COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Colorado Technical University (CTU), a leading provider of higher
education for career-motivated students, announced today that the
National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
have designated the university a National Center of Academic Excellence
(CAE) in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense.
CTU is among the first group of 44 colleges and universities to receive
this new designation for its computer science and information technology
programs based on the more rigorous selection criteria introduced in
2014. The university was first designated as a Center of Academic
Excellence in Information Assurance in 2010.
As one of the nation’s top cyber defense agencies, the NSA has a mission
of protecting classified information while DHS is focused on protecting
the nation from domestic and international threats, including those to
critical cyber infrastructure. The National CAE designation program is
designed to prepare a growing number of information assurance and cyber
defense professionals to meet the need to reduce vulnerabilities in the
nation’s networks.
“We feel extremely honored to be recognized by two federal agencies that
are at the forefront of information assurance and cybersecurity,” said
Dr. Bruce Harmon, program director for engineering, computer science and
IT. “This designation is especially important, because it further
validates that CTU provides rigorous, high quality and industry-relevant
education to our students that also provides value to our nation.”
Selection Criteria
In order to achieve this designation, institutions must pass a rigorous
review demonstrating their commitment to academic excellence in
information assurance and cybersecurity education. During the
application process, colleges and universities are evaluated against
nine criteria, including having faculty who are active in the field and
in research, providing student support resources and offering a
curriculum that encourages student research in the industry.
“We work closely with industry experts, including experienced military
advisors, law enforcement leaders, and government consultants and
officials to ensure that our computer science and information technology
programs are place a strong emphasis on enhanced cyber security,” said
Dr. Connie Johnson, chief academic officer and provost of CTU. “We feel
confident that our curriculum helps prepare graduates to emerge as
leaders in the field and work to address new cyber threats.”
Recognized Security Programs
CTU currently offers bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in homeland
security and a doctorate of computer science in information assurance
and homeland security. As the threats and reports of cybercrime continue
to rise1,CTU responded to the need for more
specialized professionals in this area by launching two new
cybersecurity educational programs last year, a Cybercrime and Security
concentration and a Master of Science degree program in Cybersecurity
Policy.
The CTU Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Cybercrime and Security
concentration and Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy are designed
to cater to students who regularly manage cybersecurity issues and
command a strong knowledge in the unique laws, policies and strategies
of this field. Both of these new programs can help students prepare to
apply a range of non-technical, cybersecurity-related skills in their
field. Colorado Technical University is also one of the few universities
to offer a Master of Science Homeland Security degree, which is designed
to provide students with a broad understanding of the homeland security
enterprise at the strategic policy-making level. Learn more at www.coloradotech.edu/Degree-Programs.
In addition to this NSA/DHS designation for its quality cyber security
programs, CTU’s online Bachelor’s degree programs, Master’s in Criminal
Justice, and Master’s in Information Technology, have awarded a Cooperative
for Educational Technologies Outstanding Work Award by the Western
Interstate Cooperative on Higher Education for the university’s use of
intellipath™ adaptive learning technology with its online MBA program to
enhance student learning. CTU is also a participant in the American
Council on Education’s (ACE) Alternative Credit Project which aims
to lower postsecondary costs by helping students identify ways to
receive maximum credit for previous educational experience.
About Colorado Technical University
Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University (CTU) provides higher
education to connect students to what matters most in reaching their
professional goals. CTU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate
programs taught by real-world faculty members who enrich the curriculum
with their industry experience and prepare students for today's
challenges and the hard-hitting problems of tomorrow. CTU's
personalized, online learning platform allows students to control what,
where, when and how they learn. Students can also learn and connect on
campuses in Colorado Springs and Aurora (Denver). With the help of
faculty, industry professionals and more than 70,000 alumni, CTU
students can also grow a powerful professional network to use their
entire career. Learn more at www.coloradotech.edu.
CTU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.
CTU is also a member of the Career Education Corporation network of
universities, colleges and schools. For more information, visit www.careered.com.
CTU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find disclosures on
graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at http://www.coloradotech.edu/financial-aid/student-disclosures.
1http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
Colorado Technical University
Melissa Balsan, (224)-293-5990
[email protected]
Source: Colorado Technical University