Harford’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Program Receives Validation Approval

The National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE) has validated Harford Community College’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity AAS degree program of study through academic year 2026.

Karen Leuschner, National CAE Program Manager for the National Security Agency (NSA), stated in a letter to Dr. Theresa Felder, president of Harford Community College, "Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program validation will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure. The National Cyber Strategy, September 2018, addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace: ‘A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.’ ‘The United States Government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline, from primary through postsecondary education.’ Education is the key to promoting these ideals."

The NSA and Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) endorsement of Harford’s cyber program reflects that it maps to NSA/DHS standards. Harford’s program prepares students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to help defend the nation’s cyber infrastructure. The expertise of Harford’s faculty and industry subject matter experts, particularly the College’s partners at the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, has helped to shape the high-quality program.

Harford's Information Assurance and Cybersecurity degree has been previously designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Receiving validation is the first step in the process to gain redesignation.

With a degree or certificate in cybersecurity at Harford, students can work toward a bachelor's degree, advance their career, and/or start a new career working in the cyber field. For more information, contact Harford Community College Admissions on 443.412.2109.