NSA designates Hood College as National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

FREDERICK, Md., – Hood College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through 2027 by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The CAE-CD recognizes Hood’s efforts to reduce threats to the national infrastructure of the United States via the promotion of research in cyber defense, as well as the establishment of a pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals.

The designation will allow Hood faculty and students to apply for research grants and scholarships from the U.S. Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, NSA, and other national research and cyber defense funding organizations.

“This designation is the result of a rigorous accreditation process and demonstrates that our cybersecurity program meets the most demanding academic and technical requirements in cyber defense,” said George Dimitoglou, Ph.D., director of the cybersecurity program at Hood. “It validates the robustness of our cybersecurity curriculum while signaling to prospective students and employers that Hood College graduates receive top-notch education and training.”

To be considered for the distinction of CAE-CD, an institution must meet rigorous requirements set forth by the NSA and DHS. All regionally accredited two-year, four-year and graduate-level institutions in the United States are eligible to apply to become a designated institution. An institution or program must be reevaluated for redesignation every five academic years.

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