Refer to the resources below to learn more about the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Program, or begin the process to become a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C).
What is a CAE In Cybersecurity?
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program, launched by the NSA in 1999, recognizes institutions meeting rigorous cybersecurity education standards. The program includes designations for Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), Cyber Research (CAE-R), and Cyber Operations (CAE-CO). Over 400 institutions nationwide hold these designations, allowing them to compete for grants and apply for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarship for Service program. All accredited U.S. two-year, four-year, and graduate institutions can apply, with re-designation required every five years.
Learn MoreThe Communities of Practice
Cyber Defense
Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and/or certificates at the Associates, Bachelors, and graduate levels.
Cyber Operations
Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) designation 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.
Cyber Research
Cyber Research (CAE-R) designation is awarded to DoD schools, PhD-producing military academies, or regionally accredited, degree-granting four-year institutions rated by the Carnegie Foundation Basic Classification system as either a Doctoral University Highest Research Activity (R1), Doctoral University Higher Research Activity (R2), or Doctoral University Moderate Research Activity (R3).
The National Centers
CAE Community National Center
The CAE in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) Community National Center grant is administered through California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). Focused on the development of a robust cybersecurity workforce.
Candidates National Center
The CAE Candidates National Center acts as the entry point for all colleges and universities that plan to apply for either Academic Validation or NCAE-C Designation.
Careers Preparation National Center
The CPNC builds on prior grant results and identifies new NCAE-C efforts to foster the development of college students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for government and industry employment.
Education Pathway National Center
The EPNC works to create a national network for cybersecurity education-to-career pathways, enhance student success, promote collaboration among educational institutions, and support initiatives to expand and diversify the future workforce.
Peer Review National Center
The CAE Peer Review National Center works with the NCAE-C Program Management Office to train reviewers and execute peer reviews of applications for Academic Endorsement and/or NCAE-C Designation.
Ready to Apply?
Contact the NCAE-C Program Management Office with your intention to apply, and they will reach out to you with next steps.
