National Security Agency

Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance

What is a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance?

The Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance (IA) Education Program is an outreach effort designed and operated by the National Security Agency (NSA) in the spirit of Presidential Decision Directive 63 (PDD 63), the Clinton Administration's Policy on Critical Infrastructure Protection, May 1998. The program goal is to reduce vulnerability in our National Information Infrastructure by promoting higher education in information assurance and producing a growing number of professionals with IA expertise in various disciplines.

Please click here to view the list of schools which are currently Centers of Academic Excellence

How does my school become a Center of Excellence?

Visit the National Security Agency Centers of Academic Excellence page and view the criteria and application procedures.

Why should my school become a Center of Excellence?

Benefits to Academia:
Colleges and universities designated as Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education will receive formal recognition from the United States Government, along with the associated prestige and opportunities for publicity. This recognition will be in the form of an official Government certificate. Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through both the federal and Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Programs. Designation as a Center does not carry a commitment for funding from the National Security Agency.
Benefits to the Nation:
The National Security Agency, and other Federal Departments and Agencies: the program is intended to assist in meeting the national demand for a cadre of professionals with information assurance expertise in various disciplines. These professionals will enter the workforce better equipped to meet challenges facing our national information infrastructure. Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education may become focal points for recruiting individuals with information assurance expertise. The Centers may also create a climate and foci to encourage independent research in critical information assurance areas.