Baker College recognized as National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Baker College has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency. The NSA awards this designation to schools that show commitment to providing its students with high-quality cybersecurity education and to bolstering the cybersecurity workforce. The designation also comes with a validation of the school’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity program, noting that the program meets the requirements for a cyber defense education.

According to an article on Baker College’s website, Brian Kowalczyk, who is the Dean of the College of Information Technology and Engineering, was quoted as saying of the recognition, “This designation places Baker College among an elite group of institutions recognized for their excellence in cybersecurity education. This puts us in a position to attract high achieving students, faculty, and research grants. It also invites collaboration with government agencies, private sector leaders, and other universities, which opens the door to grants, partnership, and additional research grants.”

The NSA’s criteria for the designation includes having a dedicated cybersecurity center, regional accreditation, industry collaboration, and faculty and student development, among others. Baker College has a Cyber Defense Club, provides experiential learning opportunities, requires capstone projects, and gives students the opportunity to compete in various cyber defense competitions.

Kowalczyk said, “By maintaining a strong focus on hands-on training, interdisciplinary learning, and industry partnerships, we ensure our graduates enter the workforce ready to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges.”

The designation will remain through 2029.

For more information about Baker College, visit the school’s website.