Purdue Northwest earns national designation for cybersecurity programs

Purdue University Northwest recently earned redesignation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

The designation comes from the U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. This is the third time PNW has earned the designation.

“Our Computer Information Technology program at PNW has a well-designed course curriculum with heavy emphasis on hands-on learning and faculty expertise in cybersecurity,” said Michael Tu, computer information technology professor and director of PNW’s Center for Cybersecurity, in a press release . “We are also very active in cybersecurity research, education outreach and community engagement.”

Students at CAE-CD designated universities can compete for scholarships, conduct research on real-world problems and participate in nationwide competitions. The designation also provides professional development and job placement opportunities.

To receive the designation, schools must meet criteria set by the NSA and DHS. Schools must have a well-established cybersecurity education degree program, quality curriculum, faculty expertise, hands-on experiences and a documented continuous improvement plan and assessment evidence.

The CAE-CD designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity-related degrees or certificates that meet established criteria. The program aims to support academic programs of higher learning that help produce the nation’s cyber workforce.

PNW offers four-year degree programs in computer information technology and cybersecurity. The Center for Cybersecurity’s mission is to improve security in cyber systems, develop strategies to mitigate cybersecurity incidents and promote high-quality education for workforce training.

Purdue University Northwest has campuses in Hammond and Westville. The university serves about 8,900 undergraduate and graduate students. Students from 30 states and 50 countries attend PNW.

Caption: PNW students attend a computer information technology class. (Provided by Purdue University Northwest)

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