Franklin University Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Franklin University announced that it has been recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) through academic year 2024.  

Today’s announcement places the University among a select group of regionally-accredited two-year, four-year and graduate-level institutions nationwide to receive this prestigious distinction.

“Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” said Karen Leuschner National CAE Program Director, NSA. “A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.” 

The increasing amount of large-scale, well-publicized breaches suggests that not only are the number of security breaches going up — they’re increasing in severity as well. In fact, there are over 130 large-scale, targeted breaches in the U.S. each year, and that number is growing by 27 percent annually. While cyber crime costs organizations on average about $11.7 million, the most expensive component of a cyberattack is information loss, which represents 43 percent of costs. (Source: Accenture). These statistics not only highlight the impact of cyber crimes but also the critical need for skilled professionals who can guard their organizations against these pervasive attacks.DHS and NSA jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) program. Schools are designated based on their robust degree programs and close alignment to specific cybersecurity-related knowledge units, validated by subject matter experts in the field. CAE graduates help protect national security information systems, commercial networks, and critical information infrastructure in the private and public sectors.

"The CAE-CD designation by the NSA is the result of a thorough investigation into Franklin University's cybersecurity curriculum and programmatic activities, our faculty credentials and competence in research, and our students' involvement in cybersecurity activities,” shared Dr. Andy Igonor, Dean, Ross College of Business. “The designation is a validation of Franklin University's commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education."

Through its B.S. Cybersecurity program and Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education (the Center), Franklin University helps provide the skills necessary to prepare professionals to effectively prevent, solve and investigate cybersecurity issues and challenges. The University’s offerings leverage its faculty – who are both thought leaders and practitioners – along with Franklin University’s reputation for excellence in curriculum and course development to create learning experiences that address prevailing security concerns within industries and communities.

"The NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation is a mark of distinction for Franklin University's Cybersecurity program that makes us one of only three institutions in Ohio (and the only private institution) to have its program rigorously vetted and approved by experts at the NSA,” said Todd Whitaker, Department Chair, Computer and Information Sciences. “It is assurance to our students, local businesses, and the wider Central Ohio community that Franklin is making the right investments in cyber curriculum and quality delivery."

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).