NHTI-Concord’s Community College has received significant recognition as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) from the National Security Agency (NSA). This designation highlights the college’s commitment to providing students with the skills needed to excel in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. Graduates of the college’s cybersecurity associate degree program will now be equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in this critical industry.
Chad Johnson, the program coordinator for information technology at NHTI, emphasized the institution’s dedication to addressing the evolving demands of the workforce. He noted, “Few fields are growing as rapidly or as critically as cybersecurity.” The importance of this field is further underscored in the college’s designation letter, which references the National Cyber Strategy that states, “A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.”
Importance of the Designation
The NSA manages the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program in collaboration with several federal partners, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM).
Johnson elaborated on the significance of this designation, asserting that it validates the quality and rigor of the education offered in NHTI’s Networking and Cybersecurity Operations program. To achieve this status, the college’s curriculum was required to meet specific learning outcomes. It includes hands-on lab exercises that allow students to practice their skills in environments that closely resemble real-world scenarios.
The rigorous qualification process extended beyond the classroom. NHTI had to demonstrate that its institutional cybersecurity measures adhered to national standards. Importantly, the college also reported that principles of cybersecurity were integrated into various relevant academic programs. For instance, its health care programs incorporate training on how to secure patient medical files, showcasing the intersection of cybersecurity with essential sectors.
Opportunities for Students and the College
This prestigious designation opens numerous avenues for both NHTI and its students. It grants access to competitive grants, specialized scholarships, and enhanced connections with professionals and industry partners in the cybersecurity field. Such resources can significantly benefit students as they prepare to enter the job market.
As cybersecurity continues to become an essential aspect of various industries, NHTI’s recognition positions it as a leader in this educational domain. The college’s programs are well-poised to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the cybersecurity workforce.
To find out more about NHTI’s Information Technology programs, interested individuals can visit nhti.edu.
