Franklin University Achieves CAE Program of Study Validation for its M.S. in Cybersecurity

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Franklin University, a leading educator of working adults, is pleased to announce that its Master of Science in Cybersecurity program has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This prestigious designation underscores the University's commitment to addressing the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals and highlights the pivotal role of higher education in advancing skills in emerging technologies and safeguarding America’s cyberspace.

Adding validation to its designation as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense for its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity earned in 2019, the University is proud to expand on this designation, awarded for its Master of Science in Cybersecurity as a result of its thorough investigation into the University's cybersecurity curriculum, faculty credentials and competence in research and student involvement in cybersecurity activities.

“This is a wonderful achievement for our master's students as this can open additional employment venues or streamline some employment processes for our students entering cybersecurity,” shared Dr. Denise Bergstrom, program chair, Cybersecurity (AS, BS, MS), Computing Sciences and Mathematics. “The NSA CAE-CD Designation is a detailed and difficult process that takes months of work from many people and departments across the University. It is a testament to the focus and priorities of the institution that we are able to work together to achieve this prestigious designation for our program and, ultimately, for our students.”

With the addition of its newest designation, Franklin joins a growing community of institutions developing the critical workforce and research needed to secure U.S. industrial and military infrastructure. Franklin’s Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity (CPSCE) leverages its esteemed faculty and thought leaders – along with the University’s reputation for excellence in curriculum and course development to create learning experiences that address prevailing security concerns.

The goals of the CAE program are:
•    Reduce vulnerability in the national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense.
•    Produce a growing number of professionals with expertise in cyber defense disciplines.
•    Proactively increase understanding of robust cyber defense technology, policy and practices that will enable the nation to prevent and respond effectively to catastrophic cyber events.
•    Contribute significantly to the advancement of state-of-the-art cyber defense knowledge and practice.

Achieving this additional designation required Franklin University to undergo an in-depth application process and rigorous assessment of its cybersecurity educational programs and institutional resources, conducted by fellow CAE academic institutions, NSA, DHS, and other government and industry partners. This CAE designation not only provides critical recognition for Franklin graduates in cybersecurity but also enhances the recruitment of future students and creates opportunities for funding through grants such as the Department of Defense Cybersecurity Scholarship program and the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Scholarship for Service program.

Franklin University's enhanced status as a CAE in Cyber Defense is a testament to its high standards and innovative approach to cybersecurity education, reaffirming its leadership role in higher education and national security. To learn more about charting new frontiers in Cybersecurity from a nationally recognized university, click here: https://bit.ly/3R8QSKh.
 

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).