MDC has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) for its robust cybersecurity curriculum, the very highest designation of its kind. The College also received validation from the NSA for the Associate of Science in Cybersecurity through 2027. In addition, MDC was recently awarded a Cyber Skills for All grant from the American Association of Community Colleges and Microsoft to increase the participation of underrepresented students in the technology and cybersecurity industry.
All of these developments have taken place as the College has launched and continues expanding MDC Tech, its unified brand and comprehensive strategy that combines all its cutting-edge tech educational offerings with the growing tech community’s needs, while also ensuring this new movement includes and benefits all Miamians.
The NSA designation acknowledges MDC’s rigorous standards for cybersecurity curriculum developed by faculty and the college’s cybersecurity advisory committee. It also validates academic delivery excellence to equip students with expert knowledge and skills to protect and defend against the cyber threat landscape. Moreover, the designation recognizes the leadership role of MDC’s Cybersecurity Center in community outreach and cybersecurity professional development.
The goal of the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity is to promote and support quality academic programs of higher learning that help produce the nation’s cyber workforce. MDC was selected for its ability to meet the increasing demands of the program, ultimately contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure. The NSA’s National Cyber Strategy addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace.
With this designation, students and faculty are eligible to apply for grants, training and scholarships from NSA and federal partners.
Additionally, students that complete MDC’s AS in Cybersecurity will receive explicit recognition to add to their personal credentials. CAE institutions receive formal recognition from the U.S. Government as well as opportunities for prestige and publicity for their role supporting Nation’s information systems.
MDC was one of only 14 colleges selected to receive the Cyber Skills for All grant. MDC administrators and faculty will work directly with AACC, Microsoft and other experts to expand cyber programming as part of a locally responsive economic development strategy. In addition, MDC faculty will undergo training in cybersecurity certifications from Microsoft with the goal of developing new courses. MDC’s Cybersecurity Center will also offer an instructor-led training in Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification at no cost for underrepresented minorities from the local community.
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Learn more about MDC’s Cybersecurity Center and related programs at https://www.mdc.edu/cybersecurity/.
About the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity
The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program is managed by NSA’s National Cryptologic School. Federal partners include the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). To learn more, visit www.nsa.gov.