• Cyber Artificial Intelligence (CAE-Cyber AI) – Institutions that are regionally accredited and officially designated as either CAE-CD or CAE-CO qualify

Each designation reflects a distinct focus area while contributing to the shared national mission of developing a capable and diverse cybersecurity workforce.

The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations holds both the new CAE-Cyber AI designation (Artificial Intelligence emphasis) as well as the prestigious CAE-CO designation (Security emphasis).

The CAE-CO program is a deeply technical, interdisciplinary, higher education program firmly grounded in the computer science, computer engineering and/or electrical engineering disciplines, with extensive opportunities for hands-on applications via labs and exercises.

What the CAE-CO Designation Means

The CAE-CO designation signifies that the University of Arizona’s Cyber Operations program delivers advanced, technically sophisticated education tailored to today’s most critical cybersecurity challenges. The CAE-CO designation reflects the University of Arizona’s commitment to:

• High-level technical curriculum grounded in computer science, engineering and security fundamentals
• Hands-on learning opportunities through labs, simulations and real-world exercises
• An interdisciplinary approach that prepares students for complex cyber operations roles across public and private sectors

The CAE-CO designation signals that the university’s programs not only meet but also exceed nationally defined academic and technical criteria for preparing future cyber professionals. Graduates emerge with a strong foundation in offensive and defensive cyber operations, ready to protect critical infrastructure and respond to real-world challenges.

Exclusive National Recognition

As a CAE-CO institution, the University of Arizona:

• Joins an elite network of programs with NSA recognition in cyber operations
• Enhances student competitiveness for scholarships, internships and career opportunities with government and industry partners
• Demonstrates sustained excellence through ongoing evaluation and renewal of the designation