National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C)
The University of Arizona is proud to be part of the Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, with designations for Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), Cyber Research (CAE-R), and validated CyberAI program of study.
What is the NCAE-C Program?
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
Types of NCAE-C Designations
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
Each designation reflects a distinct focus area while contributing to the shared national mission of developing a capable and diverse cybersecurity workforce.