"U Nevada-Reno's programs Designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)"
The Centers for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), co-sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aims to ensure that cyber defense professionals graduate with cybersecurity expertise gained through theoretical and hands-on experience from higher education institutions. The University of Nevada-Reno's B.S. in computer science with a minor in cybersecurity degree program has earned a CAE-CD designation. The University received a designation as a CAE-CD because it demonstrated success in several key areas, including a multidisciplinary approach, which refers to the inclusion of cybersecurity in courses where this topic is not directly emphasized. The University's Cybersecurity Center garnered interest among parties and agencies from within the University and the cybersecurity community in general. Their Cybersecurity Center is also supported by faculty composed of over 30 members in eight different disciplines, such as computer science, psychology, criminal justice, and more. The University showed that there are robust opportunities for students to engage in cybersecurity through its Nevada Cyber Club, in addition to coursework and events like the National Cyber League Competition. This article continues to discuss the CAE-CD program's goal, how the University of Nevada-Reno earned a CAE-CD designation, and the importance of this designation to students.