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Federal and state leaders joined the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at �Ӱ�ԭ�� today to announce that �Ӱ�ԭ�� has been named a National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).

The NSA awards this prestigious designation to academic institutions that meet rigorous standards in cybersecurity education, ensuring students are gaining the skills that government and industry employers are seeking. �Ӱ�ԭ��’s NSA-validated program of study is its Bachelor of Arts in computer science with a minor in cybersecurity.

The CAE-CD designation enables colleges and universities to access additional federal grant opportunities through the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. 

“This designation is a credit to the outstanding faculty and resources that we have here at �Ӱ�ԭ��,” says RIC President Jack Warner. “With more open cybersecurity positions than ever before, we are strategically preparing our students to fill the nation’s cybersecurity workforce needs with an NSA-backed curriculum and a new hands-on training facility on the horizon, �Ӱ�ԭ�� is the place for students to study cybersecurity.” 

“This NSA designation is just the beginning of great things to come at RIC’s Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies – and it’s proof that our investment is paying off,” said R.I. Gov. Dan McKee. “I'm grateful to President Warner, former Congressman Langevin and the faculty, staff and students at RIC for making this program impactful from day one. Together, we’re equipping the next generation of �Ӱ�ԭ�� Islanders with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to succeed and create a prosperous future for �Ӱ�ԭ�� Island.”

“RIC does an outstanding job preparing students for the challenges they will face in the field, and the school has quickly risen as a leader in cybersecurity education,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed. “Receiving NSA’s designation for academic excellence is a big win. It’s a seal of approval that shows RIC is meeting NSA’s high standards when it comes to training the next generation of U.S. cybersecurity experts and it allows RIC to compete for federal research funding, grants for equipment and support for things like scholarships. I commend RIC and other �Ӱ�ԭ�� Island colleges and universities that have achieved this recognition and continue to attract tech talent to the Ocean State and produce cybersecurity professionals who are well prepared to meet the rapidly evolving challenges in the field of cybersecurity.”

“Our nation has a growing need for talented cybersecurity professionals to respond to emerging threats,” said U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. �Ӱ�ԭ��’s Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies is a testament to former Congressman Langevin’s continued commitment to ensuring that talent is trained right here at home. Congratulations to Jim and to RIC’s faculty and students for this national recognition from the intelligence community.”

“As a member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, I know just how serious cyber threats against the United States are, with attacks growing more frequent and sophisticated every day,” said U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner. “The designation of �Ӱ�ԭ�� Island College as a Center of Academic Excellence by NSA shows that our state is ready to lead the way in preparing students for the necessary, cutting-edge jobs in cybersecurity that help keep our country safe.”

“As we work to protect our community and our nation from the growing threat of cyberattacks, the world-class education and scholarship at �Ӱ�ԭ�� will be critical to filling our workforce needs,” said U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo. “I thank my colleagues, President Warner and former Congressman Jim Langevin for their leadership in helping �Ӱ�ԭ�� excel at training cybersecurity experts of tomorrow.”

“Cybersecurity has never been a more urgent concern, because cybercrimes and attacks are growing more common and sophisticated every day,” said Senate Committee on Finance Chair Louis DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton). “The risks are enormous, both for each of as individuals and for the critical sectors that drive our economy and our daily lives. The Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at RIC has positioned our state as a leader in this field and a hub of cybersecurity education and workforce development. Its designation as an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense will significantly strengthen that standing. I am grateful to former Congressman Langevin, President Warner, the RIC community and the many leaders and stakeholders who continue working to make �Ӱ�ԭ�� Island more prosperous and secure.”

“Just two years after launching the Institute, �Ӱ�ԭ�� has already earned the recognition of the national intelligence community,” said former Congressman Jim Langevin, the Institute’s distinguished chair. “This designation signals our commitment to training cybersecurity professionals who will reduce the vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure. Our graduates will be uniquely qualified to support the ongoing work of the federal government and the nation’s top cybersecurity employers.”

Learn more about RIC’s Cybersecurity BS program and Computer Science BA, BS programs.