Syracuse University has been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Research (CAE-R) through the academic year 2031. Since receiving its first CAE-R designation in 2009, this marks the university’s third successful designation.
The CAE-R designation recognizes institutions that meet the program’s criteria for cybersecurity research and contribute to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure. The application process involved collaboration across campus, including the Provost’s Office, the Office of Research, the Graduate School, PhD program directors, cybersecurity research faculty and staff, and numerous contributors within the iSchool.
The designation letter references the National Cyber Strategy (September 2018), which highlights the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals and emphasizes the role of higher education in defending America’s cyberspace. The letter states that “a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage” and underscores education as key to building the domestic talent pipeline.