{"id":16966,"date":"2024-02-28T08:37:27","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T14:37:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maryville.edu\/mpress\/?p=16966"},"modified":"2024-02-28T08:39:41","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T14:39:41","slug":"new-federal-designation-for-cybersecurity-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.maryville.edu\/mpress\/new-federal-designation-for-cybersecurity-program\/","title":{"rendered":"New Federal Designation for Cybersecurity Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

A \u201ccrowning achievement\u201d for Maryville brings opportunities for students.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maryville students, faculty and alumni are celebrating a new classification establishing the University\u2019s cybersecurity program as a top contender among U.S. institutions of higher education.<\/p>\n

Following a rigorous application process, the National Security Agency (NSA) designated Maryville as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) for its undergraduate program. The approval means the program is now listed as a CAE-CD, a designation awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and\/or certificates at the associate, bachelor\u2019s and graduate levels. The classification makes Maryville a distinguished center of learning for the fast-growing discipline, according to assistant professor of cybersecurity Brian Gant, EdD, \u201921.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s definitely a crowning achievement,\u201d Gant said.<\/p>\n

Leaders of Maryville\u2019s cybersecurity program, established in 2014, spent several years in pursuit of the designation. It was a thorough process that involved demonstrating best standards and academic excellence \u2014 basically showing that \u201cyou have to actually be doing what you say you\u2019re doing,\u201d Gant said.<\/p>\n

While the application involved many hours of work on the part of those in the cybersecurity program, it also required campuswide dedication. \u201cIt\u2019s not just a commitment involving the curriculum, but also the commitment of the University\u2019s president and the entire institution,\u201d Gant said.<\/p>\n

ADDED VALUE FOR STUDENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Benefits of the new CAE-CD designation are manifold and include opening access to a network of schools across the nation holding the NSA designation. Gant said the relationships born out of these connections will boost internship and partnership possibilities. \u201cTo be able to say that you\u2019re at an NSA-designated institution boosts your chances for positions,\u201d Gant said. \u201cEven when the curriculum is already there, the classification increases confidence in a university.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cybersecurity major Reed Huskey, \u201923, was involved in the NSA application, participating in interviews and working with a mentor. \u201cThe classification demonstrates that our material is robust and changes to keep up with the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity,\u201d Huskey said.<\/p>\n

Huskey interned for Caterpillar Inc., where he now serves as a security operations center analyst. Huskey said the CAE-CD designation puts a federal stamp of approval on the program, which already attracts high-caliber professors who work in the field. \u201cThese professors give you a good feel for which area of cybersecurity you\u2019re interested in and how that translates into an actual career,\u201d Huskey said. \u201cThat\u2019s a big benefit for students.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like Huskey, Jada Turner, \u201923, feels lucky to have learned so much about the professional realm through her instructors. Calling herself an \u201coverthinker,\u201d Turner said instructors welcomed her frequent questions, something she believes will make her a better employee when she begins working after graduation at Emerson Electric Co. as a cloud security analyst. <\/p>\n

Even though Drew Klauser, \u201920, \u201921, graduated before the University earned its CAE-CD classification, his degree will reflect the elevated status because it\u2019s based on the curriculum in place during his time at Maryville. In his job as a security analyst for Boston-based ezCater, Klauser\u2019s responsibilities include hiring. \u201cBeing an NSA-accredited school carries a lot of weight,\u201d Klauser said. Similarly, prospective students will quickly find Maryville when they search for an NSA-designated program.<\/p>\n

MASTER\u2019S PROGRAM ALMOST READY TO APPLY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cybersecurity employees work to protect an organization\u2019s networks, devices and data. Many jobs involve addressing security incidents, testing for potential threats or working on risk management, policy and governance. When people hear the word \u201ccybersecurity,\u201d they often think of Microsoft, Google or Facebook. But you\u2019ll find cybersecurity professionals working in every industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery organization has a computer network,\u201d Gant said. \u201cFrom the federal government to retail.\u201d According to Cyber Seek, there are 65 cybersecurity professionals \u2014 most of them already employed \u2014 for every 100 job postings. The demand is also evidenced by the success of Maryville cybersecurity graduates, 98% of whom have positive career outcomes. Many succeed with a bachelor\u2019s degree alone, but earning a master\u2019s prepares cybersecurity professionals for important certifications and can add to their lifetime earnings, according to Cliff Wilke, PhD, Maryville graduate cybersecurity instructor and program coordinator.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re proud to have achieved this designation,\u201d Wilke said. \u201cWe have a great program, and receiving this designation is another cornerstone that brings opportunities for Maryville students.\u201d<\/p>\n

To learn more about the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Cybersecurity program<\/a>, visit our website.<\/p>\n

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