WVU’s cybersecurity program redesignated as National Center of Excellence by US National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security

A new designation by the United States National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security has established the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program at  West Virginia University as one of the top-tier programs in the nation.

Story by Olivia Miller, Communications Specialist

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Recently, the cybersecurity program in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering in the Statler College has been redesignated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through academic year 2027.

“Redesignation of the cybersecurity program brings well-deserved recognition to the Lane Department, Statler College, and WVU in contributing to addressing the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills,” said Anurag Srivastava, Raymond J. Lane Professor and chairperson of the Lane Department.

The new designation indicates that WVU’s educational and research programs are contributing to workforce development to prepare cybersecurity professionals and reduce threats to national infrastructure. 

“Having our undergraduate cybersecurity program validated as a National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity shows that we have a top-notch cybersecurity program here at WVU,” said David Krovich, research associate in the Lane Department. “Students coming through our program will be well equipped with the critical knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the cybersecurity field. 

The rigorous validation process required data related to the academic program of study including curriculum, faculty profiles and qualifications, maturity of the program and institutional commitments for cybersecurity-related activities to be extensively reviewed. 

The bachelor’s program in cybersecurity at WVU was launched in 2018 and is now the fastest growing degree program in the Lane Department, Srivastava said. 

“We will always tell students that there are almost half a million cybersecurity jobs open right now,” Srivastava said. “It’s here to stay and in fact, increase.”

WVU’s cybersecurity program allows students to learn on actual systems that mimic current real-world issues in cybersecurity. Thanks to a partnership with the Department of Defense, students in the program recently competed in Operation Locked Shield, an international cybersecurity training exercise. 

The hands-on nature of the program offers an advantage in leadership and applied research an innovation while gaining cybersecurity workforce training, Srivastava added.  

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