National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

Designated by the National Security Agency (NSA)
In this Section
National Security Agency, National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity and Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community Logos

On October 6, 2017, University of Wisconsin-Stout was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity—the first four-year university in Wisconsin—for academic years 2017-2022 by the National Security Agency (NSA). UW-Stout's designated was renewed for the 2023-2028 academic years.

The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program is managed by NSA's National Cryptologic School. Federal partners include the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). 

UW-Stout's B.S. Computer Networking & Information Technology remains the sole undergraduate program in Wisconsin to receive the CAE Program of Study designation. Courses validating the designation are integral to Stout's cybersecurity curriculum, including the "best" cyber-related courses in the Computer Networking & Information Technology, Computer Science and Applied Mathematics & Computer Science programs.

As a result of the designation, students attending cyber defense programs are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program. The official letter of notification for the designation was sent to the university's administration, the Wisconsin governor, members of the U.S. Congress, and appropriate congressional committees.

Through dedicated faculty and support from administration, the cyber defense initiative provides a core structure whereby UW-Stout can help reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure. We accomplish this by a disciplined approach to course content and program guidance, communicating with industry about current cyber defense information, and by providing leadership through collaboration among students, faculty, and other institutions. We help produce outstanding graduates.

Institutional Security Resources & Awareness

As one of the Universities of Wisconsin, UW-Stout follows the security & awareness policies set forth by the UW System Administration. For more information on these polices please see the UW System Administrative Policies & Procedures.

Our Structure

Cyroch Collaboration Chart