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ACADEMIA

Centers of Academic Excellence Overview

NSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in IA Education (CAE/IAE) and CAE–Research (CAE–R) programs. The goal of these programs is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in IA and producing a growing number of professionals with IA expertise in various disciplines. Designation as a CAE/IAE or CAE–R is valid for five academic years, after which the school must successfully reapply in order to retain its CAE designation.

Students attending these designated schools are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program (IASP). Designation as a Center does not carry a commitment for funding from NSA or DHS.

CAE/IAE and CAE–R Institutions are located throughout the country–many within driving distance of major DoD installations, federal research centers, and other federal agencies. These schools serve as regional centers of IA expertise and have begun to provide more programs aimed at retooling and retaining current federal and state information technology personnel.

CAE/IAEs and CAE–Rs receive formal recognition from the U.S. Government as well as opportunities for prestige and publicity for their role in securing our Nation's information systems.