CEHC Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
By Mike Nolan
ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 7, 2025) — The University at Albany’s College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA), part of the U.S. Department of Defense.
This honor, awarded through the NSA’s National Cryptologic School, recognizes academic excellence and institutional commitment to preparing the next generation of cyber defense professionals.
The new designation was awarded to CEHC’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program for the next five academic years.
“This designation is a tremendous honor and a testament to the outstanding work of our faculty, staff and students at CEHC,” said Robert Griffin, founding dean of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity. “As the cyber world rapidly evolves, new challenges emerge in keeping our information safe. We remain committed to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who can protect our nation’s digital future.”
Revamped Cybersecurity Program
CEHC was established in 2015 to help meet a growing need for security and preparedness professionals. Since its launch, the college has grown rapidly to enroll more than 2,000 students across its undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.
In recent years, cybersecurity has experienced the largest growth among the college’s program offerings, leading to the launch of a revamped undergraduate major this semester.
The enhanced program is focused on the changing cybersecurity landscape, including the emergence of AI-powered threats. It offers three primary tracks — cyber defense, cyber risk management and policy, and cyber operations.
In addition, there is a self-guided concentration where students can select a cohesive set of courses that align with a cybersecurity concentration topic of their interest.
Each of the program tracks can be completed in person or online.
“One of the toughest parts of cybersecurity education right now is just how fast the field evolves — tools, threats, best practices, all of it. What really helped us earn the NSA’s recognition was being able to show that we have a system in place, at both the department and college level, that allows us to keep up with those changes,” said Ariel Pinto, professor and chair of the Cybersecurity Department at CEHC. “It’s all about continuous improvement — we’re constantly updating learning materials in our courses so that our students are ready for what they’ll actually face in the workforce."
“This recognition highlights our commitment to preparing students for real-world cyber challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that connects technology, risk analysis, and policy,” added Unal Tatar, CEHC associate professor and director of the undergraduate cybersecurity program. “At CEHC, we’re not just teaching cybersecurity but shaping professionals who can anticipate and respond to an ever-evolving threat environment.”
At the graduate level, CEHC offers a master’s program in cybersecurity and risk, where students can explore the impact of cyber incidents on organizational security and learn to apply security analytics, risk assessment and policy management to protect information.
The revamped undergraduate major includes a 4+1 option that offers a cost-efficient path for students interested in continuing their education.
Training the Nation’s Cyber Leaders
The Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense is part of the broader National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program, which also includes designations in Cyber Operations and Cyber Research.
To receive the designation, institutions must be certified for excellence in cybersecurity education and graduate students who can meet the increasing demands of the U.S. government’s cybersecurity workforce.
Outside of its academic offerings, CEHC hosts the Virtual Institute of Cyber Operation and Research, a $1.5 million virtual institute funded through the U.S. Department of Defense that aims to help train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals for future military and civilian leadership positions.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand visited UAlbany last fall to encourage students to apply for the Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy scholarship program. The program covers significant expenses such as tuition, books and lab fees, and includes a stipend for room and board, in return for federal service post-graduation.
The Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics program at UAlbany's Massry School of Business has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense since 2018. In addition, Massry's Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity program was selected for the same designation this summer.
UAlbany has also been recognized as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research through 2029.