Utica College Cybersecurity Master’s Program Earns National Designation

Utica Community
Utica Stories
Utica College Cybersecurity Master’s Program Earns National Designation

Joseph Giordano and Students - Cybersecurity 0415

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Utica College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education for its M.S. degree in cybersecurity.

UC’s bachelor’s program in cybersecurity, offered on campus and online, was given the same honor in 2016, making Utica College one of the first institutions in the U.S. to earn Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations for both its undergraduate and graduate programs.

“This is a major achievement for Utica College,” says Joe Giordano, professor and chair of cybersecurity programs. “It means getting the seal of approval from two of the foremost cybersecurity organizations in the country.”

The achievement also represents “years of hard work,” says Giordano, on behalf of UC’s cybersecurity faculty members, who have refined the curriculum to reflect the fast-growing industry and its challenges.

Programs applying for CAE certification are evaluated on several key standards, including: curriculum relevancy, multidisciplinary courses, participation in cyber competitions, collaboration with local high schools and colleges, and faculty research and publications. Institutions must also demonstrate students’ ability to successfully complete the program requirements.

As a result of the new designation, graduates of the M.S. program will be awarded certifications from CAE along with their cybersecurity degrees, which Giordano says will provide a considerable advantage in the current job market.

“Employers recognize the NSA and DHS as the gold standard,” he says. “Our students are now in an even better position when they graduate with a Utica College cybersecurity degree.”