BSC designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education | Bismarck State College

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BSC designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

Published: Mar 28 2019
The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Bismarck State College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) through academic year 2024. The two federal organizations stated that BSC’s ability to meet the increasing demands of program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure.
 
“This designation puts a stamp of approval on our program and essentially shows that BSC is teaching the curriculum and supporting the opportunities and extracurricular activities that our students need to be qualified to defend the nation. Because we have this designation, our graduates are qualified for federal jobs in the cyber field,” said Matthew Frohlich, BSC associate professor of computers and office technology.
 
The goal of the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise. The CAE-CDE designation is for associate, bachelor, masters and doctoral programs that meet the CAE-CD program’s stringent criterion.
 
BSC is one of the higher ed leads for K-20W cyber education in North Dakota, and offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity and Computer Networks, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity and Information Technology as well as numerous industry certifications.
 
 In July 2018, BSC entered into an educational partnership with global cybersecurity leader Palo Alto Networks expanding the college’s cyber education programs and enabling BSC to scale online and classroom cybersecurity offerings.
 
“There is a critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and the national cyber strategy highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace,” says BSC President Larry C. Skogen. “Just as the federal government continues to invest in programs that build the domestic talent pipeline, BSC will continue to be the polytechnic leader in North Dakota, as well as nationally, for cybersecurity resources and education.”
 
To learn more about BSC’s cyber education programs visit bismarckstate.edu/cyber.