By Kelsey Kendall
Old Dominion University’s School of Cyber Security is setting a new national benchmark in cybersecurity education by becoming the first institution to receive dual accreditation for its leading cyber and artificial intelligence programs from the National Security Agency (NSA). This unprecedented achievement furthers the university’s leadership in preparing students for the rapidly evolving technological landscape where artificial intelligence intersects with cyber defense.
This is the first year of NSA’s CyberAI program of study validation, and Old Dominion University is the first institution in the country to receive AICyber and SecureAI accreditation.
Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. said, “Innovation is woven into the fabric of Old Dominion University, and this national recognition – once again being a ‘first’ – is a testament to the quality of our faculty and our commitment to preparing students to meet the deep and enduring needs of the cybersecurity industry and our country now and well into the future.”
The university’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity with a major in Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity received recognition for the NSA’s AI for Cybersecurity accreditation, or AICyber. The university’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity with a Concentration in AI Security received recognition for its Security of AI program, or SecureAI. The programs are valid till 2030.
“These recognitions are a great testament to the excellent programs we offer and show how we are leading the nation in preparing our students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the age of AI as it is increasingly integrated into every aspect of industry,” said Daniel Takabi, director of the School of Cybersecurity and the Baton Endowed Chair in Cybersecurity.
“Old Dominion University’s School of Cyber Security fosters forward-thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing our students to meet the needs of a constantly evolving digital landscape,” said Brian Payne, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “This support highlights our commitment to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who are essential to protecting the nation’s technology infrastructure.”
The School of Cyber Security’s commitment to training the next generation of cyber security professionals is already well established. The university is one of 10 higher education institutions in the nation and the only institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia to earn all three of NSA’s Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations, which include CAE Cyber Defense, CAE Cyber Operations, and Cyber Research.
This NSA recognition comes as the university celebrates 10 years of cybersecurity education, having launched its first program in 2015 with 11 students working toward an interdisciplinary major in cybersecurity. Old Dominion University School of Cyber Security was officially established in 2020 and has since enrolled approximately 1,700 students this fall and graduated more than 1,500 alumni.
Offering the fastest growing academic programs at Old Dominion University, the School of Cyber Security has expanded from a single interdisciplinary major to nearly a dozen undergraduate and graduate programs tailored to prepare students to become leaders within an evolving national cybersecurity workforce, including accelerated pathways for students earning masters and certifications. The university has developed partnerships and connections with local military bases, national agencies and companies, including the NSA and Amazon, to create internship, research and certification opportunities for students. This commitment to innovation ensures that students graduating from Old Dominion University’s School of Cybersecurity are equipped to lead this innovative industry.
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