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NSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in IA Education (CAE/IAE) and CAE-Research (CAE-R) programs. The goal of these programs is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in IA and producing a growing number of professionals with IA expertise in various disciplines. Designation as a CAE/IAE or CAE-R is valid for five academic years, after which the school must successfully reapply in order to retain its CAE designation.

Students attending these designated schools are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program. Designation as a Center does not carry a commitment for funding from NSA or DHS.

CAE/IAEs and CAE-Rs receive formal recognition from the U.S. Government as well as opportunities for prestige and publicity for their role in securing our Nation's information systems.

2011 Centers of Academic Excellence

Centers of Academic Excellence in IA Education

Four-year colleges and graduate-level universities are eligible to apply to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in IA Education. Each applicant must pass a rigorous review, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence in IA education. During the application process, applicants are evaluated against stringent criteria.

Centers of Academic Excellence in Research

Institutions meeting the Carnegie Foundation's classifications of Research University/Very High (RU/VH), Research University/High (RU/H) and Doctoral Research University (DRU) or the equivalent are eligible to apply for CAE-R. The CAE-R criteria are available as well.

Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations

Four-year colleges and graduate-level universities are eligible to apply to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations. Each applicant institution must pass a rigorous review, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence in Cyber Operations. During the application review process, applicants are evaluated against stringent program criteria and academic content requirements.

For more information about CAE-Cyber Operations, please visit our website at: CAE-Cyber Operations

Institutions

CAE/IAE and CAE-R Institutions are located throughout the country—many within driving distance of major DoD installations, federal research centers, and other federal agencies. These schools serve as regional centers of IA expertise and have begun to provide more programs aimed at retooling and retaining current federal and state information technology personnel.

2011 Program Results