NATIONAL CENTER OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN CYBER DEFENSE

Last spring, Bellevue University’s designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) was reconfirmed through the academic year 2027.

The CAE-CD designation indicates that an institution is helping to reduce threats to national infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense, as well as providing the nation with a pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals.

According to Bellevue University Cybersecurity Program Director Doug Rausch, “The United States is short of cybersecurity professionals and we need skilled workers. The CAE designation program helps raise awareness about the critical nature of the field and address the shortage of qualified professionals in the workforce.”

CAE-CD designation is awarded to accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees. The designation program is managed through the National Security Agency’s (NSA) National Cryptologic School. Bellevue University has held the CAE-CD designation since

2014 and is currently one of four institutions in Nebraska to hold the designation. Metropolitan Community College, Northeast Community College and the University of Nebraska at Omaha also have received the CAE-CDstet designation.