Fullerton College is a National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense
The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency have designated Fullerton College’s Cybersecurity program as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). The designation is awarded to regionally accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and/or certificates that meet rigorous requirements to produce cybersecurity professionals who will reduce vulnerabilities in the national infrastructure.
Professors Anna Carlin and Brian Roach with Dean of Business & CIS Carlos Ayon and members of National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)
“This is an exciting award because it brings access to resources and jobs in the field of cybersecurity,” said Professor of Computer Information Systems Anna Carlin.
“When students complete our program and apply to government jobs, there’s a better likelihood that their application will be considered because they completed a degree or certificate program at a Center of Academic Excellence,” she added.
Carlin said more than 77,000 jobs in California alone are available within the field of cybersecurity. At Fullerton College, students have the option to pursue a Cyber Security Associate in Science degree as well as multiple certificates in cybersecurity. In addition, the Hornet Security Education Center serves as a resource for students, faculty, staff, and the general public to better understand information security issues, cyber defense technology, policy, and practices. The Hornet Security Education Center conducts teaching, training, community outreach, and features local and national events on cybersecurity, scholarship opportunities and resources to cyber security careers.
With the CAE-CD designation, Fullerton College will continue to expand outreach efforts and plans to integrate cybersecurity curriculum into other related curriculum, such as drone and automotive technologies. Carlin said FC’s program also plans to build partnerships with four-year universities such as Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino, who also have CAE designations.
“Building partnerships with other CAE sites will provide greater opportunities for students who complete our programs and choose to pursue advanced degrees at the university level,” Carlin said. “I’m pleased to be part of this group that is in place to protect the nation.”
Fullerton College’s Cybersecurity program is housed within the Business and Computer Information Systems Division. For more information visit, the Business and Computer Information Systems Division page.
