Continuing its role as a key institution in preparing professionals for the vital cybersecurity workforce, UNLV has once again been recognized as a leader in cyber defense education by the National Security Agency (NSA).

UNLV first received the prestigious designation of Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) in 2019 for its BS in Computer Science, Information Assurance Concentration degree program. This redesignation is valid through academic year 2030.

“Receiving the CAE-CD designation is a powerful affirmation by the National Security Agency that our curriculum not only meets but exceeds the highest standards for cyber defense education,” said Yoohwan Kim, computer science professor and Cybersecurity Center associate executive director. “It validates our commitment to developing the next generation of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals.”

The CAE-CD designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity-related degrees including majors, minors, and/or certificates at the associate’s, bachelor’s and graduate degree levels. The main goal of the program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense.

Programs that receive a NCAE-C designation have met high academic standards for cybersecurity curriculum and rigorous requirements as set forth by the NSA, including:

• Establish standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence
• Include competency development among students and faculty
• Value community outreach and leadership in professional development 
• Integrate cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic disciplines, and
• Actively engage in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.

As a NCAE-C designated institution, UNLV gains access to specialized programs, scholarships, and federal partnerships, creating new opportunities for career growth in cybersecurity.

“This designation elevates our program, making our graduates highly sought after by top employers across the nation in the critical field of cyber defense,” said Juyeon Jo, computer science professor and Cybersecurity Center executive director. It also opens new doors for attracting exceptional faculty, securing vital research funding, and fostering powerful collaborations with government agencies and industry partners.”

The NCAE-C program is managed by the National Cryptologic School at the National Security Agency. Federal partners include the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM).