Today@Sam Article
SHSU Earns NSA Cyber Defense Excellence Designation Through 2030
Aug. 19, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins
Sam Houston State University's designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) has been renewed by the National Security Agency (NSA) through the academic year 2030 for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, concentration in Information Assurance.
"Renewal of this designation highlights the quality of our college's curriculum, our faculty expertise and our commitment to advancing the cybersecurity workforce not only in Texas, but nationwide," said College of Science and Engineering Technology (COSET) Dean Melinda Holt. "For COSET students, it means access to enhanced academic and learning pathways, including scholarship opportunities, internships with federal agencies, and networking within a nationally recognized cybersecurity community."
The designation furthers SHSU's continuous efforts to engage in cybersecurity education and create opportunities for students by offering the best quality programs. As a result, Bearkats have secured internships and full-time employment with agencies such as:
"Renewal of this designation highlights the quality of our college's curriculum, our faculty expertise and our commitment to advancing the cybersecurity workforce not only in Texas, but nationwide," said College of Science and Engineering Technology (COSET) Dean Melinda Holt. "For COSET students, it means access to enhanced academic and learning pathways, including scholarship opportunities, internships with federal agencies, and networking within a nationally recognized cybersecurity community."
The designation furthers SHSU's continuous efforts to engage in cybersecurity education and create opportunities for students by offering the best quality programs. As a result, Bearkats have secured internships and full-time employment with agencies such as:
- U.S. Air Force
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
- Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)
Since first earning the designation in 2020, SHSU has been building partnerships with federal agencies including:
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM)
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