Assumption University Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by National Security Agency

Assumption University today announced it has become only the fourth Massachusetts university or college – and the only one in greater central Massachusetts — to be designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA).

Cybersecurity Designation Highlights:

• CAE-CD designation ensures that Assumption cybersecurity program students and the school itself align with national standards for cyber defense education.
• Graduates of a CAE-CD designated cybersecurity program enjoy increased marketability and job benefits.
• The designation for Assumption’s Cybersecurity program runs through the academic year 2028.
• Established just five years ago, Assumption’s Cybersecurity program earned designation on its first attempt — a rare achievement given the NSA’s stringent requirements.                                                                                                                                         

Annie Becker, National Center for Academic Excellence Program Manager, NSA, in informing Assumption of the designation: “Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure. … A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national advantage.”

Raymond Albert, Professor of Practice and Director of the Cybersecurity Program and University’s Center for Cybersecurity: “Five short years ago Assumption leadership recognized the urgency to establish a cybersecurity program that would uplevel the workforce with highly skilled and knowledgeable cybersecurity professionals. The well-known, severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals has put the country’s cyberspace at risk. Assumption is excited to be part of the effort to protect the nation’s interconnected communications networks that its citizens rely on for safe access to information.”

Demand for cybersecurity professionals at crisis level:

• The shortfall for graduates to enter the cybersecurity workforce is estimated at over 750,000 workers, according to Cyberseek.org., which provides data about supply and demand in the cybersecurity job market.
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of information security analyst is set to soar by as much as 35% through 2031 – much faster than the national average for all occupations.
• The BLS also reports that the median annual salary for information security analysts is $120,600 – more than double the national media earnings of workers across all industries.                                                                                                                                                                            

For more information about the Assumption University’s Center for Cybersecurity, please visit https://www.assumption.edu/people-and-departments/organization-listing/mathematics-and-computer-science/assumption-university.